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What my FIRST DRAFT looks like (no really, read my prologue) 

Michelle Schusterman
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I started this series to show a real behind the scenes look at the process of writing a book from start to finish. And that includes showing some of my actual, rough, badly in need of editing first draft words! Be kind. :)
I also had a big realization about why I struggled so much with my last project-and why this one is going so much better!
HEY! I'd love to see you at the (freeeeee) Find Your Next Reader summit this weekend!! summit.findyou...
Check out my writing courses!
Character transformation: skl.sh/33iwgFH
Writing a killer book description: skl.sh/356PtLg
More about my books, courses, coaching stuff, etc: www.michellesc...
Like the music in this vid? Try Epidemic Sound! www.epidemicso...
Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affiliate links are afoot):
WRITING/WORK STUFF
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. amzn.to/3soroc2
iPAPA laptop case: amzn.to/3slflwf
Mind-Reader adjustable/portable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. amzn.to/2OYh0tX
Clever Fox planner. I’ve used a few planners and this is my fav. Lots of space for mind-mapping and brainstorming, daily to-do lists, space for goal setting. amzn.to/3vNmk3Z
Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. amzn.to/311nRoP
Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. I won’t lie, this thing is a behemoth. But I’ve had it since 2017 and I think I’ve had maybe one paper jam? It works great, it’s super consistent, A++ for printing manuscripts. amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. amzn.to/3soroc2
iPAPA laptop case: amzn.to/3slflwf
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. amzn.to/3cStKui
I'm a Skillshare Ambassador! I've been binging their courses on filmmaking and video editing, as well as writing, but there's all kinds of stuff for creative types! Try it out FREE for two week! skillshare.eqc...
COFFEE STUFF
Ninja coffee maker. amzn.to/31533Nu
Cold brew pitcher. amzn.to/3cSKVM9
Zulay milk frother. amzn.to/3r7DDJu
VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. I love the flip up screen (ie, you can see yourself as you film) and the fact that there’s a mic port. amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. amzn.to/2OSaLb2
I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey: www.michellesc...
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BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: docs.google.co...
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Like audiobooks? I switched from Audible to Libro.fm in 2019 and have zero regrets. Libro.fm sends your $ to the indie bookstore of your choice! The monthly fee is the same. Sign up with this referral link and get a FREE audiobook: libro.fm/referr...
Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! bookshop.org/l...
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Looking for a ghostwriter for your novel? I might be your gal! reedsy.com/mic...
If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: reedsy.com/p/m...
*full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!*
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MY BOOKS
/ 6522087.michelle_schus...
www.goodreads....
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Music from www.bensound.c...
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from purchases. There is no additional charge to you!
Writing vlog #51
Watch me write a(nother!) book from start to finish pt. 6

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11 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 41   
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Happy Tuesday, everyone!! I've got a bunch of events coming up and I'd love to see you there... Saturday, July 24th: I'll be giving a talk on RU-vid for Authors at the Find Your Next Reader virtual summit. This 4-day event has an awesome lineup and it's completely FREE to watch live! You can also opt to purchase a pass for lifetime access to all of the workshops, along with bonus content: summit.findyournextreader.com/?sc=BHj5NMKx&ac=EEtPBJEt Wednesday, August 11th: I'm doing another Reedsy Live! This time, it's about how to start writing a book. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-start-writing-a-book-reedsy-live-tickets-163970124055 Wednesday, September 1st: My goal is to get my next Skillshare course (productivity for writers) up, but I already have two courses so why not check those out while you wait? :) Use this link to try Skillshare Premium for one month FREE (with no obligation to buy once the month is up!) skl.sh/356PtLg
@rosalynransawbooks
@rosalynransawbooks 3 года назад
I don’t know why but the transition from you trying to remember if you vlogged on saturday to you saying “it’s saturday” made me laugh so hard lmao
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
me too lol!
