Start Writing a Book
Your Roadmap to a Solid Writing Habit
So, you’ve got the embers of a book idea flickering away… You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the early phases of writing a book: from identifying your idea, validating it, and setting clear writing goals, all the way to forming habits and wrangling that old imposter syndrome.
Even when you don’t have a writing coach like Jennifer, this guide is a solid foundation before you leap into first drafts. And because your time is valuable, I’ll keep it straight-up, supportive, and link you off to deeper dives when needed.
The Spark: Finding Your Book Idea
Most writers don’t start with a full book concept—they start with a spark. A question that keeps circling. A moment of “I wish someone had told me this sooner”. Instead of waiting for the perfect idea to drop from the sky (it won’t), start jotting down what already lights you up. You likely already have 3–5 book ideas floating in your mental tabs. Now, with some space, try to notice them.
Ask yourself:
- What do people keep asking me for advice about?
- What could I speak about for 30 minutes without a single note?
- What lived experiences or insights do I wish others had access to?
Start from passion… but aim for clarity.
Is My Idea Good Enough? (Market Research Without the Yawn)
Writing a book is both creative and commercial. If you’re aiming to publish or self-publish, you’ll want some confidence that your book has a reader market. But don’t worry, we’re not talking about dry spreadsheets and soul-sucking keyword research (unless that’s your jam).
Try these instead:
- Search Amazon or Booktopia for titles in your niche. What’s already out there?
- Skim their reviews. What did readers love—or wish was different? It’s the things that are missing that you’re seeking.
- Drop into Facebook groups or subreddits aligned with your topic and see what conversations are thriving.
- Use the extension called BookBeam lite for competitor research, if you’re mentally prepared.
Validate your idea not by overthinking it but by testing it in small ways. Mention your concept in a social post or at a networking function. See who leans in and asks for more.
💡 Want more structure on this? Read: Doing Research to Create a Book
Niche Down & Define Your Genre
Broad books may feel “safe” but are often forgettable. Finding a gap is what you want to do. Instead of writing a book on “wellness,” write one on “wellness for new mums balancing work from home.” Instead of ‘career tips’, focus on ‘navigating a career change at 50’.
Your niche and book model will define:
- The tone and content
- The stories you tell
- How you market it
Also: be clear on your genre. Is it a how-to with heart? A manifesto? Narrative non-fiction? Knowing this early saves a lot of rewriting pain later.
Sure, you can use Chatbots for outlining, however, Mind Mapping is infinitely more creative as it draws from your creative unconscious.
Setting Writing Goals (that Won’t Make You Quit)
Some writers start with a lofty goal: “I’ll write 2,000 words a day!” That lasts for about a week. Then guilt creeps in, the word count falls off a cliff, and the self-talk gets ugly.
Let’s flip that and use the power of momentum.
Instead, start by asking:
- How much time can I really set aside each week?
- What’s more motivating for me—word count, time spent, or task completed?
You’re aiming for sustainable consistency over occasional brilliance. Even 300 words a day adds up fast. You also need to define the timeline and work backwards from a deadline, just like you did in school.
📝 Need help shaping this? There is a quick method in: Setting a Writing Schedule
Developing a Writer’s Mindset
Writing a book is a long game—and your mind is both your best tool and worst enemy.
To build resilience and discipline:
- Make peace with imperfect first drafts.
- Celebrate showing up, not just smashing word counts.
- Trust that momentum will carry you further than motivation ever will.
A useful practice? Begin a writing session with a 2-minute intention. It creates a pocket of presence before the words start flowing (or trickling, depending on the day).
The secret sauce is not talent. It’s showing up.
Mini article (Substack): Breaking Habits – New Approaches to Creating Content
Creating a Writing Routine (Even with a Hectic Life)
Let’s be honest, life is not going to “make space” for your book. You have to carve it out.
Navigating too many commitments, I give writers a practical, doable method to reclaim your time (using a mix of systems and self-awareness).
Here’s the gist:
- Schedule in your distractions: Get real about school runs, admin, and appointments first.
- Slot in your creation time: Book it like a meeting with your future self.
- Delegate or dump what you can: Get help with tasks that pull you away from your deeper goals.
- Use tools that work for your brain: Whether that’s Trello, Google Calendar, or a good old-fashioned notebook.
Momentum comes from good habits, as I say in Writing is a Process and a Habit.
🔗 Full method here: How do you Keep on Being Productive on Blah Days
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
Here’s a hard truth: imposter syndrome doesn’t always disappear; you just get better at writing alongside it. It’s particularly hard when the subject matter is partly your life and the raw parts are on show.
You might be thinking:
- Who am I to write this?
- Will anyone even care?
- What if it’s rubbish?
But flip it around: what if your story, your message, your hard-won insight—what if that is the very thing someone else is waiting to read?
Try this reframing:
- Your job is to serve the reader, not prove your worth.
- Done is better than perfect.
- Nobody else has your exact lens or voice. That’s your power.
Give your inner critic a name. (“Nervous Nelly” maybe?) Then thank her for trying to protect you—and write anyway. Write fresh, with a pen, facing the outdoors if possible.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve got your idea and chapter concepts, your mindset steady, and your routine taking shape, you’re ready to head into actual writing and structure work. That’s where longer-form planning and editing comes into play.
But for now, you’ve done the groundwork most aspiring authors skip.
Recap your next steps:
- Capture and test your idea.
- Research your reader and clarify your genre.
- Set realistic goals.
- Build a routine around your real life.
- Start writing in short bursts—with intention.
- Keep showing up (yes, even when it feels awkward).
You’re on your way to holding a real book in your hands.
Keep Going
When you’re ready to deepen your focus:
- Research to Create a Book – Understand your audience and competition.
- Developing a Writing Routine – Shape a system that works for you.
- Book Coaching 1st Session – Align your ambition with a friendly book coach’s feedback.