InkwellMedia
InkwellMedia
  • 38
  • 3 411 392
5 Creative Writing Exercises from Famous Authors
*↓ Click for Links to Books & Interviews ↓* Musicians practice scales to strengthen their skills like rhythm and timing. Artists might sketch a hundred faces before they’ve mastered drawing one realistically. Dancers will practice a dance move countless times until their footwork and technique are flawless.
Just like those other artists, writers can sharpen specific skills through deliberate practice.
In this video, I’m sharing five powerful creative writing exercises from famous authors that will help you practice essential skills like crafting vivid descriptions, writing effective dialogue, creating compelling characters, and more.
*FURTHER RESOURCES*
📬 My free email newsletter, The Inkwell: nicolebianchi.com/newsletter/
📚 Creating Short Fiction by Damon Knight: www.amazon.com/Creating-Short-Fiction-Classic-Writing/dp/0312150946/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PNRAJfbowdKmDgbTWJ7kxA2sUOdvm2cvbxnKvZLclIY2VRTLq5bEoretypd_8bnhweoAQRCPUNI_7BaI-QhURfWI0-SpwOrzaMc6-nMGLmroIfRGfv1YKxYb1DGUqcny.c5WfOcUfjW6CDhIrXL7w-KHYU4n02nMAawIDQtPiens&qid=1717897799&sr=8-1
📝 Toni Morrison Interview: arts.gov/stories/magazine/2014/4/art-failure-importance-risk-and-experimentation/toni-morrison
🎥 George R. R. Martin Interview: ua-cam.com/video/WS1xHagceNc/v-deo.html
📚 Story by Robert McKee:
www.amazon.com/Story-Substance-Structure-Principles-Screenwriting/dp/0060391685/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19B4DLV9ODWV1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SY6skpwlFjfvpGICdsse9ltgjz9OPwOJqxFjDhKxmvdWQ81661XMxSlMEZU4cfcbuKmlKkwK-kN73oiLCLbXW24u0amGRKLl4gXrtVB5AO0Ct5sFbDG8buObfauFrfeXAGcaSVgvSGoJ5NRPMr6Om5RhyF_ZtCUl9XS7iW0rTFO0FKQ17H1U7-jtcPAnFPYC6MiLxZ4qrDtB_H88yQEW4BZyubt-ACp9FgcrutN5ecE.xhEdyW4M6diQS0avuIj1WBOEMpQv4zggdPVEJqaK9tY&dib_tag=se&keywords=story+robert+mckee&qid=1717897830&sprefix=story+robert+mc%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1
🎥 Dani Shapiro Interview: ua-cam.com/video/zJ6qHLaUyZU/v-deo.html
📚 Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury: www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Writing-Ray-Bradbury/dp/0008136513/ref=sr_1_1?crid=L6XNW50GTG1W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f_k8h69-uokRz71H7VMIWUI9HV8ImnWqHXXlwKh8Z3U.iLtzbRd27UWYP0aPZuni0dIbrDn8SCqbivluU4PgEc8&dib_tag=se&keywords=%F0%9F%93%9A+Zen+in+the+Art+of+Writing+by+Ray+Bradbury&qid=1717897745&sprefix=zen+in+the+art+of+writing+by+ray+bradbury%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1
