I would just like to let you know how right you are about reading and writing. I started writing a story in 5th grade and in that year I read like, 30 books. I revisited the story in 6th grade, 45 books later, and my writing had improved and I thank the books. (Yes, most of the books were 200 pages or so and, you know, at a 6th grade level other than the Harry Potter series but they improved the writing a lot. :P)
I want to learn to write like you. What I mean is, I usually write fantasy novels, but I would like to write a realistic fiction novels for young adults. I have read alot of them, but I just cannot write them. Any advice on how to change grears, so to speak? In advance,
DFTBA! P.S. If you could just comment on my channel with the advice, that would be great.
Not that you need to give me advice, just if you are, that is where you should put it. Or else make a video so that other writers can see.
Geez, even Colin had Katherine Mutsenberger's phone number. What if John actually was the dumper in his reltaionship with Tiffany? Woahhhhh..... Katherine-ception...
@ephemerastrings hahaha! You legend! If you can write a novel like that then I'll...well you'll be one of the most awesome people I have ever spoken too! Albeit..over the internet...STILL!
Congrats on finding Tiffany I would like to find Jennifer from Hawaii who moved when I was five. Best buddies and first heartache and a foreshadowing for more.
I quite liked the elf story xD I mean, an elf appeared and it's the least important thing in the story, if that is not innovative hten I don't know what is. John, you were a visionary.
for those more recent posters, read through all comments, control F to find tiffany in comments. someone that used to be a counselor posted to him to email them about it.
Hank and John, Eagle's Nest Foundation (the camp and the Outdoor Academy) have absolutely changed my life. Through Eagle's Nest I really came into myself as a person, and myself as who I WANT to be. Eagle's Nest has brought me endless amounts of joy and friendship, and I truly believe that it has shaped me more than my parents or peers ever could. Knowing that it is also part of Nerdfighteria really helps me know I've found my place. Thank you for that.
@robrox0009 Everyone started calling the camp that John went to in an attempt to find Tiffany, but no one could actually get an answer seeing how a camp isn't going to randomly give out information about a kid who went to the camp twentyish years ago. So I think that might have been why he told everyone to stop searching, but maybe someone actually found her. If so, I don't think we heard about it, although I might be wrong.
"I really think that reading is just as important as writing when you're trying to be a writer because it's the only apprenticeship we have ---the only way of learning HOW to write a story." -John Green
My first book was CATDOG hot day, and at five years old, it was about a dog and cat taking a magical jeep to the desert so they can kill eveil cactuses and dance with the tahota indians. go nerdy kids!
halfway through this video, i emailed my friend tiffany: TIFF!! urgent. do you like horses? how old are you? i stopped counting a while back. did you date a nerdfighter ten year old at some summer camp in 1887?
When I was small I wrote fanfiction about Spyro the Dragon, Rayman, Neopets and Warriors (by Erin Hunter). I don't recall the very first story. Thank you for bringing up those memories.
Has been an Equestrian Life Member since November 29, 2008, lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and considers herself a Junior in the English discipline of Hunter / Jumper. She also rides Western Dressage and Pleasure and Trail. Tiffany owns 1 horses: Tuxedo Man.
the thing about reading improving your writing is SO true. :) i used to read all the time when i was little and although sadly i don't too much anymore, i have a great feel for writing.
for nanowrimo i am writing a story about a guy hating a fox, aguring with an apple tree, getting a turtle, his favorite animel being a rabbit, and him ending up being lonely because everyone hates him. it will work out some how...
I wrote my first story when I was six. Surprisingly enough, it actually constitutes as a story. It's called "The Bunny that Was Sad." It's about this bunny that couldn't jump, and it was sad. Then on its birthday, it received this box, which when he opened it, he could jump. My stories now are a lot better, but I am rather proud of that one.
"If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy."
The psychology student in my head is attempting to analyze your great mini book. She's also wondering why you said that in the end you were alone while in the book, its the turtle who is left alone. Are you the turtle, John? Do you want to hide in a shell? I sure love the psychology student in my head.
When I was seven, i wrote a story called "Bummy Matt and Bummy Samantha Fall in Love". As I suppose you can tell from the title, it was a story entirely about two star-crossed butts.
