Naked Science Forum

General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: hamdani yusuf on 05/08/2023 15:45:20

Title: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/08/2023 15:45:20
For years, I've been plotting a long story following a main character growing up from childhood into adulthood. It has something similar to Harry Potter series. For Asian kids, perhaps Naruto is more familiar to them. Older kids may be more familiar with Dragon Ball or Kungfu Boy. They are extremely popular among children, and some adults too. There's something we can learn from them.

Unlike those examples, the genre of my story is science fiction, and the goal is to introduce and socialize /popularize critical thinking, science literacy, and basic ethics to children so they could be equipped with mental tools to face the world in front of them.

My plot also covered the main characters in adulthood, where their decisions have higher stake and affect many people's lives.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Origin on 05/08/2023 16:00:51
My advice is have a good editor.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/08/2023 17:14:12
My advice is have a good editor.
I don't know any professional editor personally. But since I have access to Google Bard, perhaps it can be my preliminary editor.
I've mentioned in another thread that Bard isn't a good drafter, yet. At least in its free or experimental version. So I guess I just have to type the draft myself, and only then ask Bard to edit it.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/08/2023 22:55:37
I found these YouTube channels, and I think they have a lot of useful information on writing and publishing fictional story books.

https://youtube.com/@AbbieEmmons

https://youtube.com/@NovelistJerryJenkins

They advice to get to exciting and interesting parts of the story quickly at the beginning of the first chapter, so we can grab the attention of the reader and make them want to turn to the next page instead of putting our book down because they think that they are wasting their time. Modern people tend to have attention span shorter than those in the past.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/08/2023 23:56:56
So I think my story will be a mix of thriller and suspense, to balance between the excitement, curiosity, and education. It will contain following components.
- Basic knowledge for survival. It's inspired by the story of airplane crash survivor kids who got lost in a rainforest, among some others. The motivation to write it down have been on my mind even earlier, when I heard about kids died untimely in various circumstances, which seemed to be avoidable.
- To hone the skill of critical thinking, the story will also contain mysterious cases like Sherlock Holmes.
- I also want to insert resourcefulness of the main character, which is inspired by MacGyver. I'll write some implementation of basic math and science by the main characters to solve their problems.
- Kids love superhero stories. So I think I'll give the main characters and some others the believable and reasonable superpowers.
- They will fight each other. So I'll put some basic martial arts skills there, including basic human anatomy and physiology, so they can practice martial arts skills safely.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 06/08/2023 00:04:01
As the main characters grow up, they will experience problems in social, political, and economic fields. I'll also add some romantic relationships and deeper philosophy.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 06/08/2023 20:05:57
A superpower by definition is neither reasonable nor believable!

 
they can practice martial arts skills safely.
The object of martial arts is to disable or kill your opponent. There's a difference between supervised training or limited competition, and do-it-yourself practice.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Zer0 on 06/08/2023 22:36:25
What if those Kidz are eaten up by a pride of hungry Lions?
Maths don't work in the Jungles!

umm...what if those Ninja powered Adults eat a raw uncooked exotic animal n succumb to a Deadly Virus?

How bout right in the middle of the story book, Suddenly the next page appears fully covered with bold letters sayin...
B
O
O
M
!!!
& the rest of the pages are Blank?
(asteroid struck n planet gone)

ps - Kidz nowadayz are Overexposed to Fairytales & Underexposed to Reality!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 06/08/2023 23:20:18
As the main characters grow up, they will experience problems in social, political, and economic fields. I'll also add some romantic relationships and deeper philosophy.
They will encounter politics and religion, and kill each other because some parasite has told them to do so.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 07/08/2023 16:04:24
A superpower by definition is neither reasonable nor believable!
Modern professional athletes have some kind of superpowers compared to average humans, at least in their fields of competition. They can be seen from world records which keep getting broken.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 07/08/2023 16:40:34
There's a difference between being bigger and better at something like running or throwing, and having a superpower like being able to fly or see through walls.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Bored chemist on 07/08/2023 17:38:43
A superpower by definition is neither reasonable nor believable!
Modern professional athletes have some kind of superpowers compared to average humans, at least in their fields of competition. They can be seen from world records which keep getting broken.
To say "they have superpowers" seems to rather misrepresent the fact that they typically work very hard.
If I ran a lot, I would get better at running.
But,  no matter how hard I stare, I'm, not going to see through walls.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Petrochemicals on 07/08/2023 18:55:45
Outline your saga, pick out the best story and publish that first, then release prequel and sequel stories, sell it to Disney and retire.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 07/08/2023 21:57:20
There's a difference between being bigger and better at something like running or throwing, and having a superpower like being able to fly or see through walls.
What I meant was to amplify those above average abilities to extraordinary levels as far as permitted by natural laws, like conservation of momentum and thermodynamics. It might be done e.g. by enhancing drug, genetic modification, or artificial implantted organs. The genre is sci-fi after all.
Some superhuman abilities found naturally in other species like infrared vision, electric generation, and ultrasonic hearing also have crossed my mind.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 07/08/2023 22:01:28
Outline your saga, pick out the best story and publish that first, then release prequel and sequel stories, sell it to Disney and retire.
Making money is not the main objective of this project.

the goal is to introduce and socialize /popularize critical thinking, science literacy, and basic ethics to children so they could be equipped with mental tools to face the world in front of them.

Getting viral can be said to be an instrumental goal.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 07/08/2023 22:44:22
And get a good lawyer to draft your Disney contract.

In 1955 Peggy Lee recorded dialog and songs for "Lady and The Tramp" for a fee of "$5000 plus $1 per repeat", and the initial print run of the film was perhaps another couple of thousand - good money at the time. 30 years later it was released on VHS  video:

Quote
After its release on videotape, she sought performance and song royalties on the video sales. Disney CEO Michael Eisner refused, thus she filed suit in 1988. Eventually in 1992, the California Court of Appeals order Disney to pay Lee $3.2 million in compensation or about 4% of the video sales.

Now write the book.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 08/08/2023 23:46:48


 
they can practice martial arts skills safely.
The object of martial arts is to disable or kill your opponent. There's a difference between supervised training or limited competition, and do-it-yourself practice.

There were heartbreaking news about  kids getting injuries and even died from playing smack down with their friends and siblings.
There will be some training sessions where a trainer gives advices to disable opponents without causing unnecessary damages, and explains the dangers in some forbidden techniques in competitive martial arts.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 08/08/2023 23:47:44
What if those Kidz are eaten up by a pride of hungry Lions?
Maths don't work in the Jungles!

umm...what if those Ninja powered Adults eat a raw uncooked exotic animal n succumb to a Deadly Virus?

How bout right in the middle of the story book, Suddenly the next page appears fully covered with bold letters sayin...
B
O
O
M
!!!
& the rest of the pages are Blank?
(asteroid struck n planet gone)

ps - Kidz nowadayz are Overexposed to Fairytales & Underexposed to Reality!
Remember the goals of the story.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 09/08/2023 09:10:34
a trainer ........ explains the dangers in some forbidden techniques in competitive martial arts.

Do you have any dealings with real children? The bottle is clearly marked "poison", and Junior Shipman  knows exactly what not to do with it.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: paul cotter on 09/08/2023 11:26:55
Nah Hamdani, it will never sell. For the great unwashed today, I recommend hard core porn!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 09/08/2023 11:53:25
a trainer ........ explains the dangers in some forbidden techniques in competitive martial arts.

Do you have any dealings with real children? The bottle is clearly marked "poison", and Junior Shipman  knows exactly what not to do with it.

It depends on their age.
Perhaps they didn't know how to read, or what the word poison means. But it should not stop you from telling them not to drink poison.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 09/08/2023 11:58:44
Nah Hamdani, it will never sell. For the great unwashed today, I recommend hard core porn!
Selling it is not a priority. I don't really mind if I have to publish it for free. With enough number of readers, I might still get something from advertising.
I don't think it's legal to publish porn involving children.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 09/08/2023 12:14:29
But it should not stop you from telling them not to drink poison.
There's a significant difference between telling someone not to drink anything labelled poison because you will die, and telling them "don't punch or kick like this [demonstrates] because you will kill the other person".

I'm sure teachers and parents tell kids not to attack each other with knives, but they still do. The advantage of karate is that you can't be arrested for having bare hands.

So how about a book about a man who wrote a book whose heroes are children equipped by a master with credible, invisible but lethal skills, and published it for free on the internet. Now you have a moral question worth discussing!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 09/08/2023 13:17:25
There's a significant difference between telling someone not to drink anything labelled poison because you will die, and telling them "don't punch or kick like this [demonstrates] because you will kill the other person".

I'm sure teachers and parents tell kids not to attack each other with knives, but they still do. The advantage of karate is that you can't be arrested for having bare hands.
What seems to be lacking is knowledge of the consequences, directly and indirectly, to the individuals involved as well as other people around them.

What's also usually lacking is the awareness of long term goals, and how their decisions affect the chance to achieve those goals.

Attacking people barehandedly can still be punished. On the other hand, self defense using guns is permitted.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 09/08/2023 13:42:33
I've chosen the title of the series. It's Universal Utopia. The phrase was inspired by a game titled Final Fantasy. They both consist of an adjective and a noun. The words start with the same letter.

I've planned some episodes with their own theme songs. Some of the songs inspired the stories. But sometimes the story comes first, and I found the matching songs later on. I've written the plots of the series by their theme songs.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 09/08/2023 13:55:42
What seems to be lacking is knowledge of the consequences, directly and indirectly, to the individuals involved as well as other people around them.
I'm pretty sure that anyone who stabs another several times with a knife has a good idea of what he intends to achieve.




