I’ve always loved writing. There’s something magical about the moment when your thoughts flow from your mind to the page—or screen—and they make sense. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a novel but wonder whether you can compete in a crowded market like Amazon or elsewhere, here’s the truth: yes, you absolutely can.
Every author you admire started in the exact same place you are now: with a blank page, a big dream, and a little bit of doubt. What helped them move forward? Three simple but powerful things:
- A strong subject they were passionate about
- Focused research to build depth and credibility
- A writing rhythm that matched their energy and lifestyle
1. Take Stock of What You Know
The first step is choosing the right subject matter—something that resonates deeply with you.
Ask yourself: What am I most drawn to and why?
- Do you devour romance novels, thrillers, or horror stories? That’s a clue.
- Have you ever thought: “No one ever writes about this the way I see it?” Then it’s time to be that voice.
- What themes or questions keep showing up in your life or conversations?
- Your values and passions are the best place to mine authentic, lasting ideas.
💡 Tip: The best stories are written from the heart. Write what you care about most—not what you think will sell.
2. Understand What You Don’t Know
Once you’ve landed on a subject, your next task is deep, enjoyable research—especially if your story includes real-world settings, historical eras, or complex issues.
Research matters because:
- The smallest details make a story feel real.
- A single anachronism (like a smartphone in 1780) can shatter immersion.
- Authentic dialogue, slang, and cultural behaviors help readers trust your world.
What to research:
- Geography, climate, architecture, and daily life in your story’s location
- Clothing, language, and customs of the time period
- Social norms, taboos, and vocabulary that match your characters’ identities
- Anything that makes your story world believable to readers
💡 Tip: If research bores you, you may be writing about the wrong thing. Pick a subject you’re genuinely excited to learn more about.
3. Be True to Yourself
You don’t need to write 2,000 words a day or outline your whole novel in advance to succeed. What matters most is consistency and choosing a pace that works for you.
Create a writing rhythm that supports your life:
- Write in the mornings if you’re most alert then. Write late at night if that’s your quiet time.
- Some people thrive on word count goals; others prefer chapters or scenes as milestones.
- Take breaks. Eat well. Sleep. Walk. Let your brain wander—it often finds the perfect idea when you least expect it.
Avoid burnout by:
- Listening to your body and emotions
- Taking planned breaks, not guilt-driven ones
- Celebrating small wins (like finishing a scene or a rough draft)
💡 Tip: Your brain keeps working on your book even when you’re not writing. Let downtime be part of your process.
Final Thought: Your Voice Matters
Albert Einstein once said:
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
This quote reminds us that you don’t need to write like anyone else—you just need to write like you. Your perspective, your heart, and your experiences bring something completely original to the page.
- Will your novel change someone’s life?
- Will it be taught in classrooms?
- Will it sit on a shelf waiting to be discovered?
You’ll never know until you take the first step. So take it. You’re ready.