Unlock Your Fiction Writing Potential

Do you want a career as an author? Do you want to know how to know how to sell 8 million copies of your books? Do you want to know how the New York Times bestselling authors do it? This channel is for writers who want to learn how to write better fiction, or simply want to take their book to the next level. I’m a New York Times bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries—after having 10 books rejected. I want to teach you EXACTLY how to write a compelling, believable, reader-favorite novel!

👱‍♀️ About Me: I’m Shirley Jump, a New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 87 books published in 24 countries. I’ve worked for most of the big 5 New York publishers and have self-published, so I’m a bit of a hybrid author. I’m currently writing for Harper Collins and Hachette, and working on a brand-new series with you guys on this channel. Literally writing the book with you all! Look for my how-to book, Writing Compelling Fiction, on Amazon.

🫤 How’d I Get Here? I wrote TEN books in 8 years before I sold my first one. I was rejected from pretty much everyone in the business, and even quit writing for a while because I was so disheartened. It hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns since that first sale, which is why I’m here to help you learn how to write a better book, so that you can avoid the tough-knocks road I took. So come write with me, and let’s write a better book!

💛 FREE RESOURCES 💛

Grab the FREE Highlighter Method of Learning to Plot, available in my community (which is also free): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/new-digital-download

Get your FREE printable Character Planning Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters

Wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to grab the FREE Complete Plot Plan Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan

🏫 COURSES AND CONSULTS 🏫

Writer’s Boot Camp! An all-new 12-week course taking you from start to finish in your book! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp

Learn to Write a Compelling Romance Novel! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/writing-compelling-romance

BUNDLE two courses in one and save 27%: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/bundles/boot-camp-and-romance

BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSION: Do you want in-depth feedback and developmental edits on your book? Then set up a private one-on-one coaching session with me! https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/live_events/shirley-one-on-one-coaching

📚 HOW-TO BOOKS AND WORKBOOKS 📚

📖 GET THE #1 BESTSELLING RESOURCE: THE WRITING COMPELLING FICTION BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC

Or the ALL-NEW Workbook and Planner! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4

📺 MUST-WATCH VIDEOS 📺

Watch me analyze a Scene from start to finish and Show you EVERYTHING you need to know about writing powerful Scenes! https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4?si=OtHMhE41g61S2dz9
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
Stop Wasting Your Time (and Heart) on Rejection: https://youtu.be/-W238P3Yx-8
Easy Tips to Show Not Tell: https://youtu.be/QS_XaSWXJEk

And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss anything! https://youtube.com/@WritingCompellingFiction/?sub_confirmation=1


If you want to become a writer that readers love, and write books that keep readers turning the pages long into the night, then hit subscribe and become part of the Writing Compelling Fiction community!

https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy

#writeyourfirstchapter #writebettercharacters #writeabook #howtowrite #howtowritebetter

18 2

Do you want a career as an author? Do you want to know how to know how to sell 8 million copies of your books? Do you want to know how the New York Times bestselling authors do it? This channel is for writers who want to learn how to write better fiction, or simply want to take their book to the next level. I’m a New York Times bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries—after having 10 books rejected. I want to teach you EXACTLY how to write a compelling, believable, reader-favorite novel!

👱‍♀️ About Me: I’m Shirley Jump, a New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 87 books published in 24 countries. I’ve worked for most of the big 5 New York publishers and have self-published, so I’m a bit of a hybrid author. I’m currently writing for Harper Collins and Hachette, and working on a brand-new series with you guys on this channel. Literally writing the book with you all! Look for my how-to book, Writing Compelling Fiction, on Amazon.

🫤 How’d I Get Here? I wrote TEN books in 8 years before I sold my first one. I was rejected from pretty much everyone in the business, and even quit writing for a while because I was so disheartened. It hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns since that first sale, which is why I’m here to help you learn how to write a better book, so that you can avoid the tough-knocks road I took. So come write with me, and let’s write a better book!

