Words, Not Ideas: How to Write a Book | Mattie Bamman | TEDxSpokane

A professional writer who also coaches other writers, helps us find ways to dust off our manuscript and finish that masterpiece that’s been calling our name from under those piles of aspirations.

[devonboulden]

I finished my books and am about to start the next. I don't have a lot of accomplishments to be happy about, but I finished my books and that feels pretty good.

[runemrick]

"The first million words is just practice, " Stephen King.

[codacreator]

Writing isn't hard. Writing WELL is hard. The more you care about the outcome. the harder the process. And the more you learn about the number of possibilities of the the outcome, the harder the process.

[JunkyardSam]

This is a good quote from the talk: "I want to emphasize the importance of giving your book structure at the very beginning. Don't wait. Structure comes before voice and style because unless you're trying to imitate someone else you're going to sound like yourself. Don't worry about it." --- interestingly that applies to art as well as books. Perhaps all creative efforts...

[rpee]

This poor guy clearly has intense stage fright/is very nervous about public speaking. He did amazingly well to get through all of that and keep it together and coherent the entire time, despite how obviously nervous he was. His talk is actually really interesting, insightful and informative. Kudos to this guy! He did way better than I could have done!

[fierypickles]

This guy is simple, honest and to the point. He got through this talk despite the stutters and the icy crowd. Almost as if he were a metaphor for his own message, that we too can get through the hump. With a little structure, and as steven king once said, one word at a time

[courtneyriane]

As someone who’s tried to write for years this layed everything out so clearly. I focus too much on the idea and trying to find a voice that it just turns into a monster and gives me more anxiety then anything else. He does seem nervous but he handles it very well. This is a perfect example of someone facing their fears and growing to make the world a better place...meanwhile people on the internet making comments who have probably not done a single inspiring thing in their entire lives. This was a really good ted talk. :)

[bingerjiang]

Take home:
1. estimate the total word count (so that you know it's doable).
2. build a framework (so that it's more doable).
3. don't be too hard to yourself, just write.
4. don't worry about voice, you already have a voice.

[dlgm]

Superb talk. I moved from 2-day depressive block to inspiring outline for 10000 word crime fiction novella in 40 minutes after listening to this video. Realized afterwards that all my previous successful writing projects had been written this way. Brilliant.

[cyrushomes]

Wow, this lecture inspired me to write my first book. Proud to say I found a publisher, YouTube, to be exact. It's a short book of less than 40 words, and you are reading it now!

[psyce]

I've just written my first 10, 000 word of my book, what an amazing experience it's been so far, I love the whole process, never thought brainstorming was such a great think to do, just wanted to share that👍😊

[angeleceabbey]

I went to elementary school with Mattie, I remember that 12 yo kid. I see how you became the person you have. It’s very inspiring. I too am a writer. What a strange coincidence looking for old elementary school friends and I find this which is exactly what I needed to hear as a writer so thanks Mattie from the annoying girl in 5-6 grade that had a horrible crush. lmao. Thanks for sharing you insight wisdom I needed it.

[emilyemm]

No one laughed at any of his jokes. How awkward :-/ I enjoyed it.

[caedengoering]

This is by far the best video I've seen on writing a book. Especially a nonfiction one. Using this TEDx talk to write a book of my own.

[tazanddo]

Stacking words efficiently one by one into the book container, like stacking firewood efficiently in a woodshed, to last the whole the winter. What an amazing insight! Gratefulness to Mattie Bamman.

[naturallytuli]

smart jokes, easy delivery, amazing advice.

[vivianeb]

When you realize that your joke didn't get the reaction you wanted. 4:14
Don't fret, happens to the best of us.

[Urania]

Knowing your ending, helps, too. I agree about visualization; I've even drawn a picture of my books

[LuluFrance]

Kinda cool and geeky when a person snickers at their own jokes.... makes me laugh!  And I ended up watching this many times, got a lot out of it.  Seemed to pop up right at the time I was now it is flowing

[IrishYellow]

So in essence writing words bring your writing to life. The ideas come first then the words to describe it. The words expand your idea and bring your ideas to life. This is what he means by Words not ideas