Well, actually, there is a book involving a character not liking foxes in a violent way during the beginning and, in the end, very few people like her. That character's name is Bellatrix Lestrange and the title of that book is "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince". Not that this is a negative comment in any way, I just thought that was an odd connection to your narrative.
I'm writing a book that I hope might maybe get published someday and it is basicly all of the weird thoughts inside my head jumbled up and straitened out into a story. How can I make it for the reader instead of me?
The comment that began at 3:05 about reading being the only apprenticeship for writers has just made it into two of my writing assignments. Just thought you should know.
Oh gosh, you reminded me of when I used to write books as a kid...>.>
One was about a princess. It was a blatant Disney rip-off. My teacher stamped it.
One was about a penguin who wanted to catch the biggest fish in the sea. Then I saw The Little Mermaid and decided a mermaid and a sea witch had to be involved.
D: I was doing so well forgetting those. I think my mum still has them in a box somewhere...I am loath to touch them because I'll probably get really embarrassed...
John... i think that second story, about the bunny, is entitled "If I Could." You probably didn't make the title outstanding because.. you were seven.
It's 2 in the morning and I was laughing uncontrollably the entire time...and I was trying to do it silently so I wouldn't wake up my parents...my eyes were really wide and everything
I believe one of the reasons John's videos are so riveting (besides the puff) is the intensity with which he speaks, cleverly varied by a deadpan monotone which functions as witty asides to his own commentary. And, yes, there is also the ELF.
Stephanie Meyers always said you writes the books for herself. I think its a bit selfish (Im still mad at her for Midnight Sun) but it got her a whole lot of sales. But you said to write for other people? So...can you write for yourself or not?
I would say it's a combination. You write the book you want to read, the story you want to tell - but i you want readers, and want to serve the story rather than just your id, than you also write for the reader and try to write a quality book. Meyer's work is fun, but on a literary level it's well below John's.
John, I know the chances of you reading this comment now are virtually none, but I would like to say this anyway:
Writing for your readers, rather than for yourself, is not always the best idea.
Why more elf, anyway? The story wasn't about the elf. It was about your relationship with your mother. While a story about an elf has quite a bit of potential, it's not YOUR story, and it's not what you were trying to say. Write for yourself, and let the reader come along for the ride.
I love rainbows too. (Remember the 80s shirts with the rainbow going up one arm, across the chest & down the other arm. Loved that shirt.) Alas I no longer feel comfortable wearing them for fear of someone thinking I'm gay. *sigh*
The importance of reading as a writer cannot be over-emphasised, really. It's how I learnt grammar; it's how I learnt style. And it's what fills my imagination up with words again when it runs dry.
You know what I love? That both you and Hank are living my dream. That is, you are doing what you like to do("career"-wise). And you travel a whole heck of a lot while doing it. That is my current ultimate goal. Not to mention that you formed this great community of nerds that I thank you immensely for. I love the little project opportunities.
Though I have to echo the others who said that I wished I were around when y'all were actually doing the scavenger hunt.
You seem to have a love for Cute with Chris. I don't know if you do anymore, but I've heard you reference him at least 4 times since the beginning of your videos. I like him too :D
I agree that reading is the most important part of being a writer. How can we understand writing if we haven't read the successes of those who have come before us?
Whne I was in elementary school, I had, as a girl, and unhealthy obsession with stories about spys, magic, and bikes. I once wrote a story in which the girl (I'm fairly certain that she was supposed to be me) found a button attactched to the seat od the bike and when she pushed it, a girl magically appeared and said that she was a spy and the the girl was now a spy too. Yeah, I managed to merge all of those unhealthy obsessions into one crappy, notecard-sized story.
Despite how old this video is, I feel the need to say this...
I once wrote a story (in second grade) about a leprechaun that stole everyone's joy. I was Kaitlyn the Detective and, along with my nameless sidekick, found the leprechaun's gold before sunset, as was the requirements in order to get him to give everyone's joy back.
they never let us write in my elementary school. we copied other people's stories in little books we had, i think it was meant to improve our penmanship. but i still have handwriting like a 2nd grader, you FAIL school system.
i just saw a really adorable poem that my uncle wrote at age...7ish about how he had a dream he could pick his parents and ended up picking the ones he already had.
