John Haslam said: I am an ex journalist, turned engineer/computer software trainer. I enjoyed your video and I thought it was well presented and extremely helpful. Your approach to writing is similar to the way I approach teachig a computer CAD/CAM class. You have to define what you can do before you actually do it. I thought your six points reinforced what I have thought all along about writing a novel. I have one now for sale on Kindle and Nook and I am trying to write about 5 more that I have started. My current novel is called BANKSHOT. I have always thought that after you have an idea, and create a first and last chapter, that you can write (or as you say compose) a chapter a day after all the research is complete. I actually think that I can write a novel in 31 days (I figured about 31 chapters would make a good novel length). My first novel turned out to be about 97,000 words. I plan on watching your other videos and I and I will pass along your ideas to a couple of people I know that want to write or have already started writing. I follow you on Twitter and that is how I found your video. Again, many thanks. Johnhaslambooksblog@gmail.com.
BigTom said: Rich, I’ve just stumbled upon this video series and am looking forward to watching the rest of them. I’d like to check out some of Your novels as well. I’ve tried to find them on Amazon with no success. Can you point me in the right direction?
richwriter said: Hay BigTom,
I’ve only one novella at the moment on Amazon – “Mirror Image” a SF story. I appreciate the interest.
Here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Image-ebook/dp/B0052G7BQI/ref=dp_olp_1
I’ve 13 more waiting in the wings, which I hope to git up on Amazon this month.
about 1 month ago
OneGuyTalking said: This was some great information and I am just about to watch the second video now. After watching this I can’t believe that some writers try to skip those key steps to writing a good novel.
Your steps are very close to how I write already, once I get an idea my next step is research and then I do a basic story line and character outlines before starting to “write” the good stuff. I am definitely going to look over what I have right now and try to apply your method to it and see what happens.
If you have the time I would love to get your opinions on the first of my online work http://www.luciditysociety.com which is a blog/novel with reader interaction on how the story unfolds.
richwriter said: You’ve got the right idea. But I hope you don’t think that this one video contains the entire Technology of Storytelling.
Watch all 4 and you will see the outline of ALL the processes that go into the creation of a good well told story.
And please realize that each process is an exact sequence of steps that relies of a precise understanding of exactly what a story is, what it does, and how it accomplishes its seeming magic.
about 1 month ago
Eric Courthès Guest said: The time to write is not so important…. Greats novels were the results of years of work… To write is not a race…
richwriter said: Eric, I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.
I, nor the vast majority of writers I know, or have ever heard of, do not have the luxury of a patron and therefore must write good novels quickly or starve.
And if you think about it for just a moment I think you’ll concede that the best work has usually come from writers that were prolific rather than one shot wonders.
The idea that, “Good writing has to take a long time” is one of many sadistic lies foisted on aspiring writers.
about 1 month ago
omari jackson said: Thanks for your recent response and regret to report that i have not been able to get to the 2nd, 3rd and the 4th vedios to be able to get to the Order Form for the ebook. I will appreciate it if you can send me the link to make it easier for me for get a copy of the ebook. I have followed all your recommendations but have ONLY been able to view the 1st Video. I am sure others are facing similar problem getting to the rest of the videos and likewise the Order Form. Thanks.
richwriter said: All the videos are live. When you opt-in for Video # 2 (the box is under Video # 1 – AND confirm your email address) you will receive a link to the rest of the videos.
2 months ago
omari jackson said: how do i get a copy of your book? i searched on your site but did not get to it.
richwriter said: The order form for the manual is at the end of video # 4
2 months ago
omari jackson said: wonderful video and i think you have done many of us a great deal of good. now no one, and i mean no one can blame “inspiration” for not being able to write the great amerian novel. thanks richwriter for this revolutionary method of writing. am waiting for the next video and can not even wait to get a copy of your ebook. am really itching to put what i have learned in the video into good use. thanks.
richwriter said: Thanks Omari.
Yes, “inspiration” is a poor substitute for having the correct technology.
The order form for the manual is at the end of Video # 4.
Write on…
And PUBLISH.
Rich
2 months ago
Jonathan Rowland said: Great Video for sure. I have been working on a novel and while I think I have been doing some of these things, it was definitely not an orderly process. I am sure this process will help me along the way. It’s my first fiction novel and deals with mental caricatures. I think readers will uncover a very profound meaning beneath it all. I don’t know if these videos will be up when I have completed this story but I will be sure to acknowledge it anyways. Thanks!