Quote
On the other hand, self defense using guns is permitted.
Not under UK law.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Kryptid on 09/08/2023 17:37:36
What I meant was to amplify those above average abilities to extraordinary levels as far as permitted by natural laws, like conservation of momentum and thermodynamics.

I'm rather fond of exploring ideas like that myself. I often find it hard not to think deeply about the nature and consequences of superpowers. When trying to come up with my own fictional world, I tried calculating an upper limit on they might be capable of achieving. My idea was that their bodies convert nitrogen in the air that they breathed into energy ala E=mc2 (since the body doesn't need the nitrogen we breathe anyway). I still have the resulting power written down in a notebook somewhere. It was a lot, obviously. Didn't have an obvious solution for how they would convert it all into useful work without cooking themselves, though.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 10/08/2023 10:36:10
I'm pretty sure that anyone who stabs another several times with a knife has a good idea of what he intends to achieve.
Not sure if it applies to kids. It depends on the location of the stabbing.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 12/08/2023 12:23:15
Kids like to read books with a lot of illustrations. Nowadays image generators from text are getting better quickly. I think I'll give it a try. There are many tutorials on how to use them to produce consistent characters.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 12/08/2023 22:44:48
You seem to be moving towards a gory comic, or possibly an anatomy textbook.

In a flash, radioactive Marine Barbie decrypted the alien battle plan. "This calls for the active-shielded titanium evening dress" she thought "but my tattooist appointment will have to wait". Changing sex whilst running through the kitchen*  he picked up a serrated carving knife and disembowelled the first zombie. "just for once" he said "let's forget the bloody president and concentrate on curing myopia, with a proportionate carbon offset and lashings of ginger beer."

I'll leave it to you to decide how he/she gets reunited with the dog.


*you'll need the kitchen run if it's ever going to be a movie
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Bored chemist on 13/08/2023 10:18:15
Not under UK law.
Yes it is, as long as it's "reasonable".

An 80 year old in a wheelchair who shoots a twentysomething running at him with an axe is acting legally- as long as the firearm is licensed.
They  might be wise to claim they were aiming for the legs.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 13/08/2023 10:24:16
You seem to be moving towards a gory comic, or possibly an anatomy textbook.

In a flash, radioactive Marine Barbie decrypted the alien battle plan. "This calls for the active-shielded titanium evening dress" she thought "but my tattooist appointment will have to wait". Changing sex whilst running through the kitchen*  he picked up a serrated carving knife and disembowelled the first zombie. "just for once" he said "let's forget the bloody president and concentrate on curing myopia, with a proportionate carbon offset and lashings of ginger beer."

I'll leave it to you to decide how he/she gets reunited with the dog.


*you'll need the kitchen run if it's ever going to be a movie
Whose hallucination is that? Is it you, or a free AI model?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 13/08/2023 18:41:45
An 80 year old in a wheelchair who shoots a twentysomething running at him with an axe is acting legally- as long as the firearm is licensed.
They  might be wise to claim they were aiming for the legs.
The farmer who shot a persistent and violent intruder in the middle of the night, ended up in prison. His shotgun was indeed licensed.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 13/08/2023 18:44:57
Whose hallucination is that? Is it you, or a free AI model?
I'm just summarising all the trendy woke things that will appeal to modern youth.   There is an alternative, based more accurately on observation:

John was staring at his phone. Then the world ended.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Bored chemist on 13/08/2023 19:10:00
The farmer who shot a persistent and violent intruder in the middle of the night, ended up in prison. His shotgun was indeed licensed.

The famous case is this one?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Martin_(farmer)

"However, prosecutors cast doubt on his evidence and pointed out that he did not have a valid firearms certificate."

"Martin shot three times towards the intruders (once when they were in the stairwell and twice more when they were trying to flee through the window of an adjacent ground floor room). Barras was hit in the back ".

That's not self defence, is it?

Was there some other case recently.?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 14/08/2023 06:46:59
There is an alternative, based more accurately on observation:

John was staring at his phone. Then the world ended.
What kids can learn from this kind of story? How can it help them to make better decisions?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 14/08/2023 11:23:19
They might learn that all sorts of really interesting stuff is going on whilst they are staring at their phones.

Lesson: ditch the phone and live while you can.

And not just kids. My mum and her neighbor were excited watching an eclipse. Just as the moon shadow entered the solar disc the neighbor said "I'm going indoors - this is bound to be on television". 
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 14/08/2023 11:33:20
"Martin shot three times towards the intruders (once when they were in the stairwell and twice more when they were trying to flee through the window of an adjacent ground floor room). Barras was hit in the back ".

That's not self defence, is it?
Odd that a farmer didn't have a valid licence - it's as much part of the business as a driving licence. A few days out of date, perhaps?

Now if a farmer shoots and seriously wounds a dog that's worrying sheep (as he is entitled to do)  the law requires him to finish the job. So why not humans attacking him?

You pay your taxes to maintain nuclear weapons  that will only be used in retribution against other civilians, under the heading of "defence".  Why are a few shotgun pellets in the arse of a known scumbag considered unreasonable? 
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Bored chemist on 14/08/2023 11:49:12
Odd that a farmer didn't have a valid licence
Not in the circumstances.
"Martin had his shotgun certificate revoked in 1994 after he found a man stealing apples in his orchard and shot a hole in the back of his vehicle".

So why not humans attacking him?
And, once again...
Martin shot three times towards the intruders ... when they were trying to flee

Shooting someone in the back when they are running away is not self defence.
At that stage what was he defending himself from?


Why are a few shotgun pellets in the arse of a known scumbag considered unreasonable?

If that was the issue, you would have a point (maybe not a very good one).

Mr Martin killed a man who was trying to escape.
You sound like you are trying to defend that action.


The facts remain;
You can legally use a gun in self defence in the UK.
But shooting someone as they are running away is not self defence (Unless you can convince the jury that it was "reasonable force"- good luck with that).
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 14/08/2023 12:49:30
So it's OK to kill an attacker with a shot to the front, but not to wound him in the arse. Time to replace the shotgun with a semiautomatic rifle, US-style. Though it's buggerall use against  dogs, foxes, pigeons and rabbits, and can make a mess of an otherwise edible deer.
Not in the circumstances.
"Martin had his shotgun certificate revoked in 1994 after he found a man stealing apples in his orchard and shot a hole in the back of his vehicle".
So damaging an intruder's property is an offence, but killing him isn't. Be careful you don't make holes in his clothes next time - one shot to the head, please. Which definitely means a short rifle, not a shotgun. H&K do a nice police weapon with a laser.

Quote
Shooting someone in the back when they are running away is not self defence.
But incinerating noncombatants with nuclear weapons is.  I learn something every day.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Bored chemist on 14/08/2023 13:09:13
So it's OK to kill an attacker with a shot to the front, but not to wound him in the arse.
Mr Martin was jailed for manslaughter BECAUSE HE KILLED SOMEONE.
He wasn't jailed for wounding someone in the arse.

Do you understand the difference?

He lost his license to own/ use a shotgun because he used the shotgun to do something illegal.

This isn't meant to be complicated.
Are you having a bad day or something?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 14/08/2023 22:36:33
The law may recognise a difference, but a gun doesn't. The effect of a shotgun on a human is pretty much a matter of chance.

So it's OK to use a gun for self defence, as long as you don't actually kill anyone. How about waving a flag saying "please go away"? Or would that be considered discriminatory against illiterate attackers?

Whilst I deplore the persistent misuse of the Second Amendment, I think the underlying principle of much US law is sound: if you cross a clearly defined boundary without authority and with apparent intention to do harm, you forfeit all your rights. The absurd UK counterexample was the case of a factory owner who was prosecuted because a burglar fell through his defective roof and was seriously injured.

He lost his license to own/ use a shotgun because he used the shotgun to do something illegal.
So if he'd damaged the vehicle with a hammer, would he have been prevented from owning or using a hammer?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 15/08/2023 08:04:18
So if he'd damaged the vehicle with a hammer, would he have been prevented from owning or using a hammer?
IMO, it depends on the main function of each tools, and how high the risk of harming someone unintentionally.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Bored chemist on 15/08/2023 16:13:28
So it's OK to use a gun for self defence, as long as you don't actually kill anyone.
Not necessarily.
Which part of
"
as long as it's "reasonable".
are you struggling with?


The effect of a shotgun on a human is pretty much a matter of chance.
Not if you know how to use it- that's pretty much the point.
So if he'd damaged the vehicle with a hammer, would he have been prevented from owning or using a hammer?
After that action, he would not have a license to own a hammer.
But, you don't need one so... no.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Bored chemist on 15/08/2023 16:19:19
The absurd UK counterexample was the case of a factory owner who was prosecuted because a burglar fell through his defective roof and was seriously injured.
Can you provide some details please?
It looks like this but... not quite
"Family of burglar who fell through skylight in school break-in fail in their bid to SUE council and now face ?260,000 legal bill "
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3038306/Family-burglar-fell-skylight-fail-bid-sue-council.html

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 16/08/2023 12:50:49
The absurd UK counterexample was the case of a factory owner who was prosecuted because a burglar fell through his defective roof and was seriously injured.
Can you provide some details please?
It looks like this but... not quite
"Family of burglar who fell through skylight in school break-in fail in their bid to SUE council and now face ?260,000 legal bill "
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3038306/Family-burglar-fell-skylight-fail-bid-sue-council.html


It seems that hallucination is not an exclusively AI thing.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: Zer0 on 27/08/2023 23:07:30
What if those Kidz are eaten up by a pride of hungry Lions?
Maths don't work in the Jungles!

umm...what if those Ninja powered Adults eat a raw uncooked exotic animal n succumb to a Deadly Virus?

