Nobody Cares About Your Writing

Xeroforhire reflects on his creative journey as an indie author, emphasizing the importance of creating for oneself rather than seeking immediate validation. He discusses the release of his debut book, City Voices, and subsequent projects, The Last Day: Shadow of the Knight and The Last Day: Utopia, all completed within three months due to sustained momentum.

He shares insights into his process, including using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Notebook LM for brainstorming, structuring ideas, and refining character profiles. Key characters, such as Mars and Silas Midori, are developed with unique abilities and backstories, showcasing how AI aids in organizing and exploring creative possibilities.

The central theme, "No One Cares Until They Do," underscores the indifference creators face until their work gains traction. Xeroforhire critiques toxic creative communities and stresses the importance of focusing on output, building a loyal audience, and leveraging unconventional methods to connect with readers.

The transcript concludes with reflections on the realities of indie creation, including the importance of metrics, audience engagement, and consistency over catering to critics or gatekeepers.

[00:00:03]

* Introduction: Xeroforhire greets the audience and comments on the seasonal weather and personal preparations for winter.

* Title revealed: “No One Cares Until They Do.”

[00:00:47]

* Reflection on starting the journey as an author.

* Release of the debut book City Voices on November 20.

[00:01:22]

* Transition to the creation of The Last Day: Shadow of the Knight and The Last Day: Utopia.

* Discussing momentum in writing and completing three books in three months.

[00:02:02]

* Process deep dive: Writing character dossiers, fleshing out combat styles, and power scaling.

[00:02:28]

* Use of AI tools (ChatGPT and Google Notebook LM) to refine ideas.

* Detailing voice-to-text brainstorming and using AI for structure and scenario testing.

[00:03:30]

* Exploring telekinesis as the source of powers in the fictional world.

* Discovery of various forms of telekinesis and crafting Mars’s abilities (autokinesis).

[00:05:19]

* Building Mars’s backstory as a product of government experimentation.

* Defining Mars’s abilities and unique moves like “Razor Wind.”

[00:06:44]

* Evolution of Mars’s powers to fit the story world.

[00:08:03]

* Development of Silas Midori’s character and powers.

* Challenges with balancing his abilities against other telekinetic characters.

[00:10:03]

* Silas’s refined fighting style: A mix of technopathy and telekinetic abilities.

* Comparison to Robin and Spider-Man’s combat fluidity.

[00:11:08]

* Using AI to generate character dossiers and organize threads.

* Discussing the challenges and adjustments in working with AI.

[00:12:36]

* Transition to actual writing: Completing City Voices.

* Lessons learned from AI-assisted drafting and iteration.

[00:13:40]

* Commentary on creative communities and dealing with criticism.

[00:14:17]

* Recap of progress: The first book completed, dossiers prepared, and momentum building for the next projects.

[00:15:00]

* Reflections on indie creation challenges: Facing imposter syndrome and criticism.

[00:17:04]

* Realization of the central theme: “No One Cares Until They Do.”

* Emphasis on focusing on creating and ignoring detractors.

[00:22:17]

* Practical advice: Building metrics through consistent publishing.

* Accepting the realities of industry nepotism and focusing on a loyal audience.

[00:26:42]

* Examples of unconventional storytelling gaining traction (e.g., My Hero Academia fanfiction).

[00:29:52]

* Closing reflection: Embracing alternative paths to gain readership.

* Importance of consistency and catering to a specific audience.

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