@mariskabezuidenhout613
@mariskabezuidenhout613 3 года назад
Just popping in to say that I love your videos and they are too underrated
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Aw, thank you so much, Mariska! :)
@Avionne_Parris
@Avionne_Parris 3 года назад
Agreed! 💯
@singingsanja167
@singingsanja167 3 года назад
So true!!!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
@@singingsanja167 @sio savi you guys are the best!!
@reginaduke7451
@reginaduke7451 3 года назад
I sympathize with the "narrative voice crisis" and I suspect that it has come as a result of beginning to use dictation. I still dictate scenes when I'm too tired to sit at my desk, but the first few times I dictated, I remember how I hated my voice and had to rewrite the whole thing because my speaking voice is so different from my writing voice. Now I am aware of that, and I dictate much more slowly, allowing my brain to move at typing speed and sound closer to my writing voice. And then I go through it as soon as I can sit at my desk again. Long story, but perhaps your voice crisis is related to dictation, like mine was. Hugs and love!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
"my speaking voice is so different from my writing voice" -- YUP. I think that right there is reason enough for me to avoid dictating first drafts! Or, as you said, at the very least be aware of it and speak lower. Thank you so much, Regina!!!
@blueskye2790
@blueskye2790 3 года назад
You 100% inspired me to try dictation, and it actually worked this time. Originally, I had tried it maybe 2 years ago and I just remember it being a horrible experience where I could hardly listen to myself without cringing, let alone complete a single scene. This time, however, I breezed right through it. How I did it was modifying my dictation experience. Basically, I dictated while on the computer, watching google docs transcribe as I spoke. Along the way, I'd insert punctuation and fix mistakes. And I loved it. I literally breezed through 20k in two days. It was amazing! UNTIL...I realized, like you, that I didn't feel any emotional attachment to what I was writing. So, I abandoned the draft altogether. In part, I've been struggling in general with my series, so there is that to consider, but I also just knew deep down in my gut that when I was writing through diction I was missing out on the meditative experience of being deeply immersed in my story. When you dictate, it's almost like you can't fully immerse yourself into the story in the same way. It feels more like being a stage actor where you're much more focused on the surface narrative than the emotional journey under everything. I ended up starting the draft again, and just drafted it on the computer, no dictation, and got 10k the first time back because I felt so connected. While I know dictation is so much faster, and I'm glad I was able to try it again and see how it could work for me, I also realized that without connecting emotionally to a work, what I create means nothing to me. I'll still use dictation for notes or nonfiction writing but not for fiction. I hope this helps you reflect on your own experience with dictation. :)
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Oh wow. Yes. You articulated this much better than I did. That lack of connection - that's it right there.
@omnijonn277
@omnijonn277 Год назад
I have started writing my first draft months ago and making up things as I get along. The process is going smooth well kind of. Sometimes, I get bogged down because plagued of ideas were swirling in my head. I grew frustrated because its hard to write down all of them at once.
@Avionne_Parris
@Avionne_Parris 3 года назад
This is like watching a master at work.... Thanks for documenting your successes as well as your struggles. I don't feel as alone and know that if you can overcome, I can too. Plus, Rosa :-)
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Sio, you are the kindest. :) Thank you so much. And honestly, reading through the comments always makes me feel the same way. We're all in this boat together!
@blueskye2790
@blueskye2790 3 года назад
This comment isn't even for me, but aww, this is so sweet. And I completely agree. I love seeing a professional writer at work. It's so amazing, and you learn so much even through the struggles which one might think need to be "not shared" but really these moments where you're struggling, asking questions, pondering things are among THE most helpful.
@writenowdream3882
@writenowdream3882 3 года назад
Got my ticket for the Reedsy event :) I too looked back on old writing (from 2011 or older) and have the same thoughts about if my best writing is gone.. I see a lot of places I’ve been improving too. Wordy sentences, descriptions and me having no understanding of what middle grade was!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Hooray! :D I wonder if the whole "did I peak" thing is yet another struggle we all deal with? It's such a weird brain trick because like you pointed out, we can always see how we're getting better as well. It's just so hard to quell that doubt.