How bout right in the middle of the story book, Suddenly the next page appears fully covered with bold letters sayin...
B
O
O
M
!!!
& the rest of the pages are Blank?
(asteroid struck n planet gone)

ps - Kidz nowadayz are Overexposed to Fairytales & Underexposed to Reality!
Remember the goals of the story.

" Unlike those examples, the genre of my story is science fiction, and the goal is to introduce and socialize /popularize critical thinking, science literacy, and basic ethics to children so they could be equipped with mental tools to face the world in front of them. "

Carnivores, Viruses & Asteroids are Real!

No amount of kung foo judo karatez can dodge a Bullet!

In real life, superheroes Die!

ps - If you Can, Please try to, Keep it Real.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 28/08/2023 07:20:30
" Unlike those examples, the genre of my story is science fiction, and the goal is to introduce and socialize /popularize critical thinking, science literacy, and basic ethics to children so they could be equipped with mental tools to face the world in front of them. "

Carnivores, Viruses & Asteroids are Real!

No amount of kung foo judo karatez can dodge a Bullet!

In real life, superheroes Die!

ps - If you Can, Please try to, Keep it Real.
Science fiction genre let's our imagination free within known natural laws, even before the things depicted there are realized. Video call wasn't a real thing when a science fiction movie depicted it for the first time. Genetically modified supersoldiers aren't a thing yet, afaik, but it's not entirely impossible.
Martial arts may help our heroes to win fights against their opponents. It may also help against some beasts.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 28/08/2023 12:29:46
Martial arts may help our heroes to win fights against their opponents.
Never underestimate the enemy's capacity for reading the same books.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 29/08/2023 10:14:09
Martial arts may help our heroes to win fights against their opponents.
Never underestimate the enemy's capacity for reading the same books.
The results still depend on practice and talent. Nutrition and health are also contributing factors.

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 29/08/2023 10:19:26
Never assume your enemy doesn't feed and drill his soldiers!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 29/08/2023 10:45:37
Never assume your enemy doesn't feed and drill his soldiers!
That's exactly why the hero must train harder and smarter. Learning from experienced fighters can help identify which techniques work, and which don't. Also, which techniques is more appropriate for which situation, or more effective against other techniques.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 30/08/2023 23:31:02
Or resort to military intelligence. Study your enemy, then either surprise him with a weapon or tactic that isn't in the book, or negotiate.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 01/09/2023 09:04:12
Or resort to military intelligence. Study your enemy, then either surprise him with a weapon or tactic that isn't in the book, or negotiate.
Those will also be in the story.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/09/2024 02:58:41
Are you wasting your time trying to be an author?
Quote
Welcome back to another video! Today, we're exploring a topic suggested by a subscriber: How do you know you're not completely wasting your time trying to become an author? Is it worth all the time and effort you're putting in?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/09/2024 02:59:35
The Paradox of Being a Good Person - George Orwell's Warning to the World
Quote
In this video, we explore the life and philosophy of the twentieth century writer George Orwell. How has his worked affected the course of the world, and how have we ignored his warnings about the terrible ways the world might go?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 27/09/2024 19:32:43
How do you know you're not completely wasting your time trying to become an author? Is it worth all the time and effort you're putting in?

The answer is "not completely", but pretty close. Fewer than 5% of proffered manuscripts get beyond a first reading. You could of course  self-publish, so you'd be wasting less time but more money.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 28/09/2024 12:42:48
How do you know you're not completely wasting your time trying to become an author? Is it worth all the time and effort you're putting in?

The answer is "not completely", but pretty close. Fewer than 5% of proffered manuscripts get beyond a first reading. You could of course  self-publish, so you'd be wasting less time but more money.

Using AI can reduce wasted time. Putting the writing online for free can maximize impact on people in the world. An example, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Martian_(Weir_novel)
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 09/10/2024 12:31:41
Publish a book in 2024 for FREE in just 15-30 minutes (it's extremely easy!)
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You can publish your book completely for free in just 15-30 minutes and honestly it's extremely easy! In this video I'll share 5 steps and show you how to go through each one, including how to actually upload your book to the print on demand company, get the right cover and interior file types, and officially publish your book!

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 09/10/2024 13:13:18
Indeed. But how do you span the gap between being a "published" author (i.e. one whose work is print-on-demand) and a successful author (whose work people seek out because they have heard about it or are intrigued by the cover of the book).

Uploading a file is one thing, marketing your intellectual property is another. And that's where agents, editors and publishers get involved.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 09/10/2024 23:20:01
Uploading a file is one thing, marketing your intellectual property is another. And that's where agents, editors and publishers get involved.
Being endorsed and promoted by influential people can be an effective marketing strategy. Traditional publishers act as the influential people.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 14/11/2024 04:21:28
I think this is a useful advice.

Write Better Sentences: Hemingway's Iceberg Theory
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Ernest Hemingway is regarded by many as one of the greatest craftsmen of sentences. His work, particularly his short fiction, is known around the world for saying everything with very little. The true magic of a Hemingway piece lies between the lines.

This way of writing is referred to as "Hemingway's Iceberg Theory", and is great way for young writers to apply in order to improve their craft. It's helped me tremendously with my own work.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 14/11/2024 19:26:17
Hemingway's sentences are short, and so are the words he uses. The UK civil service style manuals tell you to use the Anglo-Saxon word rather than the Norman French word wherever you have a choice - they advocate against sesquipedalianism!

Also worth studying Steinbeck. His background was journalism, so he knew how to tell a story with impact, and he also worked with the legendary "Doc": "The Log from the Sea of Cortez"  is a brilliant blend of scientific reporting (a marine biology expedition) and beautifully descriptive writing, with an underlying adventure almost as exciting as his war reports.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 19/11/2024 14:05:29
I found a lot of advices from some Youtube channels teaching how to write novels or screenplays, like this one.
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraVance
Quote
Thank you for visiting my channel! My name is Barbara. This channel is dedicated to teaching you how to write compelling stories for your novels, screenplays, short stories, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDihgYx4Sdfk3AuXjtfnbHee-fTo7evxJ
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 29/11/2024 04:30:27
You Know ALL Great Speeches Use the Same Hidden Formula? #publicspeaking #storytelling #speech
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Nancy Duarte and Duarte, Inc. studied thousands of great speeches over time and revealed a hidden structure within them all!

You can use this structure to become a captivating public speaker!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 15/12/2024 05:56:03
Why Do You Write?
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Some people write because they have stories they want to share with the world. Other people write because they dream of the fame that comes with a breakout book. Still, others might write because there's a world, characters, or plot that rattles around their head for years and they need to get it out.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - Fictive Language
02:10 - Let's Go There
02:50 - The Origins of Storytelling
05:35 - Storytelling in Practice
08:00 - Why Do You Write
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 24/12/2024 12:45:50
The Power Of Storytelling: How To Move People
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The ability to tell a story can literally transform your life.  It can land you a job in a crowded applicant pool, make you stand out on a first date, or be the difference between your business succeeding or failing.

Today I have a very special breakdown on storytelling.  Not just because storytelling is so important to charisma and life, but because I am actually in this breakdown as the interviewer.

And the person I?m interviewing is without exaggeration one of the people I most admire on the planet.  His name is Scott Harrison and as the founder of charity:water he has helped raise over 100 million dollars by telling stories for a good cause.

So in this video you?re going to learn the 3 high level principles that will help you to tell more engaging stories in any environment.  And I should warn you, these stories are heavy and contain really sad, but important messages, which is necessary when you?re talking about the truth of why charity water exists.  I?m also going to let the clips run longer so you can hear a bigger part of the story uninterrupted and comment later. 

2:30 Take the listener to the same emotional journey you had when storytelling
4:18 Have a mystery to keep listener engaged like Charity Water story
5:47 Have a lesson at the end for personal development as the Scott Harrison interview
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/12/2024 02:33:58
GENIUS Writing Hack! Boost Your Productivity with the TK Method
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Want to write faster without losing quality? In this video, I break down the TK method?a simple but powerful writing hack that keeps your momentum going and helps you stay in the creative flow. Learn how to use this productivity booster to improve your output and finish your projects faster. Don?t miss this game-changing tip for writers!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/12/2024 06:59:47
the one rule for doing hard things
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How to get into flow and become antifragile with one rule. Ever since implementing this rule 4 years ago, it's changed how I show up to challenges in my life, how I thrive at work, how I learn. Check out this rule in this video!