💛 FREE RESOURCES 💛

Grab the FREE Highlighter Method of Learning to Plot, available in my community (which is also free): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/new-digital-download

Get your FREE printable Character Planning Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters

Wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to grab the FREE Complete Plot Plan Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan

🏫 COURSES AND CONSULTS 🏫

Writer’s Boot Camp! An all-new 12-week course taking you from start to finish in your book! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp

Learn to Write a Compelling Romance Novel! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/writing-compelling-romance

BUNDLE two courses in one and save 27%: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/bundles/boot-camp-and-romance

BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSION: Do you want in-depth feedback and developmental edits on your book? Then set up a private one-on-one coaching session with me! https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/live_events/shirley-one-on-one-coaching

📚 HOW-TO BOOKS AND WORKBOOKS 📚

📖 GET THE #1 BESTSELLING RESOURCE: THE WRITING COMPELLING FICTION BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC

Or the ALL-NEW Workbook and Planner! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4

📺 MUST-WATCH VIDEOS 📺

Watch me analyze a Scene from start to finish and Show you EVERYTHING you need to know about writing powerful Scenes! https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4?si=OtHMhE41g61S2dz9
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
Stop Wasting Your Time (and Heart) on Rejection: https://youtu.be/-W238P3Yx-8
Easy Tips to Show Not Tell: https://youtu.be/QS_XaSWXJEk

And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss anything! https://youtube.com/@WritingCompellingFiction/?sub_confirmation=1


If you want to become a writer that readers love, and write books that keep readers turning the pages long into the night, then hit subscribe and become part of the Writing Compelling Fiction community!

https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy

#writeyourfirstchapter #writebettercharacters #writeabook #howtowrite #howtowritebetter

27 0

Do you want a career as an author? Do you want to know how to know how to sell 8 million copies of your books? Do you want to know how the New York Times bestselling authors do it? This channel is for writers who want to learn how to write better fiction, or simply want to take their book to the next level. I’m a New York Times bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries—after having 10 books rejected. I want to teach you EXACTLY how to write a compelling, believable, reader-favorite novel!

👱‍♀️ About Me: I’m Shirley Jump, a New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 87 books published in 24 countries. I’ve worked for most of the big 5 New York publishers and have self-published, so I’m a bit of a hybrid author. I’m currently writing for Harper Collins and Hachette, and working on a brand-new series with you guys on this channel. Literally writing the book with you all! Look for my how-to book, Writing Compelling Fiction, on Amazon.

🫤 How’d I Get Here? I wrote TEN books in 8 years before I sold my first one. I was rejected from pretty much everyone in the business, and even quit writing for a while because I was so disheartened. It hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns since that first sale, which is why I’m here to help you learn how to write a better book, so that you can avoid the tough-knocks road I took. So come write with me, and let’s write a better book!

💛 FREE RESOURCES 💛

Grab the FREE Highlighter Method of Learning to Plot, available in my community (which is also free): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/new-digital-download

Get your FREE printable Character Planning Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters

Wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to grab the FREE Complete Plot Plan Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan

🏫 COURSES AND CONSULTS 🏫

Writer’s Boot Camp! An all-new 12-week course taking you from start to finish in your book! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp

Learn to Write a Compelling Romance Novel! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/writing-compelling-romance

BUNDLE two courses in one and save 27%: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/bundles/boot-camp-and-romance

BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSION: Do you want in-depth feedback and developmental edits on your book? Then set up a private one-on-one coaching session with me! https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/live_events/shirley-one-on-one-coaching

📚 HOW-TO BOOKS AND WORKBOOKS 📚

📖 GET THE #1 BESTSELLING RESOURCE: THE WRITING COMPELLING FICTION BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC

Or the ALL-NEW Workbook and Planner! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4

📺 MUST-WATCH VIDEOS 📺

Watch me analyze a Scene from start to finish and Show you EVERYTHING you need to know about writing powerful Scenes! https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4?si=OtHMhE41g61S2dz9
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
Stop Wasting Your Time (and Heart) on Rejection: https://youtu.be/-W238P3Yx-8
Easy Tips to Show Not Tell: https://youtu.be/QS_XaSWXJEk

And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss anything! https://youtube.com/@WritingCompellingFiction/?sub_confirmation=1


If you want to become a writer that readers love, and write books that keep readers turning the pages long into the night, then hit subscribe and become part of the Writing Compelling Fiction community!

https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy

#writeyourfirstchapter #writebettercharacters #writeabook #howtowrite #howtowritebetter

46 2

Your book got rejected — or you got a one-star review — and you can't figure out why. I've been there. I'm Shirley Jump, a NYT, USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author with 8 million copies sold… but I had 10 books in 8 years that went nowhere first.