It makes me kind of sad that all of John's childhood stories are about no one liking him.
mthsbandrocks 2 days ago
I now want to write a book that begins with hating foxes and ends with no one liking me. Next NaNoWriMo?
faye4815 2 weeks ago
I would just like to let you know how right you are about reading and writing. I started writing a story in 5th grade and in that year I read like, 30 books. I revisited the story in 6th grade, 45 books later, and my writing had improved and I thank the books. (Yes, most of the books were 200 pages or so and, you know, at a 6th grade level other than the Harry Potter series but they improved the writing a lot. :P)
219kenzie 2 weeks ago
I want to learn to write like you. What I mean is, I usually write fantasy novels, but I would like to write a realistic fiction novels for young adults. I have read alot of them, but I just cannot write them. Any advice on how to change grears, so to speak? In advance,
DFTBA! P.S. If you could just comment on my channel with the advice, that would be great.
Not that you need to give me advice, just if you are, that is where you should put it. Or else make a video so that other writers can see.
andyanderson100 2 weeks ago
That fox story NEEDS to be published.
JaguarRawr 3 weeks ago
Hello, I'm Haley With-No-Last-Name. Perhaps you knew my sister Tiffany?
HaleJayRo 3 weeks ago in playlist Nanowrimo
A quarter has 119 grooves on its edge, a dime has one less groove.
dftbawolf 4 weeks ago in playlist More videos from vlogbrothers
u have to wonder about what my writing says about what books i've read... o.O
ZebraDog7 1 month ago
Was Tiffany With No Last Name ever found?
lyricalpraise 1 month ago
@lyricalpraise yes
callan351 4 weeks ago in playlist More videos from vlogbrothers
@callan351 really? how? was it in a video?
georgia34279 3 weeks ago
@callan351 Is it mentioned in a video? Which one?
klaytonrocks 4 days ago in playlist More videos from vlogbrothers
I don't know about you guys, but I really liked the rabbit story...
RebeccaC68 1 month ago in playlist Uploaded videos 8
Any interest is illustrating your next book?! You obviously had an early penchant for that!
ScullycommaKristen 1 month ago
Didn't read the other comments before I posted, now I'm one of those re-post idiots. =(
OhLookItsLizzie 1 month ago
"The beginning shouldn't include you hating foxes and the end shouldn't involve no one liking you"? Challenge accepted!
OhLookItsLizzie 1 month ago
So glad you said Button and not Butt...
JonnyIsWise 1 month ago
I'm writing a novel I've been writing it for a couple of months... I'm only 17 pages in is that normal for a young writer?
theCRAZYtwizzler 1 month ago
how is "tiffany's horse says 'everyone is special'" not running nerdifighter joke?
SrRhymesWithOrange 2 months ago in playlist More videos from vlogbrothers 2
Geez, even Colin had Katherine Mutsenberger's phone number. What if John actually was the dumper in his reltaionship with Tiffany? Woahhhhh..... Katherine-ception...
LMNOP1214 2 months ago
"the beginning shouldn't invlove hating foxes and the end shouldn't involve no-one likeing you"
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
ephemerastrings 2 months ago
@ephemerastrings hahaha! You legend! If you can write a novel like that then I'll...well you'll be one of the most awesome people I have ever spoken too! Albeit..over the internet...STILL!
Ah if only you were to actually do this :/
EP2504 1 month ago
I wish i could find my friend with no last name who moved to florida when i was in fifth grade :'D Lucky John
hinata4312 2 months ago
omg, john, the bunny story, that was actually quite good for a one sentance story
now i should realy go back to writting my nanowrimo
TheHannaFactor 2 months ago 2
Did we ever find Tiffany?
theekaypea 2 months ago 2
the title of the second story is "if i could"
jackmillar321 3 months ago
@jackmillar321 yes :)
dannerzme 3 months ago in playlist More videos from vlogbrothers
"That's not much to go on." "That's nothing to go on." that was what i thought for at 1:30 (or around it)
pokecrazygal 3 months ago
I am very tempted to try and write a story that begins with hating foxes and ends with no one liking me...
natzau 3 months ago 10
Congrats on finding Tiffany I would like to find Jennifer from Hawaii who moved when I was five. Best buddies and first heartache and a foreshadowing for more.
GentlePoet1984 3 months ago
Lying and fiction there is a real connection thanks for the connection. Great short story storming in my brain
GentlePoet1984 3 months ago
I too was once an 8-year old pathological liar. Nowadays, I prefer writing stories. There must be a connection here.