⏱ TIME STAMPS ⏱
00:00 - Easy Mode or Hard Life?
00:30 - The 15% Rule
00:54 - How to get into flow?
1:39 - What is antifragile?
2:58 - Combining flow and antifragility
3:46 - The fundamental principle for learning
4:50 - 3 ways the 15% rule made me mentally stronger
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 14/01/2025 11:03:48
EVERY Way AI Can Help Authors in 2025
Quote
Timestamps
Introduction 00:00
Pre-Writing 00:40
Writing & Editing 05:51
Marketing For Authors 15:56
Learning 22:43
Other Suggestions For Authors 25:57
Write A Book Using AI 30:00
-
#AuthorTools #AIWriting #AuthorsTips
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 31/01/2025 12:26:06
The Secret to Telling a Great Story ? in Less Than 60 Seconds | Jenny Hoyos | TED
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For social media creator and viral video hitmaker ‪@JennyHoyos‬, the key to telling a great story is to keep it brief. She breaks down her framework for telling stories in 60 seconds or less that can gain millions of views online ? or simply elevate your everyday conversations. (Recorded at TEDNext 2024 on October 22, 2024)
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 31/01/2025 15:32:47
7 Illegal Writing Tips (use with caution)
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 31/01/2025 23:54:01
Your Characters Will Be Boring If You Skip These 10 Steps
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Timeline:
0:00 Intro
0:14 Character Doubling
1:10 The Expertise Effect
2:49 The Tragic Flaw
4:22 The Wrong Memory Technique
5:39 The Indirect Self Portrait
7:08 The Spiritual Side
9:05 The Single Body Part
10:43 From Stereotypes to Archtypes
12:05 The Competence Paradox
13:24 Contrast with Neighbors
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 08/02/2025 02:12:42
How Agatha Christie Makes Readers Addicted (5 storytelling techniques you NEED to know)
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Agatha Christies followed these writing tips to become one of the best-selling authors in the world. And here is how:

00:00 Why you NEED Agatha Christies Writing Hacks
00:21 The Agatha Christie Formula
01:45 1. Storytelling technique
03:25 The most important technique
05:19 3. Storytelling technique
05:46 Writing style
06:43 Part 5
07:55 The Rule of Fair Play
08:22 How Agatha wrote mind-blowing stories
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 08/02/2025 02:16:49
The 1 Writing Cheat Code to Keep Readers Turning Pages
Spoiler: show

The power of stakes in storytelling

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 08/02/2025 10:38:10
Make your characters aspirational, with enough flaws to make the heroes vulnerable and the villains humane, then set about each trying to exploit the weaknesses of the other. Sprinkle a bit of romance or raw sex as required (think garlic and chilli, or sugar and cinnamon: enough to intrigue and entertain, but not to dominate the dish).

Remember the "hero's arc", from obscurity to conflict, with input from the maven that gets him out of the final impossibility and leads to triumph. (24 Bond films to date, and Blazing Saddles for the ultimate piss-take of the genre)

Or stick to "boy meets dog, boy loses dog, boy finds dog"  (thousands of Disney clones)
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 21/02/2025 11:20:51
How I'm Writing & Publishing A Serialized Novel
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Are you planning to write a serial? Excited to be back and talking about my latest project. Also, did you know this week is 7 years since I uploaded my first YouTube video??? Thank you all for being here with me on this journey!


CHAPTERS:
0:00 What is a serial?
5:49 My Goal -Why A Serial?
17:05 Typical 3-Act Structure
20:15 My Serial Structure
27:37 Release Plan
35:37 Final Thoughts

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 11/03/2025 12:09:13
The #1 Writing Decision That Separates Forgettable Books from Masterpieces
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What if I told you that the difference between a forgettable book and a life-changing story comes down to one decision?one that most writers get wrong? In this video, I?ll walk you through the #1 writing decision that transforms your story from just another book into something readers can?t stop thinking about.

? Learn the non-negotiable belief shift that makes stories unforgettable
? Discover how masterworks like Pride and Prejudice, The Lion King, and The Shawshank Redemption use this principle
? Find out how your story can create a deep, lasting impact on readers
? Get 10 powerful questions to uncover the core transformation in your book
? Avoid the 3 biggest mistakes writers make when trying to implement this technique
? Use the non-negotiable to shape your plot, character arc, and ending

Don?t let your story fade into the background?make it a masterpiece!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 11/03/2025 12:45:25
How To Write a Compelling Opening Scene for a Novel
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In this video, I dive deep into the art of writing an unforgettable opening scene for your novel. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, the first few pages are crucial in capturing your reader's attention. Join me as I explore essential techniques, including:

5 key elements to writing a compelling opening scene
Why each element is so critical
5 essential writing tips for you to keep in mind as you write your opening scene

By the end of this video, you'll have the tools and inspiration you need to write an opening scene that hooks your audience and sets the stage for an incredible story. Don?t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more writing tips!

Join us as we unlock the secrets to amazing paragraphs that will leave your readers wanting more! Don?t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more writing tips and tricks!

Stay tuned for more writing tips and writing advice on our channel! Check out our website for more information about our writer's group and newsletter. While you are there, be sure to sign up for the newsletter, which is packed with writing tips, writing advice, and so much more.

https://smuinmedia.com/

Self publishing can be hard, don't go it alone. Follow us through the process. We have self published seven books. Some are fiction, and some are non-fiction. We are here to assist in the self-publishing and writing process.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: 5 Key Elements of a Compelling Opening Scene
00:26 Hook the Reader
01:20 Set the Scene
02:02 Introduce Your Protagonist
02:58 Create Conflict
03:38 Dialogue
04:04 Reflect the Genre or Story Style
04:54 Establish the Rules of the Universe
05:32 Pique Reader Interest
05:58 Revise and Refine
06:20 Rewrite with the Whole Story in Mind

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 11/03/2025 15:58:02
5 key elements to writing a compelling opening scene
Sex
Violence
Cats
Dogs
Food

and don't forget Golf. One very successful publication of the 1970s was entitled "Golfing for Cats" which wasn't actually about games or animals, but just sold on the cover title.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 20/03/2025 05:28:22
Writing Meaningless Themes? You're Doing It Wrong - John Vorhaus
John Vorhaus is best known for his comedy-writing classic, The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny Even if You?re Not. He has taught and trained writers in 37 countries on five continents at last count, and created TV shows of his own in Nicaragua, Romania and elsewhere. His writing credits include dozens of teleplays and screenplays, plus seven novels and some two dozen works of non-fiction. His latest book is the little book of STANDUP. Vorhaus is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and a member of the Writers Guild of America. He lives in Southern California and secretly controls the world from www.johnvorhaus.com.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/03/2025 10:16:36
The 8 Biggest Writing Mistakes You Don?t Know You?re Making
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Are you pouring hours into your writing? only to feel stuck, unsure why your scenes fall flat? You're not alone?most writers are making critical mistakes they don?t even realize. In this video, we?ll expose the 8 biggest writing mistakes that are holding you back?and show you exactly how to fix them.

These aren't vague tips?they're practical, proven techniques grounded in the Story Grid method. If you're serious about writing better scenes, creating compelling characters, and finally writing fiction that works, this is the place to start.

? Discover why ?just write every day? might be sabotaging your progress
? Learn how to show instead of tell to create vivid, immersive scenes
? Avoid the trap of flat, emotionless storytelling by mastering scene dynamics
? Understand the power of value shifts?and how to write scenes that matter
? Write meaningful conflict that forces readers to keep turning the page
? Get expert insights on the kind of feedback that actually helps you grow
? Eliminate bloated exposition and backstory that kills narrative momentum
? Craft characters with specific, driving desires that shape every decision

If you've ever wondered why your writing isn't connecting?this video will give you clarity, direction, and the exact next steps to improve.

Don?t just write more. Write better.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/03/2025 11:16:42
How to Get ORIGINAL Results from AI
Quote

Timestamps
Introduction 00:00
Fantasy Cliches 01:51
Creating Characters 03:22
Original Fantasy Races 05:36
Unique Name Ideas 06:35
Editor Perspective 08:21

When used correctly, AI can fill the gaps in our skills and attention from our creative activities.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 27/03/2025 12:13:58

Don't just write more. Write better.


Brevity is the soul of wit

But that's a cliche!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 06/04/2025 16:42:31
Quote
What if the way you describe your characters and settings is the very thing that?s turning readers off? Most writers think more detail equals better writing?but in reality, that can kill narrative momentum. In this video, Tim Grahl breaks down the #1 mistake writers make with description?and how to fix it immediately.

After reviewing over 2,000 scenes in our Story Grid workshops, we've seen the same pattern again and again: well-meaning writers overload readers with irrelevant details, slowing the story to a crawl. If you've ever gotten feedback like ?This scene feels slow? or ?I skimmed this part,? you need to watch this.

? Learn the real purpose of description?and why most writers get it wrong
? Discover the two simple tools that will transform your exposition: Minimum Viable Exposition and Just-In-Time Exposition
? Understand how to choose what to describe (and more importantly, what to leave out)
? See real examples of bad vs. great description?and what makes them work
? Learn how to weave emotional cues into your details without ever ?telling? your reader how to feel
? Master the subtle craft of using sensory detail to drive narrative rather than stall it
? Discover how expert feedback can accelerate your growth 10x faster than going it alone

Whether you're writing your first novel or trying to level up your craft, mastering description is non-negotiable. It?s time to write pages that readers can?t stop turning.

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 08/04/2025 15:53:15
Stress tests for first chapter
Quote
Timeline:
0:00​ Intro
0:22​ The Acceleration Test
1:49​ The Anticipation Test
3:08​ Character Hook Test
4:43​ The 3 Levels of Curiosity Test
6:05​ The Story Compass Test
7:19​ The Four Senses Test
8:55​ The Tri-Part Originality Test
11:51​ 1st Paragraph Public Test
13:11​ The Promise Test
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 08/04/2025 21:23:00
The Boss regularly attends writers' conventions. One theme that  emerges from all of them is that nobody will read beyond Chapter One unless the dead body is  discovered  by about page 3.

Screenwriters in particular talk about "the hero's arc" , spanning innocence, chance encounter, enlightenment, pursuit, peril, resolution, and invoking a "maven" somewhere in the middle. The simplest hook is a character flaw that allows the reader to identify or sympathise with a weakness.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 09/04/2025 13:50:03
Forget Plot Twists?This Is What Keeps Readers Up All Night
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What keeps readers up all night isn?t a clever twist or shocking ending?it?s the crisis. That pivotal, high-stakes moment that forces your protagonist into an impossible choice... and your reader to keep flipping pages.

In this episode of the Story Grid YouTube channel, Tim Grahl reveals how to master the most important storytelling moment: the crisis. You?ll learn how to create the kind of tension that grips readers by the throat and doesn?t let go.