🎥 Hemingway's Favorite Writing Exercise: ua-cam.com/video/6sjw08QKel8/v-deo.html
*TIMESTAMPS*
0:00​ Intro
0:46 Exercise for Captivating Setting & Mood
3:01 Exercise for Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
5:18 Exercise for Writing Great Dialogue
6:43 Exercise for Writing with Originality
8:50 Exercise for Overcoming Writer's Block
11:48 Final Thoughts
Hi, I'm Nicole Bianchi! 👋 I’m a writer of short stories and memoir essays as well as a copywriter and production manager at a marketing agency. Here on my UA-cam channel, I make videos that will help you take your storytelling, copywriting, and marketing skills to the next level so you can communicate your message effectively, tell powerful stories, and inspire more people with your words.
*Subscribe now, and join the #InkwellWriters community. Here are some other ways to connect.* 👇
1. Join my email list & get the free writing guides: nicolebianchi.com/newsletter
2. Read my short stories and memoir essays: nicolebianchi.com/stories/
3. Check out more writing resources on the blog: nicolebianchi.com/blog/
4. Support my videos by buying me a coffee: ko-fi.com/nicolebianchi
*Photo & Video Attributions*
Photo of Dani Shapiro © 2018 by Larry D. Moore, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dani_Shapiro#/media/File:Dani_Shapiro_2018.jpg
License CC by 4.0: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Photo of George R. R. Martin, courtesy of Worldcon 75 - Pre-Hugo Portraiture by Henry Söderlund,
photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMJFRwgP8unYX_UlCDge7EA49GiU2_yewzdT4NACvaSZE-ovZM_K_qa2Z_Obv2FZA?key=TUc0aEl4MGNxeWVhZnM5UUFVU0tqVmZ6bnBfaUpR
International License CC by 4.0: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Photo of Ray Bradbury by Alan Light, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Bradbury#/media/File:Ray_Bradbury_(1975).jpg
License CC by 2.0: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Photo of Robert McKee by Aleksandr Andreiko on Flickr:
www.flickr.com/photos/96420700@N02/13812809995
License CC by 2.0: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Photo of Toni Morrison, public domain, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Toni_Morrison_(The_Bluest_Eye_author_portrait).jpg
Stock Footage from Envato Elements, Stock Photos from Canva
Переглядів: 2 574