Rinnumuru 3 months ago
I quite liked the elf story xD I mean, an elf appeared and it's the least important thing in the story, if that is not innovative hten I don't know what is. John, you were a visionary.
Nayra92 3 months ago
"If I could be a noisy bunny... well, I'd just hop and skip along."
That's deep, bro.
TheFlameingBurito 4 months ago 6
My name is Tiffany. Too bad I'm 19 and not some 30ish year old woman who once dated John Green.
tbgiglibuni 4 months ago
for those more recent posters, read through all comments, control F to find tiffany in comments. someone that used to be a counselor posted to him to email them about it.
faerie1987 4 months ago
Hank and John, Eagle's Nest Foundation (the camp and the Outdoor Academy) have absolutely changed my life. Through Eagle's Nest I really came into myself as a person, and myself as who I WANT to be. Eagle's Nest has brought me endless amounts of joy and friendship, and I truly believe that it has shaped me more than my parents or peers ever could. Knowing that it is also part of Nerdfighteria really helps me know I've found my place. Thank you for that.
P.S. Do you remember your tribes?
TheMidnightSymphony 4 months ago
@robrox0009 Everyone started calling the camp that John went to in an attempt to find Tiffany, but no one could actually get an answer seeing how a camp isn't going to randomly give out information about a kid who went to the camp twentyish years ago. So I think that might have been why he told everyone to stop searching, but maybe someone actually found her. If so, I don't think we heard about it, although I might be wrong.
applesandparachutes 4 months ago
After watching John's videos, my writing has inexplicably gotten better overnight. It's magic.
MadameBerry 5 months ago 6
"Give me MORE ELF!!!"
Yes, we all need a little more elf in our lives!
DFTBA
gulp3sif 5 months ago 5
"I really think that reading is just as important as writing when you're trying to be a writer because it's the only apprenticeship we have ---the only way of learning HOW to write a story." -John Green
FINALLY! SOMEBODY WHO UNDERSTANDS!
bakerclara22 5 months ago 80
We need more elfbell.
IsGoingMadd 5 months ago
We probably saw John blinking more in this video than in every other one of his videos combined. =)
NanaV73 5 months ago
Am I the only one who finds the noisy bunny story incredibly profound?
SarahCuda14 6 months ago 11
My first book was CATDOG hot day, and at five years old, it was about a dog and cat taking a magical jeep to the desert so they can kill eveil cactuses and dance with the tahota indians. go nerdy kids!
randobanana 6 months ago
halfway through this video, i emailed my friend tiffany: TIFF!! urgent. do you like horses? how old are you? i stopped counting a while back. did you date a nerdfighter ten year old at some summer camp in 1887?
-
yeah. 1887.
randobanana 6 months ago
When I was small I wrote fanfiction about Spyro the Dragon, Rayman, Neopets and Warriors (by Erin Hunter). I don't recall the very first story. Thank you for bringing up those memories.
MiracleofaSong 6 months ago
@MiracleofaSong the warriors were amazing 8D
ircuteskitty 6 months ago
i think the title is "if i could"
strickerman101 6 months ago
Tiffany Andrews
Has been an Equestrian Life Member since November 29, 2008, lives in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and considers herself a Junior in the English discipline of Hunter / Jumper. She also rides Western Dressage and Pleasure and Trail. Tiffany owns 1 horses: Tuxedo Man.
IMCRAZIER2THEMAX 6 months ago
As a writer, this is helpful, as a reader, just damn funny. Stephanie Meyer needs to take from this playbook
booriley781 7 months ago
those stories were fantastic.
Martheworld 7 months ago
WHAT HAPPENED?! You said you there was no need to search for her anymore, so was she found or what?
SweetheartMorada 7 months ago 7
"i was a humble child." LOL.
the thing about reading improving your writing is SO true. :) i used to read all the time when i was little and although sadly i don't too much anymore, i have a great feel for writing.
Ravenclaw797 7 months ago
for nanowrimo i am writing a story about a guy hating a fox, aguring with an apple tree, getting a turtle, his favorite animel being a rabbit, and him ending up being lonely because everyone hates him. it will work out some how...