In this video I break down the 3 real reasons books get rejected (and how to fix each one):

1️⃣ Your book doesn't have a clear "shelf" — readers and the sales department can't tell who it's for.
2️⃣ The pages don't deliver on the promise — no emotional connection, no catharsis.
3️⃣ There's no urgent reason to read THIS book right now — you need a high concept, not just competent writing.

Rejection isn't a verdict on your talent. It's about the right book, right market, right time — and the parts you can control. Learn to spot the gaps, fix them, and write the kind of book readers can't put down.

▶️ Watch next — my CARE Method (step-by-step story fixes): https://youtu.be/vtg39FM0ElA?si=ypOdilyaIvRi8Hng

🔔 Subscribe for weekly craft + publishing truth

Chapters:
0:00 Rejected? You're not alone
0:36 Reason 1: What shelf does your book sit on?
2:02 Reason 2: Delivering on the promise
3:50 Reason 3: No urgency / high concept
5:10 Why rejection isn't about talent
6:17 What to do next
#writingtips #howtogetpublished #fictionwriting

💛 FREE RESOURCES 💛

Grab the FREE Highlighter Method of Learning to Plot, available in my community (which is also free): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/new-digital-download

Get your FREE printable Character Planning Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters

Wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to grab the FREE Complete Plot Plan Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan

🏫 COURSES AND CONSULTS 🏫

Writer’s Boot Camp! An all-new 12-week course taking you from start to finish in your book! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp

Learn to Write a Compelling Romance Novel! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/writing-compelling-romance

BUNDLE two courses in one and save 27%: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/bundles/boot-camp-and-romance

BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSION: Do you want in-depth feedback and developmental edits on your book? Then set up a private one-on-one coaching session with me! https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/live_events/shirley-one-on-one-coaching

📚 HOW-TO BOOKS AND WORKBOOKS 📚

📖 GET THE #1 BESTSELLING RESOURCE: THE WRITING COMPELLING FICTION BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC

Or the ALL-NEW Workbook and Planner! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4

📺 MUST-WATCH VIDEOS 📺

Watch me analyze a Scene from start to finish and Show you EVERYTHING you need to know about writing powerful Scenes! https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4?si=OtHMhE41g61S2dz9
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
Stop Wasting Your Time (and Heart) on Rejection: https://youtu.be/-W238P3Yx-8
Easy Tips to Show Not Tell: https://youtu.be/QS_XaSWXJEk

And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss anything! https://youtube.com/@WritingCompellingFiction/?sub_confirmation=1


If you want to become a writer that readers love, and write books that keep readers turning the pages long into the night, then hit subscribe and become part of the Writing Compelling Fiction community!

https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy

#writeyourfirstchapter #writebettercharacters #writeabook #howtowrite #howtowritebetter

174 53

Your character isn't changing — and your reader knows it before you do.

In this video, I'm breaking down the 3 most common character arc mistakes I see writers make, and I'm using Project Hail Mary, CJ Box's Blood Trail, and Chuck Wendig's Staircase in the Woods to show you exactly what good character development looks like — and what it doesn't.

If your readers are telling you your protagonist feels flat, or you're stuck trying to figure out WHY your story isn't connecting emotionally, these three mistakes are almost certainly the culprit.

What you'll learn:
✅ Why telling readers your character changed is killing your novel (and what to do instead)
✅ The mirror character technique that made Project Hail Mary impossible to put down
✅ How facing fears creates the emotional payoff readers remember forever

I've published 87 books in 24 countries. I've read thousands of manuscripts. These are the patterns I see over and over — and the fixes that actually work.

--

👇 Drop your biggest character arc question in the comments — I read every one.

