#Shaelin Writes

[trillgutterbug]

hey guys if any of you are interested in learning/steeping yourselves in some excellent writing craft Knowledge, i cannot highly enough recommend shaelin bishop on youtube. i've been watching their videos for about a year, it's truly god tier literary craft stuff. they have a BA in creative writing and run a side account for indie publishing company reedsy as well. it's astonishing to me that their channel isn't more popular, i have really done my time in the trenches of youtube writing advice videos and they are far and above the best of the best imo. unlike.......... certain other writing advice channels,,,, they have had many short stories traditionally published and their writing is ACTUALLY GOOD. plus they're queer, so.

#writing advice #shaelin bishop

[rawliverandgoronspice]

for the ask game: 28?

oo so I technically already answered it, but, I have another advice down my sleeve, which is: if it's boring, slow it down don't speed it up.

It's an advice that I heard for the first time from the wonderful Shaelin Bishop (their youtube channel), and I think it's a great way to say: what matters is the intricacies of the action, and the details of the scene. The deeper we dig in a singular moment, the more layers we will find, and trying to run away from a scene that isn't working, or where we have yet to find the little motor that makes it go, is just pushing the problem back to the next scene, then the next. We are running away from the problem and losing momentum.

I thought it was a really interesting insight, especially since the general reflex would be to speed up the pace in all situations once a scene loses our engagement.

It also absolutely coexists with "cut what's not revealing anything about the plot, the character or the heart of the piece". If there's nothing at all to find in a scene to make it worth slowing down, then maybe the scene doesn't need to be here at all.

#asks #writing #thanks for the ask!!! #yeah I owe shaelin bishop a good chunk of my own writing journey #I've been following them for almost a decade and it was absolutely worth the investment

[coffeeandcalligraphy]

wait but should I do... text edits for the writing update LIKE OLD TIMES

#that shit takes so much time but it's so fun................... OKAY I WILL SAY MAYBE #IF ONE SINGLE PERSON TELLS ME TO DO IT I WILL DO IT #also me sarah and shaelin singlehandedly inventing the writeblr writing update template that still exists today amazes me like trifecta

[wastelandauthor]

Mastering the art of self edits is amazing. I took a 2,800 and some word short story and cut it down by 400-ish words. Makes me feel powerful. Ridding the redundant words and using punchier verbs. I’m linking two videos that really helped and I hope it helps any of you.

#writeblr #creative writing #wasteland author’s rambles #Shaelin is a writing god #I hope everyone likes the videos as well #Those are some good videos #Youtube

[the960writers]

ShaelinWrites

No outline? No problem.

#Shaelin Bishop #Youtube #pantsing #discovery writing

[squarebracket-trickster]

Descriptive writing hacks, anyone?

Hey writing humans? Can you all do me a huge favour?

Reblog this with your best DESCRIPTIVE WRITING tips, opinions, resources, and examples.

Please don't put anything related to character creation or plot development (unless its also about descriptive writing ofc). There are soooo many good resources for those. I want to give some love to descriptive writing because I think as writers we forget about this part sometimes.

I'll go first. Here's what I've got so far:

For resources, some of my favourites are Shaelin Writes and Reedsy on Youtube (she also has a blog), Hello Future Me on YouTube, and Hey Writers and Writing Questions Answered here on Tumblr.

As for tips, here we go:

General tips for description:

Give everything a face / the bigger the concept the smaller you write / focus on the little details

A description should serve multiple functions (mood, tone, atmosphere, foreshadowing, symbolism, characterization, theme, worldbuilding, hinting at backstory, advancing the plot etc.) / word choice matters; two words can mean the same thing but evoke different feelings or subtext

Weave description into action, dialogue, dialogue tags, and characters' thoughts

Describe only what the POV character knows, describe what they think of it (the later also applies to omniscient narrators)

Use the five senses

Be specific / Use precise language where it matters; you can still be vague about unimportant details like eye colour (unless eye colour is actually important to your story of course)

If a scene isn't working change the weather / use atmosphere to create contrast or call attention to the setting and the events of the scene.