TheNevershoutmary 7 months ago 3
I wrote my first story when I was six. Surprisingly enough, it actually constitutes as a story. It's called "The Bunny that Was Sad." It's about this bunny that couldn't jump, and it was sad. Then on its birthday, it received this box, which when he opened it, he could jump. My stories now are a lot better, but I am rather proud of that one.
ForgottenLoveLetter 7 months ago
@ForgottenLoveLetter I am ashamed in myself. When rereading this, I realize it is called "The RABBIT that Was Sad."
ForgottenLoveLetter 7 months ago
the elf story reminds me of a story i read when i was little called "Not now Bernard!" i recommend it
(p.s. i read it the other week as research and it still made me chuckle)
(p.p.s. the research was on illustrations)
(p.p.p.s i'm a budding illustrator)
Honohanewo 7 months ago
I am now re-editing my story. I am putting an elf in there somewhere. DFTBA
LyssieTheRamenQueen 8 months ago
John, I really like you but you should get someone else to illustrate your books in the future.
TheNeiraaa 8 months ago
But John, why do you hate Takumi?
razetora 8 months ago
LOL if i could be a noisy bunny
singlexfilexisxlove 8 months ago
I loved that Elf story!
Popping out of a Button? He knows how to make an entrance!
emilycaroline9 8 months ago
"What is it?"
I had to laugh hysterically!
ultamatefrogmaster 9 months ago 2
"I was a humble child."
~John Green
WhirledSol 9 months ago 168
"If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy."
— Dorothy Parker
EmmyBea 9 months ago 7
I don't know what your talking about. those stories were GREAT.
TokedStokedMusic 10 months ago 2
Did we find Tiffany? Because my teachers name is Tiffany...
LindseysBackyardLive 10 months ago
it's weird how john began every sentence with hank.
"what the eff is hank?"
hank is a word marking the beginning a sentence, an alternate means to the same effect of a period.
sadtoot 10 months ago 8
Did anyone find out Tiffany's last name? If so...video link please?
IamSplishSplashStyle 10 months ago 2
So...did he find Tiffany?
alicia0950 10 months ago 2
Yes. Nobody liked you in the end because you don't like foxes. Foxes are the BEST. They are not ugly... :(
I mean, have you ever seen a fennec fox? ADORABLE.
Bamberellala 11 months ago 2
I GO TO EAGLE'S NEST CAMP JOHN GREEN THIS IS SO EXCITING
TheMidnightSymphony 11 months ago 3
This was the video that converted me.
FRAYEDjade 11 months ago
The base of my NaNoWriMo novel was defying this video.
hellohorcrux 1 year ago
It made me very happy to see the update in the description.
As a side note about young aspiring writers, google "reasoning with vampires," It is funny, accurate, and it helps.
aquadrop25 1 year ago
1. "My great mini book is wonderful amazing in your pants"
2. "John's stories in your pants", or: "What can I say, I like rainbows in your pants!!!
ravashi13 1 year ago
Was Tiffany ever found?
thepaperhatpeople 1 year ago 6
@thepaperhatpeople Indeed she was. They briefly talk about it in the next couple of videos.
frustratingwriter 11 months ago
@frustratingwriter Thanks :]
thepaperhatpeople 11 months ago
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE.
ZodiacAirplane 1 year ago
twilight could definitely use more elf.
lovebug26m 1 year ago 5
The psychology student in my head is attempting to analyze your great mini book. She's also wondering why you said that in the end you were alone while in the book, its the turtle who is left alone. Are you the turtle, John? Do you want to hide in a shell? I sure love the psychology student in my head.
meltyourheadaches326 1 year ago 6
the second on a should be titled "If I could"
EmmaLuffsYou 1 year ago
read a lot and more elf are my two favorite bits of advice. ever
JediCoati 1 year ago 2
He blinks an awful lot in this video! Much more than normal.
elphiesea 1 year ago
A handsome reward...hmmmm...is it Charlieissocoollike? Heel yeah, I'm tracking down that girl!
aFreakySmile 1 year ago 8
1987...damn I wasn't even born LOL.
Vetauriel88 1 year ago
"My Great Mini-Book It's Wonderful Amazing"
I love John. Publish that book, I'll buy every copy :D
TehBonar 1 year ago 2
I paused the video at 0:14 to read the description, and when I looked back at it I was scared out of my MIND.
EYELIDS!!!!