👱‍♀️ About Me: I’m Shirley Jump, a New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 87 books published in 24 countries. I’ve worked for most of the big 5 New York publishers and have self-published, so I’m a bit of a hybrid author. I’m currently writing for Harper Collins and Hachette, and working on a brand-new series with you guys on this channel. Literally writing the book with you all! Look for my how-to book, Writing Compelling Fiction, on Amazon.

🫤 How’d I Get Here? I wrote TEN books in 8 years before I sold my first one. I was rejected from pretty much everyone in the business, and even quit writing for a while because I was so disheartened. It hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns since that first sale, which is why I’m here to help you learn how to write a better book, so that you can avoid the tough-knocks road I took. So come write with me, and let’s write a better book!

💛 FREE RESOURCES 💛

Grab the FREE Highlighter Method of Learning to Plot, available in my community (which is also free): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/new-digital-download

Get your FREE printable Character Planning Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters

Wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to grab the FREE Complete Plot Plan Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan

🏫 COURSES AND CONSULTS 🏫

Writer’s Boot Camp! An all-new 12-week course taking you from start to finish in your book! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp

Learn to Write a Compelling Romance Novel! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/writing-compelling-romance

BUNDLE two courses in one and save 27%: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/bundles/boot-camp-and-romance

BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSION: Do you want in-depth feedback and developmental edits on your book? Then set up a private one-on-one coaching session with me! https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/live_events/shirley-one-on-one-coaching

📚 HOW-TO BOOKS AND WORKBOOKS 📚

📖 GET THE #1 BESTSELLING RESOURCE: THE WRITING COMPELLING FICTION BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC

Or the ALL-NEW Workbook and Planner! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4

📺 MUST-WATCH VIDEOS 📺

Watch me analyze a Scene from start to finish and Show you EVERYTHING you need to know about writing powerful Scenes! https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4?si=OtHMhE41g61S2dz9
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
Stop Wasting Your Time (and Heart) on Rejection: https://youtu.be/-W238P3Yx-8
Easy Tips to Show Not Tell: https://youtu.be/QS_XaSWXJEk

And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss anything! https://youtube.com/@WritingCompellingFiction/?sub_confirmation=1


If you want to become a writer that readers love, and write books that keep readers turning the pages long into the night, then hit subscribe and become part of the Writing Compelling Fiction community!

https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy

#WritingTips #HowToWriteANovel #CharacterArc #ProjectHailMary #FictionWriting #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice #NovelWriting

134 7

Is your manuscript coming back with notes like "I didn't connect with the characters" or "they felt flat"? In this Fix My Story session, I'm diagnosing exactly why your characters aren't landing — and giving you the specific techniques to make them richer, deeper, and three-dimensional so readers are emotionally invested from page one.If your characters feel like cardboard cutouts, this is the video for you.

What we cover:
✅ Why flat characters kill reader buy-in before chapter two
✅ The internal/external wound technique that adds instant depth
✅ How to layer emotional stakes so readers feel what your character feels
✅ The one question you must answer for every character before you write a single scene

I've written 87 books in 24 countries — I've seen these patterns thousands of times, and I know exactly how to fix them.

📌 Watch Fix My Story #1 first: https://youtu.be/XWtm5KWxmbQ?si=gojOCOTZw8Bga3pz

👱‍♀️ About Me: I’m Shirley Jump, a New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 87 books published in 24 countries. I’ve worked for most of the big 5 New York publishers and have self-published, so I’m a bit of a hybrid author.

🫤 How’d I Get Here? I wrote TEN books in 8 years before I sold my first one. I was rejected from pretty much everyone in the business, and even quit writing for a while because I was so disheartened. It hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns since that first sale, which is why I’m here to help you learn how to write a better book, so that you can avoid the tough-knocks road I took. So come write with me, and let’s write a better book!

