Most people don’t know this, but most of Unsouled was actually written unintentionally Will was digging for Oreo crumbs on his keyboard and when he looked up he’d accidentally written the first draft by hitting random keys
You've really reinspired my love for reading and writing! I just wanted to say thank you for the stories and advice. i finished my first novella recently (Heavily inspired by Cradle among a few other inspirations.) and it was such an amazing experience. I really want to start working on a bigger project soon. can't thank you enough :)
Great video, Will. You absolutely nailed it with intentionality. I too have seen this with newer authors. For me, the question is does everything in your story have a purpose? Because there's this assumption I've seen where writers think audiences will gravitate towards their work. While that is true if you are writing to a particular audience, there's no guarantee those members will stick around. That's actually something I praise you heavily for with Cradle. In all of the books, I could tell you picked each and every scene and plot beat carefully. Nothing was wasted. That's the mark of a good writer because knowing which details are relevant and how to present those details is half of the battle. The other half being the craft itself. It's why with my own book I am working on; I am striving to achieve this where all the details I present are relevant. Hence why I am outlining and trying to get the minimum things ready so as I can begin the first draft. Keep up the good work as always. I loved the Knight.
I have to say, that out of all the writing advice I have heard, this is fantastic. I have tried to put a finger on why I don't like certain stories, but the way this was explained has enlightened me! It has also given me hope as an aspiring writer myself, because this intentionality is very important to me. Unfortunately it is so important to me that it is one of my biggest causes of writer's block because I want everything to be perfect, even though I know that no book is truly perfect and those that come close have gone through a bunch of drafts and edits. I'm still trying to figure that out. Anyways, I know this was long but I guess I'm just trying to say thanks, Will!
Writer stability and maturity is very important as well so you know whether they will stay on track and actually finish. *cough* sufficiently advanced magic, started strong in book one, went a little off track in book two and now it’s a totally hot mess of identity politics, daddy issues, self righteous preachy cliches, and evidence of a writer that probably just needed to take a break, sort out their own problems and regroup. “Name of the wind” obviously another writer in turmoil who just needed/wanted to bathe in the attention that came from his first two books (or perhaps a writer without a plan to ever finish) who has now become loathed by some of his most ardent fans, mostly because of his arrogant behaviours (not just his lack of output). Maturity and competence matters which is why I have no problem picking up Wills books and rereading every time the next instalment gets announced.
Could you or someone define Intentionality for me? Been aspiring to be an author for a long time and these past six months I've finally begun the process and it's kicking my butt.
I totally agree. I’ve noticed this as well. You can tell when an author is going somewhere with their story. And you can tell when they have no idea what they’re doing. Somehow on Audible though, neither of those facts seem to matter in terms of popularity.
So what your saying is, if i write something, that i myself would like to read? That would mean i'm good? Since i consider myself the most important audience member as i write these stories for myself
I feel like you missed some context. You talk about unfinished books. Eventually i realized that you were talking about finding a book to read. I thought you were trying to find authors or people sending you half finished books to read.
Well it is ultimately both, but your first instinct was correct. In this case, we do get a LOT of unfinished drafts and manuscripts sent in by aspiring authors or people we’re mentoring. That’s mainly what was being referred to here.
@@Precognition40k You can email Billy at billy@willwight.com if you have a draft you feel confident in. Fair warning though; MOST drafts we get sent do not get past the initial read. Please don't get offended by rejection! Billy is picky.
@WillWightAuthor I've got thick skin but ill make sure my draft is a good place first as I can only imagine the amount of stuff you guys are sent, and I don't wanna embarrass myself haha. Thanks a bunch for the reply