Describe facial expressions, body language, how a character walks or carries themselves, important accessories they wear

Create a sense of place / describe where things are in relation to the characters (objects in the room, named roads or mountains, other characters, the ocean if they are by the sea, the direction of the wind, etc.)

Show time passing (shadows, position of the sun, wind changing, colour of the sky, bells ringing etc.)

General tips for stronger prose (not just description):

Use sentence length intentionally. Long sentences are slower to read, short sentences are quick; conversely, long sentences build tension, short sentences release it. Long sentences invoke a more formal, archaic tone while shorter sentences seem modern.

Use -ing verbs sparingly

Avoid vague words like some, really, and thing

Use "to be" verbs ("was" and "is") sparingly

Cut weasel words like basically, seems, sort of, like, and suddenly

Don't state the obvious. For example, the red apple, he held the apple in his hand, the tree stood at the end of the driveway beside the road, she stood up.

Cut filter words like saw, knew, realized, felt

Use active voice / Follow the "By Zombies" Rule

Hope this helps someone, and thanks guys!!

#writing advice #writing tips #i swore i was going to stay away from writing advice tumblr this time around

[writingquestionsanswered]

what do you think about Abbie Emmons? do you think she gives good advice? I'm wanting to become a writer and I don't want to listen to someone if they are giving wrong advice haha-

AuthorTubes to Watch

As with all writing advice, "good" is in the eye of the beholder. I haven't watched all of Abbie's videos, but I've enjoyed what I've seen and find her advice to be pretty solid. I think she does a great job of distilling things down so they're easy to understand, and I appreciate that she tackles things from a more technical/scientific perspective.

I do think it's a good idea to branch out, however, and not just take one person's writing advice. By getting different perspectives on the same thing, you can get a feel for what advice does/doesn't work for you, what you agree with and what you don't, etc. Other "Author Tubers" I think are worth checking out:

The Creative Penn Merphy Napier (Dear Author) Ellen Brock Alexa Donne Lindsay Puckett Shaelin Writes Alyssa Matesic Liselle Sambury Natalia Leigh Hannah Lee Kidder Jenna Moreci Heart Breathings Terrible Writing Advice Bethany Atazadeh Jane Kalmes Lynn D. Jung Kate Cavanaugh Writes Kristen Martin Mandi Lynn iWriterly

Again... it's all about trying some different channels and seeing whose advice works for you. ♥

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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#writing tips #writing help #writing advice #wqaadvice

[whenmemoriesfrost]

✨ weekly learning log ✨

✍️ writing & storytelling

finished my short story draft and sent it to my friend for feedback! (it doesn’t have an ending yet but still)

started research & brainstorming for a new short story! this usually takes me a long time and can feel like I’m not accomplishing much, but it is an essential part of the process

currently reading All’s Well by Mona Awad because I’m trying to write stories with complicated narrators that affect the actual narrative structure of the story and i think this will be a good example of that

watched a bunch of YouTube videos by Shaelin Bishop about writing - their vids always make me feel so motivated

got really into Hamlet this week lol

🎨 design

designed a whole activity pack for kids at work in one day, then made revisions after feedback. starting to feel more confident with my design instincts :)

🌿 life

went to see an amaaaazing documentary with a friend

played 1.5 hours tennis even though i was exhausted 🎾

continued knitting a sweater for a baby - nearly done with the body :)

back in my nutritious meal era

played LOTS of Skyrim (this counts as learning ok?? I’m definitely learning about worldbuilding from it lol)

#this has made me feel better because i felt like i had done NOTHING this week #i’ve been sooo exhausted literally every day because work is so busy at the minute #journal #studyblr #writeblr #writers on tumblr

[suzyq31]

what are some amateur mistakes that new writers make or that you’ve made in the past and how do did you fix it? I feel my writing is kinda clucky.

Oh I wish I felt confident answering this! I still feel like such an amateur. I'll try my best, but will link people who are much wiser than me.