? Discover the secret weapon behind stories that are impossible to put down?it?s not what you think.
? Learn the 5 steps for building a powerful crisis that drives plot, reveals character, and delivers emotional payoff.
? Watch in real time as two boring examples get transformed into heart-stopping moments that actually work.
? Understand the three layers of stakes?external, internal, and philosophical?that separate amateur writing from professional storytelling.
? Avoid common mistakes like offering an obvious choice or a weak dilemma that kills reader engagement.
? See how the crisis fuels your protagonist?s arc, aligning plot and theme with deep emotional impact.
? Unlock the truth about unpredictability in fiction?it?s not about surprising your reader, it?s about making the choice genuinely hard to predict.

If you want to write stories that readers feel?not just read?this video will change the way you think about narrative forever.

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 19/04/2025 08:41:06
Quote
This is the exact novel planning method fiction writers have paid $10,000+ to learn?and today, I'm walking you through the entire thing for free.

If you?ve ever struggled to turn a vague idea into a powerful, publishable novel, this video will show you how to build your story from the ground up using Story Grid?s Narrative Path?a step-by-step system that connects your theme, character arc, worldbuilding, and genre into a cohesive, compelling structure.

? Learn how to clarify your story?s core transformation using the Non-Negotiable and Double Factor Problem
? Avoid the #1 mistake writers make when planning novels?and why most story ideas fall apart
? Discover how to reverse-engineer your genre, character, and world from your intended reader transformation
? See how I used this method to draft my own novel, The Shithead
? Understand why ?planning? doesn?t mean formulaic?and how real structure frees your creativity
? Download the free Narrative Path worksheet and follow along with your own story idea

Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned pro, this process will push you past vague inspiration and into real story architecture?the kind that keeps readers turning pages and makes your writing career sustainable.

👉 Want the worksheet I use in this video?
Go to storygrid.com/np and get the Narrative Path for free.

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 19/04/2025 08:57:11
How to write a viral serial using AI.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 19/04/2025 19:45:58
"How to write stuff that people will still publish by the ton and want to read 500 years later, using a pen" - Shakespeare
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 24/04/2025 14:55:20
Quote
Here?s the scary truth: your first page is either going to MAKE or BREAK your book. Let's face it: your reader will judge your story based on what they see on this first page, and if you don?t pull them in? they'll probably close the book and move on to something else.
It?s a lot of pressure! That?s why, in this video, we?re breaking down the DO?s and DON?Ts of page one. Common mistakes new writers make that doom their book from the start? and how to avoid these pitfalls to make your first page truly explosive and unputdownable (with side-by-side examples of good vs bad story hooks!)

✨ C H A P T E R S ✨
00:00​ How to start a novel?
00:59​ DON'T start with a cliche hook
02:45​ DO create a "story question"
04:15​ DON'T start with a white room
05:23​ DO anchor the reader in sensory detail
06:41​ DON'T start with out-of-context dialogue
07:36​ DO use dialogue to show what matters
08:43​ Want to write page-turning tension?
10:33​ DON'T be mysterious
11:58​ DO give your character a micro-goal
13:25​ DON'T front-load world-building
14:52​ DO show world-building through action
16:32​ DON'T overdo the prose
18:00​ DO hint at the MC's inner conflict
19:38​ Subscribe for weekly writing videos :)
________________________________

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 24/04/2025 16:40:25
Wham! Blam! The White House disintegrated into shards and dust.

"WTF was that?" said octogenarian genius Big Al.

"Dunno" replied Lascivia, slipping off her Tibetan silk negligee, "but I can see the Kremlin in flames on the TV."

Al took another mouthful of coquilles st jaques aux truffes et pernod and picked up the keys to the Augusta A129. "Stay warm - I'll be back in an hour. If Sir Keir phones, tell him I've got it sorted."

now read on.......
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 25/04/2025 05:17:26
"That's not real hard sci-fi."
Quote
That awkward feeling when you accidently invent a new Grand Unified Theory of physics for the sole purpose of making your novel more scientifically accurate. #justwriterthings am I right?

Also, to be clear, I mean no disrespect to hard sci-fi fans. I actually love hard sci-fi, and these characters are all straw men. (If you look closely, you can see the hay poking out from under their sleeves.)
Some comments.
Quote
It's simple: hard scifi is when space travel is massively inconvenient, yet everyone is doing it.
Quote
My favorite sci fi are retracted scientific papers
Quote
I've had hard sci-fi described to me as being "any story in which technical minutiae is given greater importance than anything else."
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 01/05/2025 14:52:08
Why Deep Research is the best tool for authors.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 01/05/2025 17:11:27
Plagiarism is no substitute for fluency and originality.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 02/05/2025 01:46:17
Plagiarism is no substitute for fluency and originality.
did anyone say that?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 02/05/2025 02:07:34
Quote
Becoming a writer can be intimidating, but I've got seven tips that'll boost your confidence and focus your efforts.

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 02/05/2025 02:08:50
Quote
Remember a first impression is a lasting impression.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 02/05/2025 02:10:44
Start your writing journey.
Quote
Chapters:
00:00​-Intro
00:33​-Come Up With TWO Ideas
01:45​-Pro and Antagonists
02:53​-Setting
03:45​-Status Quo
05:17​-Inciting Incident
05:55​-Show Progress
06:55​-End with a bang (or not)
08:15​-How and How fast
10:30​-Set Proper Expectations
11:35​-Foster the Right Beliefs
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 02/05/2025 03:47:43
3 Elements Your Novel Must Balance
It's like the Bermuda triangle but less ship swallowy
Spoiler: show

Stake
------------------------------ Plot
Conflict
------------------------------ Tension
Attention
------------------------------ Sympathy

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 02/05/2025 10:50:38
Plagiarism is no substitute for fluency and originality.
did anyone say that?

I did. Having read many hundreds of novels, scripts, textbooks and scientific papers, I can speak with considerable authority.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 03/05/2025 13:27:58
Quote
Chapters:
00:00​-Intro
01:00​-Infer Don't Relate
02:33​-Concrete Vs Abstract
04:14​-Small Stories
06:05​-Slow Vs Fast
08:05​-Make Events Happen
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 03/05/2025 13:28:57
Plagiarism is no substitute for fluency and originality.
did anyone say that?

I did. Having read many hundreds of novels, scripts, textbooks and scientific papers, I can speak with considerable authority.
What does it have to do with using AI assistant?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 03/05/2025 13:29:56
Quote
You won't be able to stand this...
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 03/05/2025 17:15:32
Quote
What does it have to do with using AI assistant?

So far, everything you have quoted from an AI source lacks fluency and originality.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 04/05/2025 08:56:26
Quote
In this video, I explore how the rise of AI as creative tools is reshaping the landscape for writers. Discover the right mindset and techniques that writers can adopt to thrive in this new environment, embracing AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor. Join me as I discuss the evolving role of the writer and how to harness technology to enhance creativity and storytelling.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 04/05/2025 08:58:16
Quote
Most writers think querying a literary agent is about having a great book. It?s not. If you don?t understand how agents actually think, you don?t have a shot. This video breaks down the brutal math, industry incentives, and insider knowledge you must know before hitting send on your query letter.

Whether you?re an aspiring author or deep into the submission process, this is the video that will change how you approach agents forever.

?  Why 99% of query letters get ignored?and how to stand out
? The three things every agent is really looking for (and it?s not what you think)
? How market fit, publisher targeting, and platform can make or break your chances
? The truth about advances, royalties, and what agents actually earn on your deal
? Why most books fail financially?and how to help agents believe yours won?t
? How to reduce the agent?s workload so they say ?yes? faster
? The biggest mindset shift you need to make before querying anyone

This isn?t about gaming the system?it?s about seeing the publishing industry clearly, so you can work with it, not against it.

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 04/05/2025 16:56:15
Do you actually have a title, a plot, or a hero yet?   

If not, I think you would find it more profitable to write something than to watch videos about it.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/05/2025 13:38:41
Do you actually have a title, a plot, or a hero yet?   

If not, I think you would find it more profitable to write something than to watch videos about it.
Yes. I've written some of them in sudowrite.com. to arrange the plot into a connected storyline. Previously I wrote the scenes I want to write in a spreadsheet.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/05/2025 13:40:21
The Secret to Writing a Book that no one is Talking About | How to Write out of Order
Quote
This is the best writing advice I can give: don?t write in order! If you want to know more about my book on this, the link will be in the books section of this description.


And a comment to the video.
Quote
Someone said something like, "Readers start a book at the beginning and go on to the end. Writers start in the middle and fight their way out."
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 07/05/2025 15:23:07
Besides the good advices, we can also find bad advices out there. Beware.
Quote
Timeline:
0:00​ Intro
0:18​ #1 Make Your Writing Realistic
1:50​ #2 Make Your Characters Likable
3:26​ #3 Know Your Theme Before You Write
4:39​ #4 Kill Your Darlings
5:44​ #5 Never End Happy
7:30​ #6 Write What You Know
8:49​ #7 Just Write Already
10:00​ #8 Write to a Fifth Grade Level
11:49​ #9 Too Many Morally Gray/Contradictory Characters
13:30​ #10 Leave the Slow Reveal to the Strippers
14:25​ #11 Worst Advice Comes from THIS Source
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 07/05/2025 23:50:58
Never end happy? James Bond always rides off into the sunset with the girl, the Allies win the war, Einstein's predictions are demonstrated by experiment, Mark Watney survives and returns to Earth.....and these books sell by the million!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 12/05/2025 13:23:34
That's why the advice is bad. Maybe the advice came from someone who specialized in writing tragedies.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 13/05/2025 11:09:29
Like Shakespeare, whose tragedies still sell a million copies a year.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 13/05/2025 13:13:39
Don't Give Up On Your First Draft
Quote
Writing a book is hard. But arguably the hardest part is finishing the first draft. In this video I share three tips that help me get over that first hurdle. Hopefully they can help you, too.


