A Writer’s Life: YouTube Favorite Bookish Channels
Several years ago, when we got our first smart TV, I wondered why in the world there was an app on it for YouTube . I couldn’t imagine someone wanting to watch the occasional odd video on a 70” inch screen.
Now I know. Now I get it.
When I first got it in my head that it was time to grab the computer keyboard by the … well, keys… and sit down to get serious about writing, I started researching. I bought a few books from Amazon (to add to my already bursting-at-the-seams collection of writing craft books). I googled “Fantasy Writing class” and one of the first things that came up was Brandon Sanderson’s series of classes from BYU. At the time, I think there were 2 or 3 years worth of those up. Now, there are more. I’ve watched them all. Some of them, more than once. I learned so much. I took so many notes. If he spoke about an assignment, I did it. It was the next best thing to actually being able to take his class, and I spent hours and hours watching and then applying what I had learned to the Avalon Project. (Don’t worry, the link for Brandon will be below).
What I most learned though, was that there are a lot of really good writing YouTube channels, and some poorly done or mis-informed ones as well.
If I couldn’t focus on writing as I sat at my computer, I found videos to watch instead. If I didn’t feel like sitting at the computer, I did it from the comfort of my couch on that previously maligned app.
The writing channels led me to some book channels that focus on fantasy books. Another stellar moment, to hear from readers about what they like and don’t like in all manner of fantasy.
The Internet is a gold mine, people.
Below, I’ve listed out 5 of my often-watched writing channels, in no particular order. I’m subscribed to maybe 20 channels in total, but some I only watch occasionally. These, I watch consistently.
Brandon Sanderson - As mentioned above. In addition to the seminars/classes, Brandon has a great deal of other things available. If you’re a fan of his books, you’ll find plenty there about them!
Heart Breathings/Sarra Cannon - Sarra Cannon’s channel is full of information, presented in a clear way. In addition to several series of videos, Sarra offers camaraderie and support to new authors, especially in the self-publishing realm.
Becca Syme - I recently found this channel, and I’m still working my way through Becca’s backlist of videos, but her Question the Premise videos are especially enlightening.
Self-Publishing Formula - This is another newer channel for me, but I’m working my way through the videos here as well. I have found them super helpful for understanding the pitfalls of self-publishing.
Scarlett Kol - I like Scarlett’s approach to her career, and how she handles it while still working a full time job and a family.
And I’ll give you a few of my favorite book channels as well:
Merphy Napier - I love Merphy. I have not watched a video from her that she’s not made me laugh out loud several times. Check out her “Dear Writers” videos if you’re a fantasy author. They’re illuminating!
Elliot Brooks - I’ve just recently started watching Elliot, and her reviews seem honest and clear, and fun!
Daniel Greene - Is there anyone on YouTube that hasn’t heard of Daniel Greene?! I especially enjoy his unboxing videos.
The morale of today’s story is: Don’t laugh at apps on your television or you might fall down a rabbit hole the likes of which you’ve never seen. Not that I’m complaining. For me, the rabbit hole has been a happy place for the most part. There are some channels you may run across that are trash. Just move on from them. You’ll know relatively quickly whether you are vibing with the YouTuber or not.
Oh, and the best part?
It’s FREE!