For me the biggest thing that jumps out when reading (fanfic mostly, but it's happened in traditionally published work *cough* Midnight Sun *cough*, is when the author doesn't trust the reader. This also blends into showing versus telling. It's not black and white, only show and never tell. But it feels way less immersive when the author is telling me what is happening/what a character is feeling rather than showing me through the action/dialogue/prose.

My writing can be clunky when I draft. The more I've learned, the more I edit for clarity. I do so much cutting and slashing of words/phrases, sometimes it hurts, but I'd rather simplify then risk overexplaining.

My go-to resource for writing advice are Shaelin Writes. I love this playlist. Highly recommend the one on specificity and also her top writing tips. Also lots of great editing advice! Another source I love is the @theplottery, so many great posts.

There's tons of great information online and in books. I also always want to scream from the rooftops that reading more published works or fanfictions you admire, and studying them goes a long way in teaching you without you even realizing it. I try to read a book a week, or more if I have the time. "Reading and writing cannot be separated. Reading is breathing in; writing is breathing out."-source, random tumblr post haha.

Keep lists of interesting words and imagery, play around with your editing, seek out a writing friend or beta reader. All of that has really helped me learn and grow as a writer. I'm only two years in, but one of the things I'm loving about this hobby is that there is always more to learn.

Best of luck!

#fanfiction #showing versus telling #writing #fanfic writing #writing advice #suzyanswers

[lena-rambles]

idk who needs to see this but shaelin's newest video is all about rediscovering the joy in writing, something i've been needing. and, like always, their entire video is fantastic and down to earth. i highly recommend them and their videos! (also she's on tumblr as @.shaelinwrites but not super active anymore)

#shaelinwrites #youtube #writing #writeblr #writing tips #Youtube

[prokyon]

hey! this is chance & here’s this week’s prompt. what websites or resources do you use while you write or develop a character/story? what do you think of them and would you recommend them?

Thanks for the prompt!

I draw from a wide pool of resources. I might throw a bunch of links of my favourites down the bottom.

I particularly like to watch youtube videos by writers and readers who break down story devices, make reviews, explore what they liked about a book/movie/tv show, etc. I find that absorbing all of this information and learning to deconstruct what I like/dislike about different pieces of media gives me a lot of ideas for characters, stories, worlds, and writing tools.

I also like to read through writing advice that I come across on tumblr, which I try to compile in my #resources tag on my blog (which includes art stuff too!).

For worldbuilding inspiration I am often drawing off an idea I have, which usually takes a unique spin on something I've seen before that interests me. If I have recently watched a movie with a mountain setting, that sort of percolates in my head for a while as I decide to put a story in a setting like that. And that's when I start doing research on specific things: topography, tectonics, what kind of trees are there, what the climate is like. How the story's world and events would shape and be shaped by this setting. I've spent a few years illustrating fantasy maps for fun, so that background knowledge kind of sits around waiting for things like this.

When it comes to forming a character, I usually start with a specific scene, or vibe, that plays over and over in my head. I try to construct a person around that moment or that feeling, drawing on what I feel would be a) interesting and b) fitting for this character and their setting. Sometimes I pull little elements of inspiration from designs and aesthetics from artworks I've seen - if I see a really cool drawing of a burly brawny character, I might think "okay, how would I picture my own strong character?" and it will rarely look the same, but that visual aid kind of helps me picture them as a flesh-and-blood person. Once I get a bit of a handle on that, I turn to sites like https://www.behindthename.com/random to look for names I think would suit them and their context. I would recommend this site, it's very simple to work with for me.

I don't always have to grab a name with a deeper meaning, I often grab names that just sound right, but it's nice when a name's origin/meaning fits really well with the character.

Link time!