0:00 - Intro
1:49 - Forget You're Writing a Novel
9:00 - Don't Edit While You Write
11:57 - Don't Tell People About Your Novel
14:03 - Implementing Mini-Arcs
15:23 - Outro (And Poll!)

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 14/05/2025 03:01:17
The Proven Formula That Makes a Story Irresistible
Quote
HOW TO COME UP WITH A HIGH-CONCEPT STORY IDEA:
00:40 ? What is a ?high-concept? book?
04:04 ? Reimagine a familiar trope
04:50 ? Ask what if?
05:39 ? Craft an unexpected mash-up
07:11 ? Experiment with structure
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 21/05/2025 16:48:41
Quote
I respond to the toughest anti‑AI comments?debunking myths about legality, laziness, and ?soulless? prose?and show how writers can still thrive (and connect with readers) in an AI‑powered world.

Timestamps
Introduction 00:00​
Motivation Question 00:36​
Illegality Fears 03:14​
Lazy Author Claim 07:35​
Data Harvest Myth 13:25​
Replace Authors? 16:33​


Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 21/05/2025 18:55:02
Adult romance/comedy/adventure: life's good, sh1t happens, clear it up

Adult crime fiction: sh1t happens, clear it up, life's good

Children's fiction: boy meets dog, boy loses dog, boy finds dog (adult fiction, with dog)

Harry Potter: sh1t, partly redeemed by owls.

Lord of the Rings: unredeemed ordure. Unlike the Nibelung's ring, which has some good songs.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 25/05/2025 23:42:06
Quote
Writing a book can change your life. Here?s why.

CHAPTERS
0:00​ - You can write a book (yes, you)
1:55​ - How writing a book changed my life
2:47​ - I. Self-discovery
4:28​ - II. Self-confidence
5:11​ - III. A change of pace
5:45​ - IV. Writing skills
7:01​ - V. It starts conversations
7:39​ - VI. It can inspire others


One of the comments.
Quote
One thing that really comforted me, was hearing a Brandon Sanderson saying something along the lines of: "Of all the people I know, who have written books, few have published them. However, none have regretted it."
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 04/06/2025 14:27:05
How To Write A Smart Plot Twist

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Plot twists are one of those writing elements that are often misunderstood. In this video I'll break down the best way to structure a plot twist into a story as well as several other factors that will help you use your plot twists to the best effect.


0:00 - Plot Twist Definition
4:05 - Structuring Plot Twists
8:20 - Example, Forgotten
17:01 - Hiding the Twist
20:34 - Example, The Village
27:24 - Revealing the Twist
30:54 - Bad Examples
32:22 - Outro
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/06/2025 08:31:36
The Plot Holes that REALLY Break Your Novel
Quote
Your story is falling apart?and you don?t even see it yet.
Most plot holes aren?t big, dramatic mistakes. They?re quiet breaks in logic, motivation, or theme that make readers stop and think:
?Wait? What just happened??

These subtle story breaks are sabotaging your manuscript?and in speculative fiction, where world rules and logic matter deeply, they can destroy immersion and reader trust.

In this video, I?ll show you:
✅ How to spot hidden plot holes fast using the DAC method
✅ How to work backward from your story?s Ley Line to fix logic gaps without guesswork
✅ A real coaching case study showing how one author turned an unconvincing connection into a plot-driving, emotionally rich relationship
✅ How critique partners are great for catching these issues during self-editing?and how to find one that actually helps

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/06/2025 08:33:45
Stop Editing Your Novel Until You Try These Strategies

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You know the scene?s not working?but you don?t know why.
Most authors revise the same chapters over and over, hoping it?ll finally click. But without the right self-editing strategy, nothing changes (at least nothing that makes a real difference)?and your novel still isn?t ready to query, publish, or impress readers.


And in this video, I?ll walk you through 3 powerful revision techniques I use with the authors I coach:

✅ The one thing you must do BEFORE you revise
✅ How to strengthen your story scene by scene, making them each work hard on multiple levels
✅ The key things each scene needs to deliver what readers really want

These self-editing techniques will help you stop editing in circles and finally make real progress toward the novel you know your story can become.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 20/06/2025 15:19:25
Quote
Powerful Action Lines: The Screenwriting Skill No One Teaches

Most screenwriters treat action lines like filler?just something to get from one block of dialogue to the next. But pros know better. Your action lines are your voice. They?re the reason a reader keeps turning pages? or doesn?t.

In this video, I?ll show you:

Why most action lines fall flat?and how to fix them

The simple shift that makes your pages feel cinematic

A simple four step process for action lines that make you feel

CHAPTERS:
00:00​ - Introduction
00:48​ - The Science of Writing (Neural Simulation)
02:28​ - Rewriting the Scene (4-Step Process)
03:19​ - Step 1: Avoid Emotion Words
04:10​ - Step 2: Use Hands, Eyes, or Breath
05:23​ - Step 3: Add a Sound
06:28​ - Step 4: What Are They Hiding?
07:39​ - Outro & Free PDF

?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 20/06/2025 20:18:29
Two great pieces of screenwriting advice, from professionals:

1. Show, don't tell.

2. A major movie costs millions of dollars and takes hundreds of people years to make. If you meet an engineer at a party, you don't say "I've got a great idea for a bridge! We should talk."

I heard a discussion between a novelist and a screenwriter, who pointed out the difference in their trades. He said "You could write 'the sun rose over a calm sea'. It takes you five seconds, costs the publisher a penny, and the reader knows exactly what you mean. If I write 'the sun rose over a calm sea'  I've committed a camera crew for three days on location, and it may not make the edit."

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 04/07/2025 13:09:51
These 5 Cringey Editing MISTAKES Will Make You Look Amateur
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Editing your book is easier said than done. You?ve poured your heart into writing your story? but now you?re wondering if it actually reads well. Is it polished? Professional? Or are there hidden mistakes that are making it sound? amateur? That?s why, in today's video, we're exposing five common CRINGEY mistakes that are probably hiding in your manuscript RIGHT NOW and how to fix them using my favorite editing tool, ProWritingAid. Let's explore the worst clich?s and beginner mistakes to avoid if you want to take your book from 4 stars to 5 stars!

________________________________
✨TIMESTAMPS:✨
00:00 Beginner writer mistakes that will make or break your book
00:58 1. Spelling and Grammar
04:19 2. Sentence Variety
08:06 Can't afford an editor? Get ProWritingAid!
09:29 3. Sticky Sentences
14:37 4. Passive Voice
17:44 5. Repeats and Echoes
21:17 Go run these reports in YOUR book
22:42 Get 20% off ProWritingAid!
________________________________
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 06/07/2025 08:55:06
Quote
What makes a plot twist actually work? Not just shock?but meaning. In this video, I break down the brain science behind the perfect twist, using iconic examples from The Sixth Sense, Cabin in the Woods, Memento, and The Empire Strikes Back.

You?ll learn:

Why your twist must recontextualize everything

The psychology of audience surprise vs. satisfaction

A 3-question tool to make your twists emotional, not just clever

Whether you're writing screenplays, novels, or just obsessed with great storytelling?this one?s for you.

00:00​ - Cold Open: Why Plot Twists Matter 
00:38​ - Intro & What You?ll Learn 
01:10​ - CHAPTER 1: The Reversal Twist (The Sixth Sense) 
02:53​ - CHAPTER 2: How Twists Hijack the Brain 
04:40​ - CHAPTER 3: The Genre Flip (Cabin in the Woods) 
06:26​ - CHAPTER 4: The Identity Twist (Memento) 
07:58​ - CHAPTER 5: The Sacred Truth (Empire Strikes Back) 
09:37​ - CHAPTER 6: The Secret to Creating Mindblowing Twists 
10:45​ - Outro & What?s Next
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 16/07/2025 14:25:30
5 Hidden Pain Points Killing Your Writing Dreams

Quote
Feeling stuck with your writing? You're not alone. In this video, we reveal the 5 hidden pain points that are secretly sabotaging your writing dreams and show you exactly how to overcome them.

What you'll learn:
Why perfectionism is killing your first drafts (and how to embrace the messy draft)
The myth of waiting for inspiration and how to create a writing routine that works
How to escape the learning trap and start actually writing
Proven strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt
Simple techniques to break down overwhelming projects into manageable steps
 
If you've ever sat staring at a blank page, feeling frustrated and stuck, this video will change everything. These aren't just writing tips - they're mindset shifts that will transform your entire approach to writing.

Perfect for aspiring authors, fiction writers, memoir writers, and anyone who dreams of finishing their book but feels blocked by invisible barriers.