TheWarnerSister 1 year ago
Let's see... How do I fit hating foxes and someone hating my protagonist into my story?
Chocohall 1 year ago
@Chocohall my thought exactly. That will be the beginning and end of my NaNoWriMo Novel next year :)
TurnDownTheAC 1 year ago
lollllllllllll funny
simirkhan 1 year ago
OMG PUFF LEVELS WERE SO HIGH HE BLINKED!!!
2:30
2:50
2:58 - 3:03
3:08
3:10
AH SO MANY BLINKS!!!
JessieLightyear 1 year ago 2
Tiffany's horse says: "Everybody's special." I laughed way more than I should have.
pepsicola1295 1 year ago
did you win her heart by trowing yourself in front of her at archery?
Bosoxgalaxy 1 year ago 2
Every time I button my shirt, imagine an elf popping out of my button. I watched this video 2 years ago.
What a memorable story!
krimzonvillain 1 year ago 9
This has been flagged as spam show
Every time I button my shirt, I imagine an elf popping out of my button. What a memorable story!
krimzonvillain 1 year ago
Comment removed
krimzonvillain 1 year ago
In my NaNoWriMo i am going to include more elf.
tabbykatification 1 year ago 12
ShitShitShitShit.
YOU BLINKED @ 2:52!!!!!!!!!!!
iambendickerson 1 year ago 3
Noisy bunny? O.o lol xD
nathan13x 1 year ago
My story was "Let's just call her Space Girl!"
JamieIsHyper 1 year ago
"my great mini book; it's wonderful amazing"
title of your next novel.
ryorkie33 1 year ago 7
The "secret brother Alex" isn't by any chance Alex Day, the nerimon?
HaraldNordbo 1 year ago
read alot but give me more elf lmao thats awsome
sprinkelsinschool 1 year ago
When I was seven, i wrote a story called "Bummy Matt and Bummy Samantha Fall in Love". As I suppose you can tell from the title, it was a story entirely about two star-crossed butts.
I had a strange childhood.
empiricistmee 1 year ago
Well, actually, there is a book involving a character not liking foxes in a violent way during the beginning and, in the end, very few people like her. That character's name is Bellatrix Lestrange and the title of that book is "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince". Not that this is a negative comment in any way, I just thought that was an odd connection to your narrative.
Andafaith 1 year ago 24
I wrote a book in elementary school called Polar Bear goes to the moon. I wonder where that went...
Foxes are cute! But I love rabbits too. I have a rabbit. She's and awesome rabbit. Her name is actually Alaska.
Yeah, I've learned a lot about writing books from reading books. Like what sucks and what's great.
ferngirltlc 1 year ago
I REALLY miss this intro :( Hearing it makes me super happy. nostalgia!!
BriIsTheFinestCheese 1 year ago
What happened with Tiffany, John?
colourfulwithaU 1 year ago 3
Give me more elf!
mhollenbach94 1 year ago
This Tiffany sounds suspiciously like Katherine III
CitizenofPanem 1 year ago 2
hahahaha ''i was a humble child'' =]
superhotpink17 1 year ago
TELL US WHY RIGHT BY TIFFANY IT SAYS CABIN STUD #1! Nerdfighteria wants to know!
hannamayh 1 year ago
Stephenie Meyer needs to watch this video.
ToyletGnome 1 year ago 445
@ToyletGnome tru dat
FunnySun10 1 year ago
@ToyletGnome Her books sure could use more elf and less sparkly vampire.
RawrFunkyLlama8 1 year ago 4
@ToyletGnome True. Twilight could have used more elves.
WennIchTanzenWill 1 year ago
I'm writing a book that I hope might maybe get published someday and it is basicly all of the weird thoughts inside my head jumbled up and straitened out into a story. How can I make it for the reader instead of me?
nickybcrazy97 1 year ago
Get an editor.
QueenBoadicea 1 year ago
The comment that began at 3:05 about reading being the only apprenticeship for writers has just made it into two of my writing assignments. Just thought you should know.
NiveditaVidula 1 year ago
Oh gosh, you reminded me of when I used to write books as a kid...>.>
One was about a princess. It was a blatant Disney rip-off. My teacher stamped it.
One was about a penguin who wanted to catch the biggest fish in the sea. Then I saw The Little Mermaid and decided a mermaid and a sea witch had to be involved.
