Have you ever had an idea for a book that you just can’t get out of your head?
Maybe you’ve dreamed of writing a novel, telling your own story, or finally turning that idea you’ve been carrying around for years into a real book. But where do you start?
We at AdmiGram.com took a closer look at what it really takes to write your first book — from finding inspiration and developing your writing skills to editing your first draft and dealing with criticism.
Here are five simple tips to help you get started and, most importantly, finish what you began.
How to Write a Book: First Steps for an Aspiring Author
1. Find Your Inspiration
© Yannick Pulver / Unsplash
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”
— Jack London
Inspiration is great. Unfortunately, it has terrible timing.
Some days you’ll wake up with ten amazing ideas. Other days, you’ll stare at a blank page and wonder why you ever thought writing was a good idea.
That’s normal.
Instead of waiting for the perfect mood, figure out when you naturally feel most creative. Maybe it’s early in the morning, late at night, during a walk, or while listening to music.
Once you find your productive hours, protect them.
Even 30–60 minutes of uninterrupted writing every day can make a huge difference.
2. Write First, Edit Later
© Patrick Tomasso / Unsplash
“The first draft of anything is sh#t.”
— Ernest Hemingway
One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is trying to create a perfect sentence on the first try.
Don’t.
Your first draft is supposed to be messy. Write the scene, the terrible dialogue, and even the sentence that makes you cringe. Keep going.
You can fix it later.
Once the draft is finished, take a break and come back with fresh eyes. Cut unnecessary sentences, rewrite weak scenes, and don’t be afraid to delete something you loved yesterday.
Good writing isn’t just about adding words. Sometimes, it’s about knowing what to remove.
3. Start Small and Read a Lot
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“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.”
— Stephen King
Your first book doesn’t have to be a 500-page masterpiece.
If you’ve never finished a long project before, start with a short story. Something around 5,000–15,000 words is enough to develop characters, create conflict, and tell a complete story.
Finishing matters.
At the same time, read as much as you can. Pay attention to how your favorite writers create characters, build tension, describe places, and keep you turning the page.
You can even imitate their style as a writing exercise. You’re not trying to become a copy of them. You’re learning what works — and eventually, you’ll develop a voice of your own.
4. Learn to Accept Criticism
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“The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.”
— Norman Vincent Peale
Once you’ve finished your first story, don’t rush to publish it.
Let someone else read it first. Choose a friend whose opinion you trust, a writing group, or an online community for writers.
And prepare yourself: some of the feedback may hurt.
That’s okay.
Not every criticism will be useful, and you don’t have to follow every suggestion. But if several people notice the same problem, it’s probably worth taking a closer look.
Learning how to accept useful criticism — without letting it destroy your confidence — is one of the most important skills a writer can develop.
5. Write Because You Have Something to Say
© Lucrezia Carnelos / Unsplash
“The writer’s job is to tell the truth.”
— Ernest Hemingway
Making money from writing sounds wonderful. Becoming a bestselling author sounds even better.
But when you’re writing your first book, money probably shouldn’t be your main motivation.
Write because there’s a story you can’t stop thinking about.
Write because you want to make people laugh, cry, think, or see the world differently.
Your first book probably won’t be perfect. It may not even be very good.
And that’s okay.
Every writer starts somewhere. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece on your first attempt. The goal is to finish your first draft, learn from it, and then write something better.
The best way to become a writer is surprisingly simple: sit down and write. Then do it again tomorrow.
image on top: Ryan Snaadt / Unsplash