Stay tuned for more writing tips and writing advice on our channel! Check out our website for more information about our writer's group and newsletter. While you are there, be sure to sign up for the newsletter, which is packed with writing tips, writing advice, and so much more.

https://smuinmedia.com/

Self publishing can be hard, don't go it alone. Follow us through the process. We have self published seven books. Some are fiction, and some are non-fiction. We are here to assist in the self-publishing and writing process.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
01:01 Writers Pain Point #1 ? The Tyranny of the Perfect First Draft
03:14 Writers Pain Point #2 ? Waiting for the Muse
05:30 Writers Pain Point #3 ? The Learning Trap
07:35 Writers Pain Point #4 ? The Imposter Syndrome
10:40 Writers Pain Point #5 ? The Overwhelm of the Mountain
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 18/07/2025 14:08:44
You've Consumed Enough...It's Time to Start Writing

So I've written the background, foundations, skeletons and joints of my novel series for a few years into plot points and it's about time to convert them into a real story. I'll use AI to arrange them into commonly published format, style, and language to produce the first draft.
I've tried and errored with various AI models to help me write the story, but they seem to stuck or stray into incoherence at some point. Until I used Gemini Flash 2.5 with Canvas, where I can build the story scene by scene.
I'll start a new thread to share my work in progress first draft story to get some feedback from beta readers.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 18/07/2025 23:29:46
And there's the weakness of a chatbot. It can only work on available sources and learned language traits. A novel has to be just that - novel!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 19/07/2025 14:07:08
And there's the weakness of a chatbot. It can only work on available sources and learned language traits. A novel has to be just that - novel!
It can still help with research on some subjects faster than doing it manually.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 19/07/2025 14:08:37
7 perfect writing rules to break.
Quote
Timeline:
0:00​ Intro
0:14​ Antagonist Should be Defeated by the Protagonist
2:25​ Start with an Inciting Incident
4:16​ Conflict is the Lifeblood of Scenes
6:37​ Characters Must Change
8:30​ Never Start with the Weather
9:51​ Maintain a Streamlined Narrative
11:30​ Every Character Needs Clear Motivation
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 21/07/2025 05:51:48
If You Struggle with Skipping Time in your Novel, WATCH THIS
Quote
Timeline:
0:00 Intro
0:25 Date Headers
2:35 Time Markers in the Text
6:49 Situational Clues
9:47 Use Summary
12:09 Don?t Mention the Time Jump at All

In my own novel series, I am considering 2 options: continuing with current pace which risks boring readers, or jump into higher stakes actions, which would happen a few years later from current plot point.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 24/07/2025 13:39:08
I Can Spot AI Writing Instantly - Bypass ChatGPT Detectors for FREE
Quote

Think you can tell the difference between human and AI writing? In this video, I show you how I learned to spot the telltale signs of AI-generated content?and more importantly, how to transform that writing so it doesn?t get flagged. Whether you?re using AI tools for research, productivity, or content generation, it?s increasingly important to understand how AI detectors work and what they look for.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The prompt used in this video:

I have a block of AI-generated text that I want to revise so it sounds like it was written by a human.
Please improve it using the following guidelines:
? Vary sentence structure and sentence length to increase burstiness 
? Introduce intellectual hesitation (e.g., "may suggest", "appears to", "is likely to") 
? Add nuance, subtle critique, or alternative perspectives where appropriate 
? Avoid overused or generic AI vocabulary like ?delve,? ?robust,? ?innovative,? etc. 
? Use more natural transitions (and not too many like "therefore", "moreover", "in conclusion") 
? Replace vague examples with specific, relatable, or realistic details 
? Adjust tone and style so it sounds less polished and more human (a little informal is okay) 
? If relevant, include first-person voice or a light anecdotal tone 
? Break repetition in how sentences begin (e.g., don?t start every sentence with ?This study?? or ?It is important??) 
? Preserve the *original meaning* and context, but improve naturalness and authenticity
Here is the AI-generated text:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This isn?t about cheating or avoiding responsibility. It?s about understanding how these systems operate, especially when original, human-written work can still be misidentified as AI. That?s why I take you through the mechanics of an AI detector bypass and explain how you can responsibly revise or rewrite your text to reflect your own voice and intent.

I also walk through practical techniques to bypass originality scoring tools?not with hacks or shady methods, but with a deeper understanding of language variation, sentence structure, and academic tone. You?ll learn the signals detectors rely on, such as syntactic repetition, low perplexity, and formulaic transitions?and how to adjust your writing accordingly.

One of the most useful tools I demonstrate in this video is a prompt-based method that helps revise AI-generated text. If you're wondering how to bypass AI content detection, or even more specifically, how to bypass AI detection ChatGPT outputs might trigger, this video lays it all out. You?ll see how I take text from a detector-flagged 100% AI-generated paragraph to one that scores as 100% original?without losing academic integrity or meaning.

Best of all, these methods don?t rely on paid services. Everything I demonstrate is based on freely available tools, making this a guide to free AI bypass detection techniques that anyone can apply. Whether you're an academic, student, or content creator, understanding and managing AI detection is becoming a key part of working with large language models responsibly.

This is intended for research paper. But IMO, it can be applied to novel to.
What's important is you need to have written ideas first to be polished by AI to make them less resemble AI generated texts.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/07/2025 06:17:57
How To Find (and Fix) Plot Holes in Your Novel
Quote
Chapters:

00:00:00:00 -  intro
00:03:12:24 - what are plot holes?
00:06:32:28 - start of book roadmap
00:07:29:16 - start of spreadsheet
00:10:26:00 - character column
00:12:03:00 - how to plot your novel
00:12:49:10 - the scene overview
00:14:54:28 - conflict
00:15:50:02 - scene outcome
00:18:17:16 - subplot
00:20:05:14 - character arc
00:23:47:06 - word count
00:25:02:21 - reason for filling out the form/ reverse outlining
00:31:00:19 - tip 1
00:31:52:21 - tip 2
00:33:28:13 - tip 3
00:35:00:13 - tip 4
00:38:42:25 - tip 5
00:42:12:01 - tip 6
00:43:30:00 - tip 7
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/07/2025 06:34:32
The Simple Novel-Writing Hack I Wish I?d Known When I Started Out
Quote
In this video, we take a look at a simple but powerful technique that ensures you never get stuck when writing your novel.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/07/2025 06:41:50
How to Outline a Book with a PLOT GRID (Updated: 2025)
Quote
I use a plot grid to outline every single book I write. I learned it from an article about how JK Rowling outlined the Harry Potter books, and in this video, I explain what a plot grid is, how I use it to outline, how I use it to revise, and also share a template so you can create plot grids of your own.

I made this video YEARS ago on this channel, but I wanted to re-do it with clearer examples and also include a template. So, here you go.

Have you ever used a plot grid to outline your books?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 27/07/2025 07:01:04
How I Start Outlining: 5 Key Plot Points to Plan
Quote
I always start plotting my books by figuring out these 5 plot points. In this video, I break down what each of the plot points are and what order I figure them out in when putting down my first ideas for a novel.

ALL OF THESE PLOT POINTS WILL CHANGE WHEN WRITING.

I always come up with ideas when plotting a book out, but almost always, I come up with better ideas while writing and change the plot points around. At this early step, all I want to do is create a starting point for myself that lets me jump into writing quickly and sets me up for success instead of for getting overwhelmed at how daunting the project is and giving up.

--

ABOUT: Hi, I'm Claire! I?m an award-winning self-published author of paranormal thriller books (my book "They Stay" won the Grand Prize at the 2023 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards and is the first in a five-book series).

There is no one way to write a book. I?m a strong believer that the only way to develop your own writing process is by trying a bunch of different methods to find out what is the most helpful to you. In my videos, I share how I approach every stage in my writing process, from brainstorming to editing, in the hope that it could give you something to try that could help you level up as a writer. I share techniques that have improved my own writing so you can see if the same strategies help you.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 28/07/2025 07:32:24
How to Write a Great Antagonist ? With Examples
Quote
Creating a good antagonist is key to writing a good story. In this video, I break down what an antagonist is, what makes one compelling, and share my tips for writing an antagonist that can push your hero to their breaking point.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 28/07/2025 12:34:00
NARRATIVE SUMMARY vs SCENE: Definitions, Examples, & How to Balance Them In Your Writing
Quote
In this video, I explain the difference between narrative summary and scene, and share why understanding the distinction is critically important to writing a good book.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 01/08/2025 03:05:48
7 Ending Mistakes That Make Readers Feel Cheated
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 01/08/2025 17:46:41
Quote
Ending Mistakes That Make Readers Feel Cheated

....and it was all a dream

....but what happened next?

....we will never know.

....that's magic.

....I have a particularly neat proof but this margin is to small to contain it.

....there are forces beyond our understanding.

....Luke Skywalker I am your father  (substitute any name and relationship)

"repeat and fade" (music direction), and anything by Tolkien.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 02/08/2025 08:23:39
Bad Prologues vs Good Prologues (Writing Advice)
Quote
Learn what separates a bad prologue from a good one. Examples from Justice League, Indiana Jones, Goldfinger, Game of Thrones, and more!


0:00 Intro
0:41 Should You Use a Prologue?
1:24 What is a Prologue?
2:18 What Good Prologues Do
4:30 Bad Prologue #1: TONE
6:17 Good Prologue #1: TONE
7:29 Bad Prologue #2: GENRE
9:24 Good Prologue #2: GENRE
10:02 Bad Prologue #3: INFO DUMP
11:12 Good Prologue #3: INFO DUMP
11:45 Bad Prologue #4: ORIGIN STORY
12:50 Good Prologue #4: ORIGIN STORY
13:48 Bad Prologue #5: LENGTH
14:51 Good Prologue #5: LENGTH
15:26 Recap
15:49 Outro

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 02/08/2025 08:46:44
An example of a good ending

'There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.'