Jonathan
@culmination7
Be sure to watch all the videos because they wont be up much longer.
Write on…
Rich
2 months ago
Christine Brooks Martin said: This is excellent and the perfect gift for me. I have wanted to write an inspirational novel (fiction) but hesitant. Now I know I can by following your instructions and getting your book. Thanks!!!
richwriter said: Glad to hear it Christine,
Maybe Santa Klaus will put it under the tree for you ;-)
And “Yes”, please write and publish that inspirational novel. Heaven knows the world could use some inspiration.
;-)
Rich
3 months ago
Guest Jim said: I can’t seem to load the other videos.I did redo the 1st video and got more out of it.But it seems, if the videos and book are done to release what you have. I’ve been interested in seeing the book for a while now. I have seen story of story but not Jedi mind-trick, are the other videos done?
richwriter said: Yes Jim, all the videos are done and up on the site. These damn computer robots sure can be a pain in the back-side from time to time.
Give this a try.
Clear the “history” out of you web browser (not the “cookies” – because that’s how my website keeps track of stuff) and then close and reopen your browser.
If that doesn’t allow you to get to the next video then it may be time to restart your computer.
If all else fails send me and email at richardmcc at write-better-fiction dot com and… I’ll do something… /:-)
OK!
Sorry for the problems. But your only the second one with this issue so I don’t think it’s an issue on my end.
Best of luck and keep me posted.
Rich
3 months ago
Neal Franson said: Great stuff! I’m trying to see the third and fourth videos, but looks like I have to look at the first two again. The navigation at the top doesn’t seem to work. Could you send me a link to them or otherwise give me the key?
Nigel said: Enjoyed the video…from a point of understanding more. Its the homework part, the research part, I have never fully undertaken. And even a few times I realized that was what it was, but never resolved within myself to take the big step. Thank you. I have another opportunity coming up to start the cycle again. This time I will do all the steps. Please don’t say, “told you so!”…its already burned in with pain! But looking forward to the next video. :-)
Each of the steps are outlined in the last video, I call it "The “Story Engine”. But I should tell you that each of the steps is a program in it’s own right with a sequence of steps that should be done in the right order.
And there is a concept which is the key to “The Story Engine” which turns the thing on and makes it run.
It’s the single most important thing to know and use about storytelling.
I cover it fully in the manual.
Watch all the videos and you’ll see what I mean.
;-)
Rich
3 months ago
Charging Ram said: Thanks for tweeting the first video; I re-tweeted ’cause it could help others as well. Cheers and all the best.
richwriter said: Thanks for the RT, Yes I do think this info could be very helpful to all fiction writers ;-)
3 months ago
Jennifer said: Thank you so much for sharing and teaching! I think your video really helped me in my writing process – it let me know of what to do first and to organize everything in order to have the right outcome. I don’t think I ever thought of having a certain procedure for composing a novel. I’ll definitely recommend this to my friends! :)
richwriter said: MarkC The idea was, and it may not be the best one, to to share some really valuable concepts and tips before asking anyone to buy the manual.
So, I wound up producing 4 videos. And it isn’t until the end of #4 that I start talking about the manual.
3 months ago
Brian Foley said: Loved your 1st video. Looks like you could apply these rules to non fiction books. I would like to write a non fiction. book. Any thing addtional you would need to add for non fiction. thanks for ur time.
richwriter said: Brian, everything I’ve discovered applies to non-fiction as well. But you would need to take my system and interpolate it for non-fiction as I have not done that. It’s all there. But some of the specifics of application are not an exact match so you would need to work that out.
Watch the rest of the videos. Whether you buy my system or not you will take away a great deal of information that has never been revealed before to writers.
Best wishes,
3 months ago
Tamara Lesley said: I agree with everything that you have shared and am looking forward to reading how to find the right people to propose your novel to for advertising. It seems that you have to have an Agent to advertise your book for you to be able to sell it and hopefully for your novel to become a bestseller. I do realize that not many of us will ever become best sellers but kudo’s to those who do.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us for free. I am going to share your site with a Poetry and Short Story Group called: www.feloowshipofwriters.ning.com
I would also like to invite you to browse through my novel ‘A Chosen Journey.’ You may find it advertised for sale on: www.Amazon.com although it is not selling any books of mine. You may browse through my story on Amazon if you would be so inclined. I would love for you to read some of what I have written and pray that they bring up the best parts of the story for you to read although I find the whole story quite intriquing. I have read it myself several times.