@singingsanja167
@singingsanja167 3 года назад
"Low confidence moment with my prose - very specifically with my voice" - Michelle, have you been stalking me lately?!? °_° I am prewriting the scene I am working on, because I am afraid to commit to really drafting it. It's ridiculous, but the impression and the self doubt is real...
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Ha!! Yes, that sounds like exactly what I was going through! Fear of commitment, lol. I hope you work through it, Sanja!
@singingsanja167
@singingsanja167 3 года назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Finished the scene and that never ending chapter yesterday evening, woohoo! We can do it! :-*
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
@@singingsanja167 YES!!! [high five]
@JoeyPaulOnline
@JoeyPaulOnline 3 года назад
Glad things are going well with Nil, and all the writing. We've got a heatwave here in the UK and I managed to pick up pneumonia so just trying to do a bit in the morning and rest the remainder of the day!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Oh no, Joey! I've had pneumonia and it is beyond unpleasant. I hope you're okay - take care and please keep me updated!
@MissyLaMotte
@MissyLaMotte 3 года назад
i am working full time, so I don't get to work on my writing project as much as I would like during the week, but I am still on par with my Camp NaNo goal of an average of 90 min a day, because the weekends have been quite productive. Last weekend I completed my chapter/scene outline, at least for the main story. I will have to fiddle in a few more scenes to convey a bit of character development of important side characters and a bit of worldbuilding & fun and games. But I know all the major beats of my story (I am using the Beat Sheet as well) and what happens between them. I am still strggling a bit with the motives of my antagonist (I know what she does and what she is trying to achieve, but I am not quite sure what made her become such a mean b**** in the first place). Except for a few points, the new story has very little resemblance of the discovery draft which I wrote in April/May. I think I can salvage three scenes from it. But the new version is much more coherent and straight forward. So I'll fiddle with the outline for a few more days and then I should be ready to start the re-write.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Wow, Missy! This is all awesome - sounds like you're making amazing progress. Antagonists can be tricky to figure out. Have you tried writing from her POV? Doesn't have to be a scene you'd actually include in your book, just living in her head for a bit and seeing what comes of it...
@MissyLaMotte
@MissyLaMotte 3 года назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor That's a great idea. I should really try that. Thanks. I just registered for a free pass for the Find your Reader summit and also recommended it (and your channel) in the German NaNoWriMo forum. At least one other person from there signed up already as well.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
@@MissyLaMotte Oh wow, thank you so much, Missy! That's awesome! :D
@DaisyXMachina
@DaisyXMachina 3 года назад
Love watching your process! And Nevermoor is so much fun!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Thank you!! And isn't it?? I just love that series.
@kanashiiookami6537
@kanashiiookami6537 3 года назад
Yay! Ooh! Snippets of writing! Even if it's not the final draft, what I saw made me want to keep reading 😍. I hope this works out! (Also hope saying that won't jinx things.....🤦) As for my writing I haven't done too much in the last couple days because I need to leap back into a character's plot that I apparently forgot about/left at a lull mid way through the book, and it has been driving me crazy because I couldn't figure where to go from where I left them. Their POV is just a "sit and wait for the bad thing to happen" but said bad thing will be a while in coming if I'm sticking to my timeline. But last night as I was going to sleep I got hit with a scene idea of at least a tensioned bit of panic that'll hit them to show that not only is their POV relevant, but still going somewhere. (If any of this makes sense...) Anyway, in other news, I got the Save the Cat book from my library!☺ Apparently it wasn't an out of province thing I have to worry about not having time/being able to order whenever (or as close to whenever as you get for a library) like I thought it was because it took them so long in shipping it. Turns out they bought the book! The provincial library system, though, not my local, sadly. But either way, it made me happy. 😁 Also made me wonder if more people in my province have been requesting it via "can't find it" which lead them to buy it. (Because they wouldn't do it for *one* patron?😕) And if so, I wonder how many of them watch your videos ....😯 I dunno, just a weird turn my brain took when I found they bought it. 😅 Anyway, good luck with your writing. And thanks for sharing snippets of the prologue!☺ now I gotta go binge read Save the Cat. 😁😁😁💜 (Edited because I apparently skipped a whole sentence before moving to the next😬🤦)
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Thanks so much, K!! :D Ooh, happy to hear about your pre-sleep revelation! (It always seems to happen right before bed, doesn't it??) Hooray STC!! Please tell me what you think - I always get a light bulb moment or two when I read it, and I hope it does the same for you! So glad your library stocked it (for whatever reason, haha!)