Beat that, and I'll buy the book!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 02/08/2025 08:48:51
How to Avoid INFO DUMPING | Write It Badly, Make It Better: Episode 4

Quote
Info dumping is hard to catch in our own writing, so I'm super excited to share tips I've learned for how to avoid info dumping. This is another "write it badly, make it better" example so you can see me attempt to fix info-dumping in action!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 05/08/2025 06:55:50
Six Writing Tips I Wish I Knew As A Beginner
Quote
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Different Needs
02:11 - Passion vs Discipline
04:35 - The Protodraft
04:58 - Community
06:15 - Writing Advice
07:42 - How To Write Better
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 12/08/2025 03:06:18
How Writers Can Show The Passage of Time

This is relevant to the current phase of starting book 3 in my novel series.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 12/08/2025 03:19:16
5 Amateur Writing Red Flags
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 12/08/2025 07:55:43
How to Use Hyperbole as a Storyteller ? Definition and Examples
Quote
Hyperbole Meaning ? We break down one of the most common literary devices.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Hyperboles
00:52 - Hyperbole Defined
03:07 - Chapter 1: Verbal Hyperbole
07:16 - Chapter 2: Visual Hyperbole
10:33 - Chapter 3: Genre Hyperbole
14:01 - Takeaways

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WHAT IS HYPERBOLE?

Where would we be without hyperbole? How could we declare our love for someone? How could we adequately state how hungry we are? Happy we are? Angry? Hyperbole has a myriad of uses, but its core purpose is to emphasize. When we say "I love you to the moon and back," we are using hyperbole to emphasize the magnitude of our love. So how can this figure of speech be used in movies? We take a look.

HYPERBOLE LITERARY TERM

The most common form of hyperbole is verbal. Verbal hyperbole emerges in dialogue that pushes expression beyond the bounds of literal truth. Characters declare things that are far larger, grander, or more extreme than reality? not to deceive, but to communicate the depth of their feelings or convictions. It is a kind of emotional shorthand, condensing a state of mind into a line that can be instantly understood.

HYPERBOLE IN MOVIES

Visual hyperbole operates through imagery and design. A set might be built to an impossible scale, a movement might defy physical limits, or the framing of a shot might distort proportion to intensify impact. Editing can stretch or compress time for dramatic effect, while lighting and color can be pushed far beyond naturalism to evoke a heightened mood.

GENRE HYPERBOLE LITERARY DEVICES

Some genres embrace hyperbole so completely that it becomes part of their identity. Comedy often thrives on overstatement, playing situations to the point of absurdity to provoke laughter. Melodrama leans into emotional excess, giving every feeling a sense of epic magnitude. Musicals lift the ordinary into the extraordinary, where bursts of song and dance transform the simplest action into a moment of spectacle.

In film, hyperbole is less of a distortion of truth so much as a magnification of it. By amplifying language, images, and genre conventions, filmmakers invite audiences into an intensified version of reality. In the end, isn't that what movies are for?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 12/08/2025 09:54:02
https://storygrid.com/show-vs-tell/
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When to Show vs. Tell
?Show, don?t tell? isn?t a strict rule?it?s a tool. Knowing when to show and when to tell is what makes a skilled writer.

Use Showing When:
✔ Emotions are running high
✔ You want readers to experience the scene deeply
✔ Character relationships are evolving
✔ The moment is pivotal to the plot

Use Telling When:
✔ You need to bridge time gaps (Three weeks passed.)
✔ You?re providing necessary background (The revolution had started in spring.)
✔ The action is routine (She drove to work.)
✔ The moment doesn?t need emotional depth

📌 Example:
Instead of showing six months of work life, you can tell:
✅ Sarah had been working at the firm for six months when the Richardson case landed on her desk.

But when she gets a life-changing case, you show:
✅ The case file thumped against her desk, making her jump. ?Your first solo,? Pete said. Sarah?s fingers trembled as she reached for the folder. Richardson vs. Henderson Insurance. The same company that had denied her mother?s claim last year. Her throat went dry as she flipped open the cover.

Conclusion: The Art of Show vs. Tell
Mastering show, don?t tell is one of the most powerful skills a writer can develop. It transforms writing from flat and explanatory to immersive and engaging, pulling readers into the world of the story rather than keeping them at arm?s length.

By observing human behavior, using vivid figurative language, crafting compelling actions, and leveraging the environment, dialogue, and specific details, you can convey emotions, deepen character development, and make your scenes come alive.

However, remember that showing is a tool, not an unbreakable rule. The best writers balance showing and telling, knowing when to draw readers deep into a moment and when to move efficiently through the story.

So, the next time you write a scene, challenge yourself:

Can I replace an explanation with observable details?
Is there a way to let the reader infer the emotion instead of naming it?
Does this moment require deep immersion, or should I summarize and move forward?
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 12/08/2025 23:25:43
Your chatbot would do well to read that.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 13/08/2025 13:48:57
How The Martian was written, with Andy Weir
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Imagine being inadvertently left for dead on Mars, completely alone and abandoned by your crew, with nothing but your wits and a scant amount of precious supplies to keep you alive.

That?s the enthralling premise of the best-selling science-fiction survival novel and soon-to-be released motion picture, ?The Martian,? scheduled to run in theaters nationwide on Oct. 2.

Amidst a whirlwind media blitz, the book?s author, Andy Weir, took time to visit the Laboratory on Wednesday, entertaining a packed house of nearly 400 Lab employees and special guests with his wit, vast and varied scientific knowledge and tales of his sudden rise to stardom.

?It?s kind of a homecoming,? Weir said. ?It?s special for me because it?s where I grew up.?

Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 17/08/2025 07:56:45
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Join me as I delve into the critical writing mistake authors often make: crafting dialogue that lacks authenticity, making characters sound like mere puppets. In this video, I explore techniques to breathe life into your characters' voices, emphasizing the purpose of dialogue and the unique desires each character holds. Learn how to distinguish voices, ensuring your characters resonate with readers as real, relatable individuals.

Chapters:
00:00​ The problem with dialogue writing
1:45​ How the problem happens
3:34​ How to stop creating puppet characters
5:17​ The purpose of dialogue
6:37​ What good dialogue looks and sounds like
7:40​ Questions to ask yourself
8:22​ Rewriting our weak dialogue
11:59​ Benefit of letting your characters speak like themselves
13:57​ Additional tips to improve your dialogue
18:04​ The challenge for you
19:09​ Final reason to change the way you write dialogue.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 17/08/2025 08:52:13
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crafting dialogue that lacks authenticity, making characters sound like mere puppets.
....entombed in viscous, purple adjectives.....the essence of chatbot writing!
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 21/08/2025 06:05:10
9 ONE MINUTE Fixes to Instantly Improve Your Novel
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These one minute writing tips will help you deepen scenes, strengthen your characters, and boost your writing mindset?perfect for any beginner novelist or author looking for practical, creative writing advice.

♡  WHAT'S IN THIS VIDEO:   
0:00 Quick fixes to instantly improve your novel
0:31 Get Words Flowing ? Fix #1
1:49 Fix #2
2:56 Fix #3
3:43 Deepen Your Scene?Fix #4
4:17 Fix #5
5:04 Strengthen Your Characters ? Fix #6
5:45 Fix #7
6:30 Mindset Shifts ? Fix #8
7:34 Fix #9
8:37 List of craft books that actually helped me finish my novel

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Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 21/08/2025 14:51:33
Story Grid Introduction - Spreadsheet
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: alancalverd on 21/08/2025 17:42:36
Quote
ONE MINUTE Fixes to Instantly Improve Your Novel
Cut out at least half of the adjectives, and think twice about the adverbs, said handsome, intelligent Alan conspiratorially..
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 24/08/2025 14:19:37
8 Things I Wish I Knew When I was Writing my First Novel
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All-in-all, I think the second book has been easier than the first for me. This is (I have heard) not the usual experience. In part, I think this is because I didn't have to work as hard to create the characters (they already existed) and because I had some really strong ideas coming out of the last one.

Still, there are some practical reasons why it was easier as well...just because I knew about them now. Ways in which I had previously misunderstood the writing process. Here are a few of those things.
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 25/08/2025 12:40:55
Dialogue Hacks Expert Writers Use
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Expert writers use strategies that help make their dialogue sharp. It's important to use writing tips that make characters sound natural and unique. Even expert writers struggle, but experience and writing advice can help you write flawless dialogue.
___________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Expert writers do not rely on talent alone
01:00 Hack 1 cutting  heavily
02:07: Hack 2 using subtext
04:47 Hack 3 read dialogue out loud
05:46 Hack 4 add interruptions and pauses
08:01 Hack 5 play with power
11:06 Hack 6 mix internal dialogue with external dialogue
12:39 Hack 7 focus on personality, not perfect dialogue
15:21 Review and last words
15:58 The purpose of dialogue in storytelling
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 08/09/2025 12:45:23
Why Beta Readers Aren't Enough for Your Novel
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You used beta readers. You got the feedback. You tried to fix your draft? but your story still isn?t working. The scenes fall flat. The tension?s gone. The pacing is weird?and the feedback only made it more confusing. If you?re stuck trying to revise a novel after beta reader feedback that didn?t actually help? this video is for you.

In this episode, you?ll learn:
✅ Why beta readers often give the wrong kind of feedback
✅ What type of feedback you actually need in early revision
✅ The role of trained critique partners (and how to find one)
✅ When beta readers are useful?and when they?re not
✅ What to do instead to finally revise your novel into something worthy of publishing
Title: Re: What's your advice on writing a series of story?
Post by: hamdani yusuf on 08/09/2025 12:57:03
You?ll Never Finish Revising Your Novel Without This
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Still stuck in endless revisions?and wondering if your novel will ever be ready to publish?

You?re editing and re-editing? but your story isn?t getting stronger. That?s because most sci-fi and fantasy authors are missing one crucial piece: a master revision plan.

In this video, I?ll walk you through a simple, proven system for sorting your revision notes?so you know exactly what to fix and in what order. You?ll learn how to:

? Identify which edits matter most (and which waste time)
? Organize your revision notes by ripple effect
? Avoid burnout with smarter, layered revision passes
? Finally finish a book that?s actually ready to send into the world

👇Your story deserves better than endless reworking. Let?s finish it?for real this time.