I usually purchase ten or more from Authorhouse.com and end up giving them to people who love to read and are looking for a descriptive, inspirational novel.
Thank you very much for being a wonderful and inspiring teacher to open our eyes to easier and quicker ways to write and self publish books on our own. I can telll that you have given this a lot of thought and I deeply appreciate the work that you are so unselfishly distributing.
Sincererely,
Tamara Lesley
www.spiritual-harmony.com
richwriter said: Hi Tamara,
The best and most effective “advertising” for your books always has been and always will be – lots of well written stories published quickly (3-4 per year would be a good target to start with).
Agents are are a resent invention (from the 60’s) and their days are numbered. In 5 years of so they will be as dead as doo-doo birds. Simply because they have extracted much and provided far too little to authors.
That being said. You and every other author needs a system to consistently selfpublish a quantity of high quality novels. You do that and everything else will pretty much take care of itself.
3 months ago
Athina Paris said: Thank you, you broke it down well and I’m glad you gave each part of the process a name. It’s helpful to see where one is going wrong, and easier to correct mistakes if you know what and where they are. Not just be told ‘fix it’, but no one says how.
richwriter said: You’ll find specific info in the manual on how to ‘fix it’ and better still, how not to ‘break’ it in the first place. An ounce of prevention is better than a ton of cure any day ;-)
4 months ago
Rick G said: I found the fundamentals within your first video refreshing. A good start to talking a hard look at what process you’re currently using now. Thanks for the shot in the arm.
richwriter said: Good point Rick. The whole series is really about process. Or more specifically the multiple processes that combine together to make a complete system. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
65 Comments
John Haslam said: I am an ex journalist, turned engineer/computer software trainer. I enjoyed your video and I thought it was well presented and extremely helpful. Your approach to writing is similar to the way I approach teachig a computer CAD/CAM class. You have to define what you can do before you actually do it. I thought your six points reinforced what I have thought all along about writing a novel. I have one now for sale on Kindle and Nook and I am trying to write about 5 more that I have started. My current novel is called BANK SHOT. I have always thought that after you have an idea, and create a first and last chapter, that you can write (or as you say compose) a chapter a day after all the research is complete. I actually think that I can write a novel in 31 days (I figured about 31 chapters would make a good novel length). My first novel turned out to be about 97,000 words. I plan on watching your other videos and I and I will pass along your ideas to a couple of people I know that want to write or have already started writing. I follow you on Twitter and that is how I found your video. Again, many thanks. Johnhaslambooksblog@gmail.com.
BigTom said: Rich, I’ve just stumbled upon this video series and am looking forward to watching the rest of them. I’d like to check out some of Your novels as well. I’ve tried to find them on Amazon with no success. Can you point me in the right direction?
richwriter said: Hay BigTom,
I’ve only one novella at the moment on Amazon – “Mirror Image” a SF story. I appreciate the interest.
Here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Image-ebook/dp/B0052G7BQI/ref=dp_olp_1
I’ve 13 more waiting in the wings, which I hope to git up on Amazon this month.
OneGuyTalking said: This was some great information and I am just about to watch the second video now. After watching this I can’t believe that some writers try to skip those key steps to writing a good novel.
Your steps are very close to how I write already, once I get an idea my next step is research and then I do a basic story line and character outlines before starting to “write” the good stuff. I am definitely going to look over what I have right now and try to apply your method to it and see what happens.
If you have the time I would love to get your opinions on the first of my online work http://www.luciditysociety.com which is a blog/novel with reader interaction on how the story unfolds.
richwriter said: You’ve got the right idea. But I hope you don’t think that this one video contains the entire Technology of Storytelling.
Watch all 4 and you will see the outline of ALL the processes that go into the creation of a good well told story.
And please realize that each process is an exact sequence of steps that relies of a precise understanding of exactly what a story is, what it does, and how it accomplishes its seeming magic.
Eric Courthès Guest said: The time to write is not so important…. Greats novels were the results of years of work… To write is not a race…
richwriter said: Eric, I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.
I, nor the vast majority of writers I know, or have ever heard of, do not have the luxury of a patron and therefore must write good novels quickly or starve.
And if you think about it for just a moment I think you’ll concede that the best work has usually come from writers that were prolific rather than one shot wonders.