Brandon Sanderson's 2020 creative writing lectures at BYU (and the rest of his channel): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSH_xM-KC3Zv-79sVZTTj-YA6IAqh8qeQ

Hello Future Me, who has huge series on writing and worldbuilding and breaks it down to a technical level because usually most writing advice is vague enough to be unhelpful: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloFutureMe

Overly Sarcastic Productions, especially Trope Talks series and Detail Diatribes: https://www.youtube.com/@OverlySarcasticProductions

Just Write: https://www.youtube.com/@JustWrite

Ladyknightthebrave: https://www.youtube.com/@Ladyknightthebrave

Tasting History (this one is more for inspiring me to think about food and its context in settings; it helps me think of how to make worlds feel alive): https://www.youtube.com/@TastingHistory

Dominic Noble's lost in adaptation videos are fantastic and can break down why things are liked enough to get adapted and is also just a fun watch: https://www.youtube.com/@Dominic-Noble

Shaelin Writes: https://www.youtube.com/@ShaelinWrites especially how Shaelin talks about specificity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgNW3EgtT1E

There are a lot of channels that do short- or long-form essays on media and even if they are about movies or tv shows rather than books I find them incredibly useful for characterisation, storytelling, and worldbuilding in my writing. I find it very easy to translate these things from media that is created from a script to something that would work in a novel since many of these things are interchangeable. I also like seeing what goes on between a book and its adaptation, so I can find out what is better suited to each medium.

And of course for writing resources, I find a lot of good stuff pops up in the #writeblr and #writing advice tags here on tumblr.

My ultimate favourite resource for forming new characters and stories is any friend that is willing to let me just utterly spam them with my ideas. I made a whole discord server for me and my buds so that I could ramble endlessly about my enby werewolf story and use other people either as motivation, as a sounding board. They don't necessarily have to actually talk in there, but I can basically kind of use the rubber duck method to talk my way through character creation and worldbuilding, feeling like I'm chatting to people without accidentally blowing up their dms.

Friends who let me blow up their dms are a priceless resource 💜

#thanks heaps for this :) #writeblr #resources #writing resources #writers on tumblr #creative writing

[jvmontague]

Useful free writing resources

This is a slight repost from well over a year ago, and if you somehow manage to find it, idk you get a digital cookie or something. Oh, and btw it’s mainly YouTube channels since that’s where I live. Note that there isn’t right (write) way to write, and all of these channels vary in subject coverage and levels of advice advancement. Hopefully there is something here for everyone! With that out of the way, let’s get into it.

Brandon Sanderson’s YouTube Channel

More specifically his 2020 creative writing lecture at BYU playlist

Sanderson is a massive fantasy author (having written Mistborn, Way of Kings, Arora Rising, and many many other books) and I really enjoy his work. The 2020 lecture series is a free college class (essentially) where he dives into world building, character creation, plot, outlining, and anything you would need to know about writing fantasy. I have found his lectures useful for other genres. And is overall very beginner friendly with his approach to teaching. That lecture series is the perfect place to start if you’re looking to start getting serious about your writing.

Outside of his lecture series, he serves as a massive inspiration for with work ethic and manner in which interacts with his audience. Another video of his would recommend is “Thing I wish I knew as a teenage writer”; it goes into detail about the mistakes and mindsets he had a teenager, which is applicable to those outside of their teen years!

Abbie Emmon’s YouTube Channel

Emmons is an indie YA author known for her book 100 Days of Sunlight. Her videos are short, easy to digest, and jam-packed with information about character building and story structure. Having read her novel, I can attest to the fact she knows what she’s talking about and applies what she teaches into her writing. Along with her videos she provides free worksheets to help you get started.

She also hosts a podcast called “The Kate and Abbie Show” where she and her sister, Kate, dive into various writing topics. It ranges from tactical advice to more discussion based content. You can find the podcast on YouTube (on K.A. Emmon’s channel) or wherever you listen to podcasts. I find these podcasts useful for getting inspiration.

Alexa Donne’s YouTube Channel

Donne is a traditionally published author, having published two YA sci-fi books and a YA thriller (another one is coming out soon). I have read her most recent thriller and one of her sci-fi books, and while I wasn’t blown away by her writing, she has a lot of skill and kept me reading.

