Learning to Write a Book

In the book world, everyone at some point says they want to write a book someday. For a long time, I was silently part of that group. I let my self-doubt dictate how open and motivated I was toward that goal. Then I discovered something… you can’t win the lottery if you never buy a ticket.
While I’m looking forward to the journey ahead, even if it doesn’t extend beyond my friends and family, I’m finding it to be equal parts thrilling and overwhelming. In an effort to strengthen my skillset and be transparent, I wanted to share some successes, struggles, and habits I’ve encountered along the way.

Part I: What You Should Be Doing
Write Every Day
I try to write something every day. Some days, that’s 1,000 words. Other days, it’s a single sentence. While I definitely aim for the former over the latter, the real win is in being consistent. That consistency builds confidence.
Read Like a Writer
Even while writing, I make time to read. As someone not formally trained in writing, I try to learn from the authors who first inspired my love of books. I pay attention to how they describe characters and settings, move through dialogue, transition between scenes and chapters, or build tension... those little skills that make a book gripping and immersive. The key is to learn without copying, to train your storytelling muscles.
Embrace Messy First Drafts
This part has been the hardest for me. As someone with perfectionist tendencies, learning to accept a messy draft and keep going without obsessively rewriting has been a real challenge. I probably rewrote my first chapter five or six times before finally moving it later in the story. I liked the worldbuilding, but it felt rushed... like certain elements needed to be established first. Give yourself permission to be imperfect. The magic happens in revision.
Keep a “Braindump File”
Inspiration strikes at the oddest times. That’s why I have about three different “braindump” options. I keep a notebook for scribbling quick thoughts, a Notion board for organizing notes and planning the book itself, and a Pinterest board for visual vibes. These allow me to jot down whatever pops into my head whenever and wherever I am.

Part II: Mistakes I’ve Made
Obsessing Over the First Chapter
Like I mentioned earlier... I struggled with my first chapter. After rewriting it multiple times, I finally moved it. But when I started the current Chapter One, I had to resist the urge to rewrite again. It took real discipline to leave it alone. In fact, I didn’t reread it for a few days. And even then, all I did was make sure the ending transitioned smoothly into Chapter Two.
Comparing My Draft to Published Books
As someone who’s read a fair number of books (though not as many as I’d like), it’s hard not to compare what I write to what’s already out there. I’ll catch myself questioning how I’ve phrased something or built a character. But I’ve had to remind myself that published books have gone through multiple rounds of editing and professional polish. Giving myself a little grace if my writing feels amateurish is totally okay.
Writing for Myself
This one’s a challenge. As my ideas evolve, I’ve had to keep reminding myself that this book should be something I enjoy. There are popular tropes people love, and others they love to hate. While I try to be mindful of those, I’ve stumbled when I stray too far from what feels authentic. That’s why I always say this project probably won’t go beyond my family and friends. They know me. They get what I stand for.

Part III: What Keeps Me Going
A “Why” List
Knowing why I wanted to write this book has been crucial. Just like anything else, you can do it for the wrong reasons. Between my blog and this book, writing gives me release and clarity. There’s a unique satisfaction in organizing thoughts and painting pictures with words. It helps calm the chaos in my head. In my Notion board, I keep a running list of why I’m doing this. Some reasons are personal, others are simple... but they all matter.
Soundtrack & Aesthetic Boards
My favorite way to stay motivated is by building a writing soundtrack and curating my Pinterest boards. Finding music or visuals that match the vibe of my story helps shift me back into that creative headspace. On days when writing is hard, adding to those boards can help me find my spark again.
Community (Even Just One Person)
My niece is my number-one supporter. She constantly asks how much I’ve written and begs to proofread my latest chapter. When I’m stuck, she lets me talk it out and has helped me past more than a few dead ends. She also just yelled at me for pausing my typing. Her methods can be a bit... loud. Like telling her whole high school what my book is about. But somehow, that accountability helps. People now ask me how the book’s going, and while that used to embarrass me, I’ve learned it helps keep me on track.

Part IV: Tricks for Inspiration on Dry Days
Change Locations
During the school year, my go-to writing spot is bed. It’s quiet and cozy. But now that I have more flexibility, I’m looking for a place that grounds me creatively. I rotate between the kitchen bar, my desk, the couch... and I’m dreaming of writing in my RV once it’s fixed up.
Write a Scene Out of Order
Outlining is a big part of my process. I sketch out chapters with a goal, major events, and an ending hook. That flexibility means I don’t have to write everything in order. At first, I wrote start to finish, but I found myself hyperfixating during editing. When I finally let go of that and started writing scenes out of sequence—starting with the core moment and building out—I discovered a flow that works way better for me.
Use Writing Prompts
This might be controversial, but I use ChatGPT in my writing process. Hear me out. Since I have no formal training, I’ll ask it for writing prompts, then use those to practice. After I write a scene, I’ll ask for feedback and even exercises to help with specific weaknesses. It’s a great tool... but remember, it’s still a robot. Those quirky things about your style? Those are what make it yours.

This process has been fun, hard, exciting, and overwhelming. But the most important thing to remember is: you’re not alone. If you’re showing up, even a little at a time, you’re already doing the thing.
You don’t have to get it right... you just have to get it written.