💛 FREE RESOURCES 💛

Grab the FREE Highlighter Method of Learning to Plot, available in my community (which is also free): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/new-digital-download

Get your FREE printable Character Planning Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters

Wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to grab the FREE Complete Plot Plan Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan

🏫 COURSES AND CONSULTS 🏫

Writer’s Boot Camp! An all-new 12-week course taking you from start to finish in your book! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp

Learn to Write a Compelling Romance Novel! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/writing-compelling-romance

BUNDLE two courses in one and save 27%: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/bundles/boot-camp-and-romance

BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSION: Do you want in-depth feedback and developmental edits on your book? Then set up a private one-on-one coaching session with me! https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/live_events/shirley-one-on-one-coaching

📚 HOW-TO BOOKS AND WORKBOOKS 📚

📖 GET THE #1 BESTSELLING RESOURCE: THE WRITING COMPELLING FICTION BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC

Or the ALL-NEW Workbook and Planner! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4

📺 MUST-WATCH VIDEOS 📺

Watch me analyze a Scene from start to finish and Show you EVERYTHING you need to know about writing powerful Scenes! https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4?si=OtHMhE41g61S2dz9
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
Stop Wasting Your Time (and Heart) on Rejection: https://youtu.be/-W238P3Yx-8
Easy Tips to Show Not Tell: https://youtu.be/QS_XaSWXJEk

And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss anything! https://youtube.com/@WritingCompellingFiction/?sub_confirmation=1


If you want to become a writer that readers love, and write books that keep readers turning the pages long into the night, then hit subscribe and become part of the Writing Compelling Fiction community!

https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy

#writeyourfirstchapter #writebettercharacters #writeabook #howtowrite #howtowritebetter

77 11

Backstory doesn't belong in Chapter One — and most writers don't realize they're doing it until readers stop turning pages.

In this short, I'm breaking down the backstory dump mistake that quietly kills your first chapter, plus the fix that bestselling authors use to weave it in without losing readers.

Watch the full breakdown — all 5 Chapter One mistakes + the Project Hail Mary examples that show how to fix every single one: https://youtu.be/md78QfppiOk

#writingtips #novelwriting #amwriting #backstory #fictionwriting #writersofinstagram #firstchapter #authorlife #writingadvice #storytelling

27 1

Is your first chapter driving readers away before they ever reach chapter two?
In this video, I break down the 5 most common first chapter mistakes writers make, and show you exactly how to fix them using Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary as our example.

Whether you're writing your first novel or your fifteenth, knowing how to write a first chapter that hooks readers immediately is the difference between a book that sells and one that doesn't. I've published 87 books and these are the mistakes I see over and over in manuscripts.

We'll cover:
✅ The #1 hook mistake that kills your opening page
✅ Why starting with action isn't always the answer
✅ The pacing trap most writers fall into
✅ How to introduce your protagonist without losing readers
✅ The promise your first chapter MUST make (and how Project Hail Mary nails it)

If you want to write the kind of fiction readers can't put down, this is where it starts.

👱‍♀️ About Me: I’m Shirley Jump, a New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 87 books published in 24 countries. I’ve worked for most of the big 5 New York publishers and have self-published, so I’m a bit of a hybrid author. I’m currently writing for Harper Collins and Hachette, and working on a brand-new series with you guys on this channel. Literally writing the book with you all! Look for my how-to book, Writing Compelling Fiction, on Amazon.

🫤 How’d I Get Here? I wrote TEN books in 8 years before I sold my first one. I was rejected from pretty much everyone in the business, and even quit writing for a while because I was so disheartened. It hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns since that first sale, which is why I’m here to help you learn how to write a better book, so that you can avoid the tough-knocks road I took. So come write with me, and let’s write a better book!

💛 FREE RESOURCES 💛

Grab the FREE Highlighter Method of Learning to Plot, available in my community (which is also free): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/new-digital-download

Get your FREE printable Character Planning Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters

Wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to grab the FREE Complete Plot Plan Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan

🏫 COURSES AND CONSULTS 🏫

Writer’s Boot Camp! An all-new 12-week course taking you from start to finish in your book! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp

Learn to Write a Compelling Romance Novel! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/writing-compelling-romance

BUNDLE two courses in one and save 27%: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/bundles/boot-camp-and-romance

BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSION: Do you want in-depth feedback and developmental edits on your book? Then set up a private one-on-one coaching session with me! https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/live_events/shirley-one-on-one-coaching

📚 HOW-TO BOOKS AND WORKBOOKS 📚

📖 GET THE #1 BESTSELLING RESOURCE: THE WRITING COMPELLING FICTION BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC

Or the ALL-NEW Workbook and Planner! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4