D: I was doing so well forgetting those. I think my mum still has them in a box somewhere...I am loath to touch them because I'll probably get really embarrassed...
snowfishe 1 year ago
I liked rainbows in elementary school too. I love "John's Stories."
Throughout all of your videos on writing, I love all of your advice. It is all very good.
eragonlover1 2 years ago
John... i think that second story, about the bunny, is entitled "If I Could." You probably didn't make the title outstanding because.. you were seven.
porcupine179 2 years ago 3
It's 2 in the morning and I was laughing uncontrollably the entire time...and I was trying to do it silently so I wouldn't wake up my parents...my eyes were really wide and everything
Just sayin'
Mariswimmer7 2 years ago
I think I'll write a book that stars with the protagonist hating foxes, and ends with no one liking him. Just because John said not to...
LetTheDreamBegin 2 years ago 347
PLEASE tell me once you get it published!!! :D
snowfishe 1 year ago
@LetTheDreamBegin Do it!!!! Pleaseeee! XD
lemonice2700 11 months ago
@LetTheDreamBegin way'ta rebel, nerdfighter style
dftba
JilleyWillyNilly 11 months ago
@LetTheDreamBegin How's that book going? :)
FrenchTheLlama1 10 months ago
I believe one of the reasons John's videos are so riveting (besides the puff) is the intensity with which he speaks, cleverly varied by a deadpan monotone which functions as witty asides to his own commentary. And, yes, there is also the ELF.
QueenBoadicea 2 years ago 4
ha ha that book was hilarious. Good advice for book writing.
whydizz 2 years ago
can your next story be about an elf?
gdespain 2 years ago
I agree, John. Give me more elf!!! not even just in that short story you wrote when you were eight. Just give me more elves in general. :P
KingKangaroo3454 2 years ago
Stephanie Meyers always said you writes the books for herself. I think its a bit selfish (Im still mad at her for Midnight Sun) but it got her a whole lot of sales. But you said to write for other people? So...can you write for yourself or not?
ElleAri94 2 years ago
I would say it's a combination. You write the book you want to read, the story you want to tell - but i you want readers, and want to serve the story rather than just your id, than you also write for the reader and try to write a quality book. Meyer's work is fun, but on a literary level it's well below John's.
Lokifan13 2 years ago 3
Did he ever find surnameless tiffany??
cafegirl1995 2 years ago
I've been a nerdfighter for a very long time, but only now am I finally about to finish watching all the B20 videos.
AND FINALLY I have discovered the origin of "NO ELF"
Thank god.
also, you're adorable. :)
kira902k 2 years ago 2
Woaw , your 8th year old books are genius. Good job :D
cayrano 2 years ago
But my mom said: 'No.' Hilarious :D
ranDomdancing 2 years ago 2
alex day? im confused
camro55 2 years ago
"I was a humble child" XD
katharinethequene 2 years ago
John, I know the chances of you reading this comment now are virtually none, but I would like to say this anyway:
Writing for your readers, rather than for yourself, is not always the best idea.
Why more elf, anyway? The story wasn't about the elf. It was about your relationship with your mother. While a story about an elf has quite a bit of potential, it's not YOUR story, and it's not what you were trying to say. Write for yourself, and let the reader come along for the ride.
monasconfidante 2 years ago
The part about being a pathological liar slays me. Maybe my 8 year old should watch this...
gothhicgoddess 2 years ago
hahahaha.
a) you are hilarious
b) i absolutely agree with you about the difficulty of escaping nostalgic longing to remember our childhood amigos
c) i have JUST come upon this video and I have to say.... it's one of those hidden gems we youtubers all too quickly fail to
to realize still DO exist amidst this unending sea of streaming videos.
krvillanueva 2 years ago 2
I love rainbows too. (Remember the 80s shirts with the rainbow going up one arm, across the chest & down the other arm. Loved that shirt.) Alas I no longer feel comfortable wearing them for fear of someone thinking I'm gay. *sigh*
ohowsherocks 2 years ago
part of my English class in second grade was writing original stories we got to illustrate and share with my teacher and peers.
i was seven when i used the sentence: her eyes turned into a sparkling light whenever she looked at us.
john, you inspired me to go find my stories from my childhood, and i did [after an hour]!!!! thank you!!!