Відео

Jack London on How to Become a Bestselling Writer
Переглядів 2,4 тис.4 місяці тому
In a 1903 article for "The Editor" magazine, Jack London shared the secrets of how he learned to write, persevere, and become one of the most popular American authors and the highest paid of the 1900s. FURTHER RESOURCES : 📬 My email newsletter, The Inkwell: nicolebianchi.com/newsletter/ 📝 Full 1903 Jack London Article, "Getting into Print" from The Editor Magazine: slate.com/human-interest/2015...
C. S. Lewis's Five Writing Rules
Переглядів 17 тис.5 місяців тому
In 1950, C. S. Lewis wrote a letter to a young fan of his Chronicles of Narnia series. He critiqued the fan’s writing and also shared his five rules for writing well. FURTHER RESOURCES : 📬 My free email newsletter, The Inkwell: nicolebianchi.com/newsletter/ 📚 C. S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe: www.amazon.com/Lion-Witch-Wardrobe-Chronicles-Narnia/dp/0064404994/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?c...
Famous Writers' Productivity Strategies
Переглядів 15 тис.11 місяців тому
*(Photo attributions at the end of the description).* Discover the productivity strategies of Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie, John Steinbeck and many other successful writers that will help you to supercharge your writing productivity and inspire more people with your words. *FURTHER RESOURCES* 📝 Text version of this video on my blog (with citations): nicolebianchi.com/powerful-productivity-...
Ernest Hemingway's Favorite Writing Exercise
Переглядів 395 тис.Рік тому
*Photo Attributions in Bottom of Description* | *Resources mentioned in video:* 📬 My email newsletter: The Inkwell nicolebianchi.com/newsletter 📝 Monologue to the Maestro: dianedrake.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Hemingway-Monologue-to-the-Maestro1.pdf 📚 The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: www.amazon.com/Old-Man-Sea-Ernest-Hemingway/dp/0684801221/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25G0QM1VSMH2E&dib=eyJ2...
Ernest Hemingway on Not Giving Up (Motivational)
Переглядів 8 тис.Рік тому
*(Photo Attributions at Bottom of Description)* - For more writing resources, visit www.nicolebianchi.com - It was 1922, and a 23-year-old Ernest Hemingway had just experienced one of the most devastating blows to his writing career. A blow so devastating that he did not think he could ever write fiction again. Here's how Hemingway found the motivation to continue writing. FURTHER RESOURCES : 📚...
How to Write a Persuasive Essay or Speech: Monroe's Motivated Sequence
Переглядів 2,6 тис.2 роки тому
In this video, I look at a persuasive speech outline called Monroe's Motivated Sequence created by psychologist Alan H. Monroe. This outline will help you write an argumentative essay, article, or speech that will inspire your audience to action. You'll also see how you can use this outline to examine great speeches in history. I show excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" s...
How to Create Story Conflict: The Conflict Triangle and the Stakes Character - Episode 5
Переглядів 2 тис.2 роки тому
*RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO*: 🎥 The Ladder of Abstraction (video): ua-cam.com/video/-UG8StLBiek/v-deo.html 🎥 How to Write a Book - Complete Playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL2AkRsKbeaBaaxg-tKAWsr4999ZPd_ilt.html 🎥 Scrooge (film, 1951): www.amazon.com/Scrooge-Alastair-Sim/dp/B07K8XKW3V 🎥 It's a Wonderful Life (film, 1947): www.amazon.com/Wonderful-Life-Black-White-Version/dp/B001M432XA/ref=sr_1...
How to Journal to Boost Creativity and Productivity
Переглядів 1,3 тис.2 роки тому
In this video, I'm sharing the three journaling methods I'm using in 2022 to boost my creativity and productivity and stay on track with my goals and projects. Two I've been keeping for years (one inspired by Benjamin Franklin's daily schedule, the other by John Steinbeck's notebooks). The third is completely new. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO : 📝 My blog post about Benjamin Franklin's dail...
F. Scott Fitzgerald's Strategies for Vivid Character Descriptions
Переглядів 4,3 тис.2 роки тому
In this video, I look at how F. Scott Fitzgerald describes characters in "The Great Gatsby" and discover four powerful strategies that will help you write vivid physical descriptions in fiction and nonfiction. ✍️ RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO : 📚 "The Great Gatsby" book: amzn.to/3pV3GF9 (affiliate link) 🎬 Movie stills from "The Great Gatsby" 2013 film: amzn.to/3GMGCiD (affiliate link) 🎥 Din...
