Starting your first book can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you can embark on as a writer. Whether you have a story burning inside you or an idea that’s been nagging at the back of your mind, knowing how to start writing a book is the first step to bringing your vision to life. Here are 10 practical tips to help you get started that I have learned through my own writing process but also from interviewing bestselling authors from all across the globe on the Writers Advice Podcast.
1. Find Your Story Idea
Every great book begins with a compelling idea. Ask yourself what story you want to tell. Is it a fantasy adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thrilling mystery? Your idea doesn’t have to be fully formed right away; it just needs to spark excitement in you. If you’re struggling, consider brainstorming, journaling, or even drawing inspiration from your own life. A lot of great ideas come from a small seed, it could be a moment, a question, something that makes you question what if? Your story idea won't initially give you your in-depth characters or your well placed plot. All it needs to be at the start of your journey is a simple spark.
2. Outline Your Plot
Once you have an idea, outlining your plot will give you a roadmap for your book. This doesn’t have to be a detailed, chapter-by-chapter breakdown; a simple outline highlighting the major plot points will do. Knowing where your story begins, what challenges your characters will face, and how it will end can keep you on track as you write. If you're not sure how it's going to end, or you don't know how it's going to start - don't get caught up on all the details in the beginning just write down the things that you do know.
3. Develop Your Characters
Characters are the heart of any story. Spend time developing your main characters, including their backgrounds, motivations, and flaws. Understand what they want and what stands in their way. Well-developed characters will not only drive your plot but also connect with readers on an emotional level. Ask yourself in depth questions and write all the answers down on paper, think of it like a date with your characters, what do you want to know about them? What drives them? What makes them happy? What are they hiding from people? What's their star sign? What's their weakness? What's their greatest strength. Anytime you get stuck on plot of characters The Bestselling Writers Journal can help you out with this.
4. Set Writing Goals
Setting writing goals can keep you motivated and help you stay on track. Decide how many words you want to write each day or each week. Start small—maybe 500 words a day—and gradually increase your goal as you build your writing habit. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
5. Create a Writing Routine
Creating a writing routine can help you make consistent progress. Find a time of day when you’re most creative, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night and set aside dedicated time for writing. Consistency is key, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. Make this time a non-negotiable treat it like your job. Prioritising your writing time, and creating a consistent routine is how all good books are made.
6. Find Your Writing Space
Having a designated writing space can help you focus and get into the writing mindset. Whether it’s a cozy corner of your home, a bustling coffee shop, or a quiet library, find a place where you feel comfortable and inspired. Keep distractions to a minimum and make your space inviting. Creating an environment and writing consistently from that place can help your brain get into the new habit that you are trying to create; over time it will associate that specific space with writing and may help the words flow a little easier.
7. Silence Your Inner Critic
One of the biggest obstacles to starting a book is the fear that your writing isn’t good enough. It’s important to silence your inner critic and remember that first drafts are meant to be messy. Your main goal is to get words on the page—you can always revise and improve later. Having a first draft that is messy is better than having empty pages. If your dream is to write, you have to start somewhere.
8. Embrace the First Draft
Your first draft is just the beginning. Allow yourself the freedom to write without worrying about perfection. Focus on getting your story down; you can refine and polish it in later drafts. The most important thing is to finish your first draft, no matter how rough it feels.
9. Keep Learning
Writing is a craft that you can always improve. Read books in your genre, take writing courses, or join a writing group. Engaging with other writers and learning new techniques can inspire you and help you refine your own writing style. Listen into my free podcast, the Writers Advice Podcast on your favourite listening app if you would like to gain knowledge and inspiration from bestselling writers from all over the globe.
10. Celebrate Your Progress
Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate each milestone along the way, whether it’s finishing a chapter, hitting your word count goal, or completing your first draft. Acknowledging your progress will keep you motivated and remind you why you started writing in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Starting to write your first book is an exciting journey filled with challenges and triumphs. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to turning your ideas into a finished manuscript. Remember, every great author was once a beginner—what matters most is that you start writing. So, grab your pen, open your laptop, and let your story unfold. If you're looking for a community of writers to connect with while you embark on the journey of your new book, come and join the Writers Advice Online Community here.
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