*happy dances* NERDFIGHTERS!
writerAngel7 2 years ago
same quesstion. i hope u found her!
theshmoofiles 2 years ago
UPDATE: THERE IS NO LONGER A NEED TO SEARCH FOR TIFFANY!<--------does that mean you found her?
lindsaylou04 2 years ago 7
The importance of reading as a writer cannot be over-emphasised, really. It's how I learnt grammar; it's how I learnt style. And it's what fills my imagination up with words again when it runs dry.
And a little bit more elf never hurt, either.
Katiefoolery 2 years ago
You know what I love? That both you and Hank are living my dream. That is, you are doing what you like to do("career"-wise). And you travel a whole heck of a lot while doing it. That is my current ultimate goal. Not to mention that you formed this great community of nerds that I thank you immensely for. I love the little project opportunities.
Though I have to echo the others who said that I wished I were around when y'all were actually doing the scavenger hunt.
4windchimes 2 years ago
You seem to have a love for Cute with Chris. I don't know if you do anymore, but I've heard you reference him at least 4 times since the beginning of your videos. I like him too :D
Did you ever find Tiffany?
cookie4monster4 2 years ago 2
He found her! (Infobox)
katharinethequene 2 years ago
HOW?!
shannongurl992 2 years ago
I agree that reading is the most important part of being a writer. How can we understand writing if we haven't read the successes of those who have come before us?
senorsqueakydesk 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Most annoying and boring person Ive seen on youtube for a long long time.
andysnadden 2 years ago
Whne I was in elementary school, I had, as a girl, and unhealthy obsession with stories about spys, magic, and bikes. I once wrote a story in which the girl (I'm fairly certain that she was supposed to be me) found a button attactched to the seat od the bike and when she pushed it, a girl magically appeared and said that she was a spy and the the girl was now a spy too. Yeah, I managed to merge all of those unhealthy obsessions into one crappy, notecard-sized story.
TearsBehindSmiles 2 years ago 2
You're really bloody jokes :-)
severusrocker 3 years ago 2
Despite how old this video is, I feel the need to say this...
I once wrote a story (in second grade) about a leprechaun that stole everyone's joy. I was Kaitlyn the Detective and, along with my nameless sidekick, found the leprechaun's gold before sunset, as was the requirements in order to get him to give everyone's joy back.
I was a literary genius.
caddishdame 3 years ago
This is so funny!
ILuvRobPattinson 3 years ago
Did you find her???
JFJHTJ 3 years ago 2
they never let us write in my elementary school. we copied other people's stories in little books we had, i think it was meant to improve our penmanship. but i still have handwriting like a 2nd grader, you FAIL school system.
sihamlovesyou2 3 years ago
I think my first book I ever wrote in elementary school was titled: "Chicken Fighters". Oh what a book.
DrieseRiese 3 years ago
i just saw a really adorable poem that my uncle wrote at age...7ish about how he had a dream he could pick his parents and ended up picking the ones he already had.
it was a massive party of cute.
even though he couldn't spell.
FreneticEnergy 3 years ago
Yes, reading is one of the most beneficial things to do for yourself if you want to be a writer.
I agree. MORE ELF!
I remember the stories I wrote in elementary school.
xLeavingxMyxMarkx 3 years ago
i think the title of the second story is "if i could"
xUmbrellaAcademyx 3 years ago
Why oh why did I watch this video at midnight? My laughter just awoke the entire house!!
Ravachu91 3 years ago
Comment 230:
An 8 year old pathalogical liar :D
DittoFreak 3 years ago
wait, did you find tiffany? what was her last name? i wanna know! haha
LizLaneProductions 3 years ago
i love your cutewithchris references, john. it makes me love you more, if that were possible.
splicegrrl 3 years ago
I think it's called "If I Could." Which actually sounds like it could be one of those cryptic poems like "The Red Wheelbarrow."
nerdfightersftw 3 years ago
I think a lot of writers could do good with this advice. More Elf!
somonel 3 years ago
I must say that your story about the bunny really made me think about what really matters in life.......hopping and skipping around.
havingfun4496 3 years ago
Aha. I had an affinity towards rainbows at that age too.
speede179 3 years ago
This was funny!! ^__^
DesertRoses 3 years ago
lol..."I was a humble child"...xD
cosmicchik 3 years ago 3