If I Were Writing My First Novel, I'd Do This... (Writing Advice)

I told someone I know about my current book idea, and we ended up having a long conversation about it. She later told me about a walk she had with a friend, and the friend asked why she was so quiet. She told me that quietness came from her thinking about my book's characters, how easily she could visualise them, and wanting to find out what would happen to them. I think that sort of enthusiasm is really powerful, as it lets you know as the author if your idea is important and worthwhile.

Dude! Its 1am in Argentina!! If you think I'm gonna watch your video right now you're absolute correct 😆

Don't forget to rewrite the dialogue 124671 times until it makes no sense anymore!

Yay! My first novel was published today and there's a Brandon video.

It was a high school dream to write a novel, but I never tried. Almost two decades later, I've brushed the dust off my aspirations and started my first project about a year ago. 10k words into it, I scrapped the junker of a story for spare parts and started project number two, its going so much better than the first! Learning how to write, rediscovering the joy of reading, and watching McNulty's videos has been an absolute blast. good luck to everyone working on their dreams.

Hi Brandon, my name is Robert. Thank you for the much needed writing advice. I go to YouTube University, with discernment. Last year I lost my job and the use of my legs, I became disabled (hip erosion). Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself I decided to write a novel. And Brandon was I surprised. One doesn't just write a book. There's a certain way to write a book. Starting with "Show don't tell", at the top of the list. I treat it like a business, I get up, take a shower, breakfast, book. (The best I can) To answer your question. How long ago did I start? Last year whren I was diagnosed with hip erosion. Between loosing my job and waiting for disability leaves me strapped, $ Copywriting, editing, pictures, publishing all cost. So, I'm waiting for disability. I'm 3/4th through, I'm new and slow. Planner 1st. Pantser 2nd. Just reaching out to seasoned writers. Thank You, Brandon for the education.

Hey, Brandon, I've been writing my first novel since late November 2023. I'm almost done with it, but I've faced many trials along the way. As always, your advice has been extremely helpful, and I hope my novel will get published.

one thing that I wish I had known is: You can write about is bothering you/occupying your thoughts/pain you are going through and explore that in a fictional story that may have nothing to do with reality...it is not that you are writing a biography or journal, but you are taking what you are trying to work through as a person and put that into a story...it can be a genre piece... a horror story...whatever. That worked for me.

Man, your last one really spoke to me. I have limited writing time, but I could certainly be more efficient. The idea of getting clarity from that first draft makes sense.

Getting that outline done in as quickly as possible is essential to getting any book done.

Dude, you might not realize how helpful these videos are! Im not even writing a novel this is still very helpful!

I've never attempted to write a novel because I'm a screenwriter, but I still found your tips 100% helpful and applicable to scripts. Thanks!

I am currently writing a novel, this will help me

I've watched your subscriber list grow by over a hundred thousand, and each video I am still amazed there aren't ten times the subscribers. This type of overview advice video is one of my favorites, as a rookie novelist, and I appreciate all your excellent advice, Brandon. Drive careful -- keep it up!

I can't remember the last time I wrote anything let alone a novel. I should get back to that

First attempt, 2003. My first novel I actually wrote and finished was in 2005. Ironically, with tons of signs, I didn't realize I was a planner until my second novel and first series.

I’m not sure if this’ll answer the question of the day but… I first attempted to write novels all the way back in elementary school on sheets of paper, but they would never really go anywhere before I scrapped those ideas. Hell, I can’t even remember what most of them were about to save my life. One idea, however, really stuck out to me, that idea is gonna be my first official novel. I’m also writing fanfiction on the side to not only build an audience, but also get experience as a writer.

Ever since I was pretty young I've wanted to do something involving storytelling, and it eventually led me to writing. For a few years now I've studied and wrote, but to no avail and everything ended up pretty bad, and I stopped for a good while. Watching your videos helped me realize I had the right ideas, just with no careful execution. I've done a heaping amount of work on some projects, and I'm on track to starting my very first full work.

The first and ninth tip hit me hard. I’m not very confident in my writing, but I’m improving very slowly. I haven’t truly started writing because I’m so worried about making it THE novel I write. I’ve never written more than a few pages of an idea before I quit because I want it to be perfect. You’re an amazing YouTuber, and because of you, I’m going to write a novel. No matter the outcome.

The first thought of writing a novel dates back to when I was 10. Which is 30 years ago. I always wrote stories when I was a child and a teen. Somehow lost that urge when I was 16 and had to start a "regular" job. Life went by, I married, had two kids and had a boring life. Also a kind of small identity crisis. But I was always interesed in arts and followed my artsy creative nature. And on febuary 1st of this year I woke up with a dream and a thought that was so strong that it almost scared me: I will write a book about this. Not "I want to", not " maybe", not "this COULD BE an idea", no. I WILL WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THIS. It was only a small seed that got planted in my brain and soul, but boy, it got BIG. That morning I started to write rightaway. And Im still doing it every day. First draft of volume one got finished mid-april. I set it aside and immedeately started volume two. When Im done with that, I will revisit and edit the first one. Im already looking for a book cover and prepare my self publisher career. And do you know what? I dont even give a monkey's about sales or critics when its out. I just want to DO IT. Writing and publishing, publishing and writing. Never searched for big success or limelight. I just want to follow my passion.