📺 MUST-WATCH VIDEOS 📺

Watch me analyze a Scene from start to finish and Show you EVERYTHING you need to know about writing powerful Scenes! https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4?si=OtHMhE41g61S2dz9
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
Stop Wasting Your Time (and Heart) on Rejection: https://youtu.be/-W238P3Yx-8
Easy Tips to Show Not Tell: https://youtu.be/QS_XaSWXJEk

And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss anything! https://youtube.com/@WritingCompellingFiction/?sub_confirmation=1


If you want to become a writer that readers love, and write books that keep readers turning the pages long into the night, then hit subscribe and become part of the Writing Compelling Fiction community!

https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy

#writeyourfirstchapter #writebettercharacters #writeabook #howtowrite #howtowritebetter

139 31

Do you want a career as an author? Do you want to know how to know how to sell 8 million copies of your books? Do you want to know how the New York Times bestselling authors do it? This channel is for writers who want to learn how to write better fiction, or simply want to take their book to the next level. I’m a New York Times bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries—after having 10 books rejected. I want to teach you EXACTLY how to write a compelling, believable, reader-favorite novel!

👱‍♀️ About Me: I’m Shirley Jump, a New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 87 books published in 24 countries. I’ve worked for most of the big 5 New York publishers and have self-published, so I’m a bit of a hybrid author. I’m currently writing for Harper Collins and Hachette, and working on a brand-new series with you guys on this channel. Literally writing the book with you all! Look for my how-to book, Writing Compelling Fiction, on Amazon.

🫤 How’d I Get Here? I wrote TEN books in 8 years before I sold my first one. I was rejected from pretty much everyone in the business, and even quit writing for a while because I was so disheartened. It hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns since that first sale, which is why I’m here to help you learn how to write a better book, so that you can avoid the tough-knocks road I took. So come write with me, and let’s write a better book!

💛 FREE RESOURCES 💛

Grab the FREE Highlighter Method of Learning to Plot, available in my community (which is also free): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/new-digital-download

Get your FREE printable Character Planning Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/create-believable-characters

Wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to grab the FREE Complete Plot Plan Guide here: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/emotional-storytelling-plot-plan

🏫 COURSES AND CONSULTS 🏫

Writer’s Boot Camp! An all-new 12-week course taking you from start to finish in your book! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/boot-camp

Learn to Write a Compelling Romance Novel! Sign up here (use code YOUTUBE to save 10%): https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/courses/writing-compelling-romance

BUNDLE two courses in one and save 27%: https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/bundles/boot-camp-and-romance

BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSION: Do you want in-depth feedback and developmental edits on your book? Then set up a private one-on-one coaching session with me! https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/live_events/shirley-one-on-one-coaching

📚 HOW-TO BOOKS AND WORKBOOKS 📚

📖 GET THE #1 BESTSELLING RESOURCE: THE WRITING COMPELLING FICTION BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Fundamentals-Unforgettable/dp/B09HFX1HFC

Or the ALL-NEW Workbook and Planner! https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Compelling-Fiction-Workbook-Authority/dp/B0D65RWQL4

📺 MUST-WATCH VIDEOS 📺

Watch me analyze a Scene from start to finish and Show you EVERYTHING you need to know about writing powerful Scenes! https://youtu.be/4IXMKMLyUO4?si=OtHMhE41g61S2dz9
How to Make Your Book Unforgettable: https://youtu.be/uhDeKzGRCus
Do This to Write a Stronger Plot: https://youtu.be/sbtadjvRUq4
Stop Wasting Your Time (and Heart) on Rejection: https://youtu.be/-W238P3Yx-8
Easy Tips to Show Not Tell: https://youtu.be/QS_XaSWXJEk

And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss anything! https://youtube.com/@WritingCompellingFiction/?sub_confirmation=1


If you want to become a writer that readers love, and write books that keep readers turning the pages long into the night, then hit subscribe and become part of the Writing Compelling Fiction community!

https://writing-s-site-c2a5.thinkific.com/products/communities/writing-compelling-fiction-academy

#writeyourfirstchapter #writebettercharacters #writeabook #howtowrite #howtowritebetter

298 100