YouTube not just a repository for cat videos.
Well, this blog is getting posted a bit late. Lucky no one is looking. I’d written the blog for April but… Something doesn’t feel right and I can’t put my finger on it so. Quick think and 'YouTube the blog' makes an appearance.
In attempting to learn how to improve my writing I have watched many hours of YouTube videos. Luckily many presenters say the same thing and make sense when they do.
I’ve learnt about filter words, “that, just, suddenly… and so many more.” There is advice on "show don’t tell," the passive voice, writing a killer first line, tropes, book covers and blurbs.
Yes, you can find all this stuff on the internet anyway but via YouTube, some presenters have added personality and I guess I like being told stuff. Reminds me of school, except this time I want to learn and I’m listening.
Enough chat Tel, give us some examples.
Ted talks are a good place to start. Just search Ted Talks writing on YouTube and a selection of options will pop up. Try one.
I quite liked the talk from Andrew Stanton of Pixar. “The clues to a great story.” Beware, starts with a rude joke – (F bomb.)
YouTube channels - Some suggested channels, in no order.
"Author Tube Channels."
Reedsy: Numerous helpful videos and guests providing professional insight.
Diane Callahan – Quotidian Writer: Developmental editor, various video essays; “how to,” and “writing tips.”
iWriterly: Publishing resource for genre fiction with how-to videos on traditional publishing and self-publishing.
TheCreativePenn: Information and inspiration about writing fiction, writing non-fiction, self-publishing, book marketing,
Alexa Donne: Advice, publishing Real Talk, drafting and editing vlogs, interviews with authors, book reviews.
Writing with Jenna Moreci: A couple of hundred videos to check out here.
Overly Sarcastic Productions: Sarcastic, yet informative, summaries of classic and not-so-classic literature, mythology and major historical events. Over 50 Trope Talk videos.
Terrible Writing Advice: Fun aminated examples of how to write badly.
Hello Future Me: Over 40 “On Writing,” videos each about 20 minutes long, using pop culture and written references.
Author Level Up: Michael La Ronn, writing craft videos, help you write better, write faster, have fun, and be prolific.
Chris Fox: video for authors discussing marketing, craft, and the business of publishing.
Kate Cavanaugh: A Personal favourite. Gives personal writing advice. One tip: Print off the final draft then revise. Oh, so many errors show up in a new medium.
The below are aimed at screen-writers but...
Just Write: With such videos as, Rocky: Why you don’t need writing formulas and Writing characters without character arcs. There are lessons there.
Lesson from the screenplay: A few good men, writing a final battle. Mad Men, layers of meaning and much more.
Tyler Mowery: Screenwriting videos. Helpful for story structure.
Book Tube: Where readers review books.
Merphy Napier: Has a playlist of “Dear Authors,” where readers comment on an aspect of storytelling. What her viewers, do and don’t like.
Daniel Greene: Fantasy based channel. Well presented.
Book Odyssey: Sci-fi, fantasy, horror and genre books.
Media Death Cult: A Personal favourite. Mostly Science Fiction book and film reviews. (More on Moid and the Media Death Cult soon.)
In a league of his own, Brandon Sanderson lectures: Year on year, college lectures recorded and uploaded. Hours of good solid advice. Brandon Sanderson, much-respected author of numerous fantasy novels.
Plus a few of these people were/are in the industry, their level of knowledge is way beyond anything I’ve gathered, so why are you still reading this? Go check out some of the videos above.
As ever if you read to the end. Thank you for your time.
TJ
In attempting to learn how to improve my writing I have watched many hours of YouTube videos. Luckily many presenters say the same thing and make sense when they do.
I’ve learnt about filter words, “that, just, suddenly… and so many more.” There is advice on "show don’t tell," the passive voice, writing a killer first line, tropes, book covers and blurbs.
Yes, you can find all this stuff on the internet anyway but via YouTube, some presenters have added personality and I guess I like being told stuff. Reminds me of school, except this time I want to learn and I’m listening.
Enough chat Tel, give us some examples.
Ted talks are a good place to start. Just search Ted Talks writing on YouTube and a selection of options will pop up. Try one.
I quite liked the talk from Andrew Stanton of Pixar. “The clues to a great story.” Beware, starts with a rude joke – (F bomb.)
YouTube channels - Some suggested channels, in no order.
"Author Tube Channels."
Reedsy: Numerous helpful videos and guests providing professional insight.
Diane Callahan – Quotidian Writer: Developmental editor, various video essays; “how to,” and “writing tips.”
iWriterly: Publishing resource for genre fiction with how-to videos on traditional publishing and self-publishing.
TheCreativePenn: Information and inspiration about writing fiction, writing non-fiction, self-publishing, book marketing,
Alexa Donne: Advice, publishing Real Talk, drafting and editing vlogs, interviews with authors, book reviews.
Writing with Jenna Moreci: A couple of hundred videos to check out here.
Overly Sarcastic Productions: Sarcastic, yet informative, summaries of classic and not-so-classic literature, mythology and major historical events. Over 50 Trope Talk videos.
Terrible Writing Advice: Fun aminated examples of how to write badly.
Hello Future Me: Over 40 “On Writing,” videos each about 20 minutes long, using pop culture and written references.
Author Level Up: Michael La Ronn, writing craft videos, help you write better, write faster, have fun, and be prolific.
Chris Fox: video for authors discussing marketing, craft, and the business of publishing.
Kate Cavanaugh: A Personal favourite. Gives personal writing advice. One tip: Print off the final draft then revise. Oh, so many errors show up in a new medium.
The below are aimed at screen-writers but...
Just Write: With such videos as, Rocky: Why you don’t need writing formulas and Writing characters without character arcs. There are lessons there.
Lesson from the screenplay: A few good men, writing a final battle. Mad Men, layers of meaning and much more.
Tyler Mowery: Screenwriting videos. Helpful for story structure.
Book Tube: Where readers review books.
Merphy Napier: Has a playlist of “Dear Authors,” where readers comment on an aspect of storytelling. What her viewers, do and don’t like.
Daniel Greene: Fantasy based channel. Well presented.
Book Odyssey: Sci-fi, fantasy, horror and genre books.
Media Death Cult: A Personal favourite. Mostly Science Fiction book and film reviews. (More on Moid and the Media Death Cult soon.)
In a league of his own, Brandon Sanderson lectures: Year on year, college lectures recorded and uploaded. Hours of good solid advice. Brandon Sanderson, much-respected author of numerous fantasy novels.
Plus a few of these people were/are in the industry, their level of knowledge is way beyond anything I’ve gathered, so why are you still reading this? Go check out some of the videos above.
As ever if you read to the end. Thank you for your time.
TJ
No comments have been added yet.