The idea that, “Good writing has to take a long time” is one of many sadistic lies foisted on aspiring writers.
omari jackson said: Thanks for your recent response and regret to report that i have not been able to get to the 2nd, 3rd and the 4th vedios to be able to get to the Order Form for the ebook. I will appreciate it if you can send me the link to make it easier for me for get a copy of the ebook. I have followed all your recommendations but have ONLY been able to view the 1st Video. I am sure others are facing similar problem getting to the rest of the videos and likewise the Order Form. Thanks.
richwriter said: Omari,
I don’t see any reason that you would not be able to see the other videos, they are all available on line at this time.
1-you’ve already seen
2-The Story of Story: http://how-to.write-better-fiction.com/fe/16118-the-story-of-story
3-Jedi Mind-Trick: http://how-to.write-better-fiction.com/fe/16119-jedi-mind-trick
4-Story Tech: http://how-to.write-better-fiction.com/fe/16439-story-tech
Simply copy and past the above URL’s into your browser.
The only way to order the book is at the end of video #4.
Please write me via my website if you have any further problems.
Rich
CJ said: This is the only video I’m able to click on. When will the others be live?
richwriter said: All the videos are live. When you opt-in for Video # 2 (the box is under Video # 1 – AND confirm your email address) you will receive a link to the rest of the videos.
omari jackson said: how do i get a copy of your book? i searched on your site but did not get to it.
richwriter said: The order form for the manual is at the end of video # 4
omari jackson said: wonderful video and i think you have done many of us a great deal of good. now no one, and i mean no one can blame “inspiration” for not being able to write the great amerian novel. thanks richwriter for this revolutionary method of writing. am waiting for the next video and can not even wait to get a copy of your ebook. am really itching to put what i have learned in the video into good use. thanks.
richwriter said: Thanks Omari.
Yes, “inspiration” is a poor substitute for having the correct technology.
The order form for the manual is at the end of Video # 4.
Write on…
And PUBLISH.
Rich
Jonathan Rowland said: Great Video for sure. I have been working on a novel and while I think I have been doing some of these things, it was definitely not an orderly process. I am sure this process will help me along the way. It’s my first fiction novel and deals with mental caricatures. I think readers will uncover a very profound meaning beneath it all. I don’t know if these videos will be up when I have completed this story but I will be sure to acknowledge it anyways. Thanks!
Jonathan
@culmination7
richwriter said: Your welcome Jonathan.
And thank you for the acknowledgment.
Be sure to watch all the videos because they wont be up much longer.
Write on…
Rich
Christine Brooks Martin said: This is excellent and the perfect gift for me. I have wanted to write an inspirational novel (fiction) but hesitant. Now I know I can by following your instructions and getting your book. Thanks!!!
richwriter said: Glad to hear it Christine,
Maybe Santa Klaus will put it under the tree for you ;-)
And “Yes”, please write and publish that inspirational novel. Heaven knows the world could use some inspiration.
;-)
Rich
Guest Jim said: I can’t seem to load the other videos.I did redo the 1st video and got more out of it.But it seems, if the videos and book are done to release what you have. I’ve been interested in seeing the book for a while now. I have seen story of story but not Jedi mind-trick, are the other videos done?
richwriter said: Yes Jim, all the videos are done and up on the site. These damn computer robots sure can be a pain in the back-side from time to time.
Give this a try.
Clear the “history” out of you web browser (not the “cookies” – because that’s how my website keeps track of stuff) and then close and reopen your browser.
If that doesn’t allow you to get to the next video then it may be time to restart your computer.
If all else fails send me and email at richardmcc at write-better-fiction dot com and… I’ll do something… /:-)
OK!
Sorry for the problems. But your only the second one with this issue so I don’t think it’s an issue on my end.
Best of luck and keep me posted.
Rich
Neal Franson said: Great stuff! I’m trying to see the third and fourth videos, but looks like I have to look at the first two again. The navigation at the top doesn’t seem to work. Could you send me a link to them or otherwise give me the key?
richwriter said: When you opt-in at the end of each video you should get an email with the link for the next one.
But here is the link for # 3 The Jedi Mind-Trick:
http://how-to.write-better-fiction.com/fe/16119-jedi-mind-trick
Nigel said: Enjoyed the video…from a point of understanding more. Its the homework part, the research part, I have never fully undertaken. And even a few times I realized that was what it was, but never resolved within myself to take the big step. Thank you. I have another opportunity coming up to start the cycle again. This time I will do all the steps. Please don’t say, “told you so!”…its already burned in with pain! But looking forward to the next video. :-)
richwriter said: Very good Nigel.