How to Write a Fantastic Essay (or Blog Post!) Fast: 8-Step Writing Process
Переглядів 1,8 тис.2 роки тому
In this video, I share an 8-step process that will help you write a fantastic essay, article, or blog post fast, whether your deadline is in a few days or tomorrow morning. ✍️ 😅 I use this process for all of the nonfiction pieces I work on (blog posts, memoir essays, and more). If you have more time to work on your piece, you can devote more time to each step. I definitely recommend spending mo...
The Call to Adventure: How to Write a Powerful Inciting Incident - Episode 4
Переглядів 2,5 тис.2 роки тому
The inciting incident or "call to adventure" is the event that launches the main action of a story, whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction. When your inciting incident is powerful and upends the life of your protagonist, you have one of the key ingredients for a gripping and unforgettable story that your readers won’t be able to put down. In this video, I share three rules for crafting po...
How to Close Read (and improve your writing!)
Переглядів 9 тис.2 роки тому
Close reading is a form of literary analysis that helps you get more out of the books you read. With close reading, you dive into a passage of a well-written novel or a poem and identify the techniques and themes that make the writing so powerful. This active reading strategy will help you take your own writing to the next level. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO : 📚 Christopher Lee (The Raven)...
The Ordinary World: How to Start Your Story (Plotting) - Episode 3
Переглядів 1,4 тис.2 роки тому
How can you write a compelling opening to your stories? In this video, we dive into how to hook readers with the concept of "The Ordinary World" from Joseph Campbell's story structure "The Hero's Journey". Discover five ingredients for powerful openings whether you're writing a fiction or nonfiction book, a screenplay, or a short story. "How to Write a Book" series playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL2...
Modes of Persuasion: Ethos, Pathos, Logos, Kairos
Переглядів 16 тис.3 роки тому
In this video, we look at Aristotle's powerful rhetorical strategies called the modes of persuasion that will help you strengthen your writing. These four persuasive techniques (ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos) are essential for making any argument compelling. TIMESTAMPS : 0:00​ Intro 0:49 What are the Modes of Persuasion? 1:53 Ethos 5:14 Pathos 8:54 Logos 10:39 Kairos 12:48 Final Thoughts RES...
The Hero's Journey Story Structure for Fiction and Nonfiction Writing - Episode 2
Переглядів 3 тис.3 роки тому
The Hero's Journey Story Structure for Fiction and Nonfiction Writing - Episode 2
How to Turn Your Idea Into a Story (Exercise) - Episode 1
Переглядів 4,3 тис.3 роки тому
How to Turn Your Idea Into a Story (Exercise) - Episode 1
The Ladder of Abstraction: Make Your Writing Memorable
Переглядів 4,6 тис.3 роки тому
The Ladder of Abstraction: Make Your Writing Memorable
This Powerful Productivity Strategy Will Help You Reach Your Writing Goals
Переглядів 6133 роки тому
This Powerful Productivity Strategy Will Help You Reach Your Writing Goals
Why Writers Need An Email List (How to Get Started)
Переглядів 4753 роки тому
Why Writers Need An Email List (How to Get Started)
How to Vividly Describe Emotions: 3 Powerful Strategies
Переглядів 1,9 тис.3 роки тому
How to Vividly Describe Emotions: 3 Powerful Strategies
Write Compelling Characters with the Dinner Table Exercise
Переглядів 1,5 тис.3 роки тому
Write Compelling Characters with the Dinner Table Exercise
Writing in Your Head: Overcome Writer's Block
Переглядів 1,3 тис.3 роки тому
Writing in Your Head: Overcome Writer's Block
Writing Ninjas: How To Write A Book Report
Переглядів 140 тис.9 років тому
Writing Ninjas: How To Write A Book Report
Writing Ninjas: How To Write A Five-Paragraph Essay
Переглядів 323 тис.10 років тому
Writing Ninjas: How To Write A Five-Paragraph Essay
Econ Vids for Kids: What is Inflation?
Переглядів 164 тис.10 років тому
Econ Vids for Kids: What is Inflation?
Econ Vids for Kids: What is Money?
Переглядів 542 тис.10 років тому
Econ Vids for Kids: What is Money?
Writing Ninjas: How To Write A Strong Thesis Statement
Переглядів 547 тис.10 років тому
Writing Ninjas: How To Write A Strong Thesis Statement
How To Study For A Test: Master Any Subject
Переглядів 8 тис.10 років тому
How To Study For A Test: Master Any Subject
Grammar Vids for Kids: How To Use Commas
Переглядів 193 тис.10 років тому
Grammar Vids for Kids: How To Use Commas