Along with general writing advice and advice on writing thrillers (which have helped me so, so much), she also gets into the weeds of traditional publishing. She covers a wide range of topics within trad pub, along with more discussion based videos.

Bethany Atazadeh’s YouTube Channel

Bethany is an award winning self published author, and I have read her YA fantasy book The Stolen Kingdom. I enjoyed it as a light romp and can clearly see where her principles of writing apply.

Her channel is a treasure trove of information about any and everything self publishing. From marketing to outlining, she has it all. She also publishes slice-of-life vlogs, giving insight into the day to day of a professionally published author. If you’re looking to self-publish, check out her channel.

ShaelinWrites & Rachel Writes

Both are separate YouTube channels

Shaelin works with Reedsy and is a published short fiction writer. She provides out-of-the-box advice on the craft of writing, and offers a different perspective on the same old advice you see. She altered my perspective on writing and taught me to think outside my limited perspective of writing. If you’re seeking deeper, more advanced advice on writing, check out her channel.

Rachel hosts discussion and advice based videos on her channel. I love her insight and nuanced takes on various writing subjects. Her channel is more laid back, and is like an older sister chatting with you about writing. It’s really refreshing to see! She also talks about really difficult writing discussion with delicacy and ease. 

Heart Breathings’ YouTube Channel

Sarra Cannon is a very successful and knowledgeable self published romance/YA urban fantasy writer. Having been in the game for a decade, she’s a wealth of information on self publishing, outlining, and inspiration. She taught me how to manage and write a series (see her playlist “how to write and plan a series”), which many authors don’t get into!

Liselle Sambury’s YouTube Channel

Sambury is a traditionally published YA fantasy author of Blood Like Magic and its sequel Blood Like Fate. I found her “Debut Diary” series a useful insight into what it’s like debuting into the trad pub space. Overall, her content is more slice-of-life vlogging, but I find it relaxing to watch. She does have some advice videos sprinkled in, but it’s not the focus of her channel.

Masterclass.com

If you quickly need to know anything about any writing subject, look no further than masterclass articles. While the articles themselves vary in quality and specificity, they’re easy to read and get you started in your research about any writing topic.

And the best channel I’ve found for writing is:

Diane Callahan — Quotidian Writer

This channel single handedly lead to so many breakthroughs with my writing improvement. The channel is professional, covers in-depth and advanced writing advice on so many subjects. She provides concrete examples of all of her advice. I wouldn’t recommend this channel for a complete beginner, seeing as the information can her overwhelming, but if you’re tired of seeing the same three bits of advice and want to take your writing to the next level, check out this channel.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found this list helpful, and I wish you the best in your writing journey.

#writing #writing advice #writing resources #free writing advice #teen writer #useful writing advice #writing journey

[magnus-sm-writes]

My nano goal is just to write every day. That's it. Doesn't matter what content it is, just get it on paper. Shaelin Bishop really changed the way I saw nano

#nanowrimo

[coffeeandcalligraphy]

rachel youre literally my role model ily!! i like to stalk your blog and channel for motivation because youre my best shot at learning creative writing 💖💖

(i admire shaelin too, i want to send them an ask but they dont have anon on and ik u guys r good friends!)

❤️❤️❤️ this is so kind, thank you! This is why I do what I do—I’m so happy you find my content useful! I have also shared the message! Shaelin is the best!

#asks

[tootiredforaname]

One day I hope my writing can slam the ex-chistian kids as hard in the scrotum as shaelin bishops short stories do

#they have a tumblr is you want to check them out #@shaelinwrites go follow them

[inherhouseshewaitsdreaming]

Evaluating Ideas 3 (Solo Writer’s Curriculum)

This is the third item for The Solo Writer's Curriculum - Module 4: Evaluating Ideas. The curriculum is an index of resources for learning to write grouped by topic.

Item 3 is Shaelin Writes: What makes a good story idea?.

#writingcurriculum #solowriter #solowriterscurriculum #writingeducation #learntowrite #writing #ideas #evaluating