Each of the steps are outlined in the last video, I call it "The “Story Engine”. But I should tell you that each of the steps is a program in it’s own right with a sequence of steps that should be done in the right order.
And there is a concept which is the key to “The Story Engine” which turns the thing on and makes it run.
It’s the single most important thing to know and use about storytelling.
I cover it fully in the manual.
Watch all the videos and you’ll see what I mean.
;-)
Rich
Charging Ram said: Thanks for tweeting the first video; I re-tweeted ’cause it could help others as well. Cheers and all the best.
richwriter said: Thanks for the RT, Yes I do think this info could be very helpful to all fiction writers ;-)
Jennifer said: Thank you so much for sharing and teaching! I think your video really helped me in my writing process – it let me know of what to do first and to organize everything in order to have the right outcome. I don’t think I ever thought of having a certain procedure for composing a novel. I’ll definitely recommend this to my friends! :)
richwriter said: If you think first video was cool wait till you see the rest of them – it’ll blow you away – in a good way ;-)
MarkC said: I enjoyed the video – Strange that there’s no link to the book!
richwriter said: MarkC The idea was, and it may not be the best one, to to share some really valuable concepts and tips before asking anyone to buy the manual.
So, I wound up producing 4 videos. And it isn’t until the end of #4 that I start talking about the manual.
Brian Foley said: Loved your 1st video. Looks like you could apply these rules to non fiction books. I would like to write a non fiction. book. Any thing addtional you would need to add for non fiction. thanks for ur time.
richwriter said: Brian, everything I’ve discovered applies to non-fiction as well. But you would need to take my system and interpolate it for non-fiction as I have not done that. It’s all there. But some of the specifics of application are not an exact match so you would need to work that out.
Watch the rest of the videos. Whether you buy my system or not you will take away a great deal of information that has never been revealed before to writers.
Best wishes,
Tamara Lesley said: I agree with everything that you have shared and am looking forward to reading how to find the right people to propose your novel to for advertising. It seems that you have to have an Agent to advertise your book for you to be able to sell it and hopefully for your novel to become a bestseller. I do realize that not many of us will ever become best sellers but kudo’s to those who do.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us for free. I am going to share your site with a Poetry and Short Story Group called: www.feloowshipofwriters.ning.com
I would also like to invite you to browse through my novel ‘A Chosen Journey.’ You may find it advertised for sale on: www.Amazon.com although it is not selling any books of mine. You may browse through my story on Amazon if you would be so inclined. I would love for you to read some of what I have written and pray that they bring up the best parts of the story for you to read although I find the whole story quite intriquing. I have read it myself several times.
I usually purchase ten or more from Authorhouse.com and end up giving them to people who love to read and are looking for a descriptive, inspirational novel.
Thank you very much for being a wonderful and inspiring teacher to open our eyes to easier and quicker ways to write and self publish books on our own. I can telll that you have given this a lot of thought and I deeply appreciate the work that you are so unselfishly distributing.
Sincererely,
Tamara Lesley
www.spiritual-harmony.com
richwriter said: Hi Tamara,
The best and most effective “advertising” for your books always has been and always will be – lots of well written stories published quickly (3-4 per year would be a good target to start with).
Agents are are a resent invention (from the 60’s) and their days are numbered. In 5 years of so they will be as dead as doo-doo birds. Simply because they have extracted much and provided far too little to authors.
That being said. You and every other author needs a system to consistently selfpublish a quantity of high quality novels. You do that and everything else will pretty much take care of itself.
Athina Paris said: Thank you, you broke it down well and I’m glad you gave each part of the process a name. It’s helpful to see where one is going wrong, and easier to correct mistakes if you know what and where they are. Not just be told ‘fix it’, but no one says how.
richwriter said: You’ll find specific info in the manual on how to ‘fix it’ and better still, how not to ‘break’ it in the first place. An ounce of prevention is better than a ton of cure any day ;-)
Rick G said: I found the fundamentals within your first video refreshing. A good start to talking a hard look at what process you’re currently using now. Thanks for the shot in the arm.
richwriter said: Good point Rick. The whole series is really about process. Or more specifically the multiple processes that combine together to make a complete system. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Keep going there is a good deal more ahead. ;-))