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @aqnbalochgaming2007
    @aqnbalochgaming2007 День тому

    ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @kolitmas624
    @kolitmas624 6 днів тому

    What happened to Ernest Hemingway at the end?

  • @shadeburst
    @shadeburst 7 днів тому

    Writing is not a spectator sport. Write at least a page a day, even if it will eventually land up in the trash.

  • @benkelly9295
    @benkelly9295 7 днів тому

    So what ever happened to Samuelson?

  • @virginiaweir-hj1rt
    @virginiaweir-hj1rt 8 днів тому

    Not a patch on Save the Cat.

  • @dustinclark3390
    @dustinclark3390 12 днів тому

    Drink and write, sober up and edit. That's about the only process you need.

  • @justingibson6915
    @justingibson6915 14 днів тому

    I knew this was going to be a great video as soon as I heard Gnossienne when discussing mood. That’s literally the song I’m using to help me establish the mood for an entire trilogy. Also I tried to pick a favorite but I couldn’t 🤷‍♂️ these were all so helpful. Thank you!

    • @InkwellMedia
      @InkwellMedia 13 днів тому

      Thank you! Erik Satie's music is fantastic. Excellent choice for your trilogy! All the best with your writing.

  • @Riogi
    @Riogi 14 днів тому

    Thank you for your teachings.

    • @InkwellMedia
      @InkwellMedia 13 днів тому

      Thank you very much! I hope you found the video helpful.

  • @rosalvabooksllc354
    @rosalvabooksllc354 15 днів тому

    Jack London was a brilliant writer. That helps!

  • @InkwellMedia
    @InkwellMedia 16 днів тому

    Which is your favorite writing exercise from the video? If you're looking for more inspiration, be sure to subscribe to my free newsletter, The Inkwell, where I share more resources about writing and creativity: nicolebianchi.com/newsletter/

    • @Bobbie-jv
      @Bobbie-jv 16 днів тому

      You make such amazing content. I learnt so much, i don't know which is my favourite. TYSM

    • @InkwellMedia
      @InkwellMedia 15 днів тому

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!

  • @julesanderson5802
    @julesanderson5802 18 днів тому

    What a crazy way to get advice tracking down a writer showing up to their house then going on a boat with them is wild

  • @TheLobstersoup
    @TheLobstersoup 24 дні тому

    You have to wonder why Samuelson never wrote anything except a memoir. If those rules didn't help him back then, they are not gonna help us now. I think writing can be learned, but then it isn't good. The only thing that matters is to write.

  • @stevensandersauthor
    @stevensandersauthor 26 днів тому

    Princess Leia, the damsel in distress who represents resistance to the Empire that Luke must eventually face.

  • @stevensandersauthor
    @stevensandersauthor 26 днів тому

    Excellent

  • @bickneller
    @bickneller 27 днів тому

    I'm trying to empathize with the impulse to put music in videos like this, but it's a struggle

  • @billyb4790
    @billyb4790 Місяць тому

    Most successful people don’t know how they got successful. Just do it. Write and read a lot.

  • @D.Verdad
    @D.Verdad Місяць тому

    You are doing an amazing job! Keep on going and thank you for your effort, it's really appreciate it as a writer that has experience many of what him experienced. 🙏🏽

  • @sephardicflavors
    @sephardicflavors Місяць тому

    I love your explanation ❤

  • @Atom.Storm.
    @Atom.Storm. Місяць тому

    So a two step exercise then.

  • @Jack-un5im
    @Jack-un5im Місяць тому

    Damn you cute, i like your aura

  • @patrickdaly3628
    @patrickdaly3628 Місяць тому

    Step one has to be "be drunk" right?

  • @mellow-jello
    @mellow-jello Місяць тому

    Mind you Ernest harbored some jealousy towards other writers, and never every piece of advice was useful. If you look at more of his works and biographies, you will notice he did not stick to his own advice. In fact, he pented up some personal malignancy toward F.S. Fitzgerald, a fellow American friend he met in Paris, when his works were highly acclaimed, and higher literary than his. Only after FS died, did he take back some words said about him.

  • @philopolymath
    @philopolymath Місяць тому

    Lifting a glass to his mouth before and after each word gave great strength.

  • @shamsheerg7519
    @shamsheerg7519 Місяць тому

    Step 4... get a drink

  • @moviemelody2210
    @moviemelody2210 Місяць тому

    *Question:* could I start my book with my MC’s brother getting thrown in jail and then have the inciting incident be later that night when my MC finds his cell empty and here’s music playing?

  • @markokuk327
    @markokuk327 Місяць тому

    God bless you for this inspiring presentation. Thank you

  • @keithrochford1954
    @keithrochford1954 Місяць тому

    Really great video. Thank you!

  • @LadyBug-fs8gz
    @LadyBug-fs8gz Місяць тому

    I’m so glad to see someone honoring a great writer like Jack London. I read all of his books in Junior High. I can still feel the emotion that flooded my being as I read his stories.