@kanashiiookami6537
@kanashiiookami6537 3 года назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor that's what I'm hoping for is a lightbulb moment. I know for a fact reading books on writing always made me want to write, but I'm hoping this'll do one better and help me be certain on just what I'm writing as well as how to make it less of a struggle to break it all down. Not just for this story, though, but a couple others I've been fiddling with over the years. Each one having either a hard start (or to be more specific, half a dozen scrapped starts) or having had hit a lull my brain can't escape from. (Or maybe it's a corner I painted myself into plot-wise/continuity-wise.) Either way, I need to get unstuck and give my story structure, and I hope it can help me as well as its helped you. 🤞☺
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
@@kanashiiookami6537 Pleeease tell me what you think of the STC 'genres' - that's the part that always makes something click for me! I'd love to know which genre you're current WIP is in!
@kanashiiookami6537
@kanashiiookami6537 3 года назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor that's one of the main reasons I really want to read this book. To see what I'm writing beyond just characters and scenes. I'll keep you updated for sure. 😁✌ Good luck with your writing, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. 💜
@samonamission_
@samonamission_ 3 года назад
Haha, I thought you meant Mil from milwordy in your previous vlogs. But your story is titled Nil... 🤣
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
😂😂😂
@splufford
@splufford 3 года назад
You've made me feel very guilty because it was me who suggested dictation! As I recall, I think you were trying to get into your "flow-state" and get your word count up. Dictation will definitely do that but if you don't look at it or think about what you have written in the same way as you would keyboard entered words, then you are definitely going to end up with a mess. Dictation is very immediate - almost too immediate, for me anyway, and I find it hard to create good writing at very high speed. There are authors who dictate the whole lot and never look at it as they write but I think as authors, we can go too fast. Quality words need time to form. We need time to let the story percolate into our brains and decide if the bit we have just typed or dictated is where we want the story to go. I think the mistake authors make is focussing on word count and speed when it should be about story, character and writing quality words. I have done it myself and I always end up starting again. So if I use dictation, I dictate 2000 words then fix and edit. Then do another chunk and edit that so I am always in charge of my story - not the obsession with word count. And I had to laugh at your 364,000 words. I have to say, you are a mere amateur at wasted words compared to me! I have a story I have been writing since 2014 and I have many, many versions. I dread to think how many words I have written trying to make that bloody thing work the way I want it to! That too was down to confidence issues. I struggle with confidence generally but in writing it seems amplified to a stupid degree. But I have soldiered on with that story and I am nearly there now. Thank God! Anyway, just to say, you are not alone with your struggles. I feel your pain x
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
Nono, don't feel guilty! I owe you for suggesting dictation - it's amazing and I'm totally going to continue using it. It's exactly the high speed thing you mentioned that is why I think it's best (for me) for zero drafting, when I just need to spew out anything and everything that comes to mind. You should add those word counts up - you've got me curious! 😂
@juniork9998
@juniork9998 3 года назад
Is there any possible that I can send you my writings personally and you could check it? Am having big trouble with narrative voice as well
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor 3 года назад
I do offer book coaching services, but my calendar is booked up for July/August!
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