  • @renatajd7758
    @renatajd7758 Місяць тому

    Oh this voice of naive. ...what could go wrong?

  • @whippet71
    @whippet71 Місяць тому

    excellent

  • @musically3626
    @musically3626 Місяць тому

    Love it.❤

  • @rickallanolsen
    @rickallanolsen Місяць тому

    I've never cared for Hemingway's writing. I've always thought it was boring.

  • @garethernst
    @garethernst Місяць тому

    These good writing lessons apply equally well for artists and drawing.

  • @poonamdinshaw5873
    @poonamdinshaw5873 Місяць тому

    What a perfect moment for this to have popped up.....just what my life needed...felt as though Ernest Hemingway was speaking with me thro you......ever so grateful to you for creating this to benefit many more who feel disillusioned & stuck.....the simplicity and earnestness in your voice to NOT GIVE UP was indeed refreshing...🙏🪔🌻✍️💖

  • @varund7
    @varund7 Місяць тому

    1. Sit down at a typewriter 2. Open a vein 3. ???

  • @kanicab007
    @kanicab007 2 місяці тому

    Thanks Nicole,love your content !

  • @cassinhacarvalho5015
    @cassinhacarvalho5015 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for your important video. I've 63. All my life I've reading books and thougt about write novels. I've a lot ideas. Let'z go ahead!

    • @nguyenvubui1258
      @nguyenvubui1258 Місяць тому

      Good for u mate. I and many would like to hear some update about your work at some day.

  • @netelinprj
    @netelinprj 2 місяці тому

    What a good video to watch and learn, thank you a lot!

  • @GaiaCarney
    @GaiaCarney 2 місяці тому

    Thanks!

  • @garyz-vs7hk
    @garyz-vs7hk 2 місяці тому

    I have adhd. My writing skills are subpar at best - it’s science. Irrefutable. Immutable.

    • @shanecusack8518
      @shanecusack8518 22 дні тому

      Your writing seems good to me my friend 😊

  • @Rocky.vs.
    @Rocky.vs. 2 місяці тому

    Thank you!

  • @SamElliottsStache
    @SamElliottsStache 2 місяці тому

    All aspiring writers need to adhere to these five rules. There are too many novels out there written with purple prose. He and E.B. White were so on point.

  • @Hexspa
    @Hexspa 2 місяці тому

    I can tell you right now that the hippie hand drum tippy tap sorry excuse for typing in the stock video clip at 7:31 makes me wish I was dead.

  • @dalejirschele1299
    @dalejirschele1299 2 місяці тому

    I am not attempting to be a contrarian, I just found it interesting that recently I have been reading "Reading Like A Writer" by Francine Prose. I believe she is the first person I've seen that questions the form of bad advice given young writers, that the author is to show not tell. "Needless to say, many great novelists combine 'dramatic' showing with long sections of the flat-out authorial narration that is, I guess what is meant by telling." I won't quote any more of her book here, but it's the first chapter called "Close Reading" and on page 25 of my copy. She says this after quoting a selection by Alice Munro that she notes does not follow this rule. The entire piece is nuanced and I believe worth reading, this work by Francine Prose has become my favorite book on writing/reading. Thanks for the opportunity to comment, have a good day, cheers!

  • @avi2125
    @avi2125 2 місяці тому

    'As a writer you should not judge...?" I don't get it...one cannot have an opinion?

  • @sitrakaforler8696
    @sitrakaforler8696 2 місяці тому

    Really thank you ! it was a great video !

  • @Ean_j
    @Ean_j 2 місяці тому

    He has his ways with words that it gives you a tingly feeling when you read his works 🥴

  • @just_that_average_joe
    @just_that_average_joe 2 місяці тому

    Today I learned Hemingway had some really defined calf muscles 1:04

  • @orvilleraposo7760
    @orvilleraposo7760 2 місяці тому

    Thanks

  • @kelleyriha9414
    @kelleyriha9414 2 місяці тому

    So great to hear Hemingway 's advice