Is it possible to write a book without any experience?
We all have to start somewhere, and if you’ve ever thought about writing a book but don’t have any experience, you’re not the first. Even history’s most accomplished and prolific writers had to start from scratch at some point.
But we’re not here to tell you that writing is everyone’s cup of tea. Sure anyone can write as a hobby or to get their thoughts down on paper, but not everyone can maintain the interest or skill to produce a publishable book.
A lot goes into writing a book: developing characters and plots to having a strong grasp of grammar and style.
If you’re unfamiliar with the basics of writing, it could very well be tough to produce a book that’s up to snuff.
That being said, anyone could write a book if they’re willing to put in the effort and time to become an expert in the craft.
Add to that a good story idea, some perseverance, and a bit of luck, and you might find yourself with a publishing deal.
Resources abound in print and online for anyone interested in studying how to write a book.
As such, there’s no excuse not to at least try your hand at it.
Know Your Limitations First
The first move is acknowledging that you might not be the best candidate to write a book.
It sounds counterintuitive, but if you can’t be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, you’re bound to set yourself up for disappointment later on.
Part of being a good writer is having the ability to accept constructive criticism.
If you’re not open to hearing what others think about your work, you’re likely not going very far.
Come up with a clear understanding of what you desire to write about. It might seem like a no-brainer, yet you’d be surprised how many folks try to write a book without having a firm grasp on the subject.
Small Steps To Writing A Book
Don’t write a book if you haven’t reached a point where you’re certain enough to finish it.
Many start writing with the best intentions but get sidetracked or run out of steam before the book or novel is finished.
If you decide to face the challenge, be prepared for a lot of work.
Before you even start writing, sit down and map out what you want to say. It’ll make the actual writing process much easier and help you stay focused.
Start small, with something like a blog post or a short story.
As you get the hang of it, that’s when you move on to bigger projects.
The idea here is to ultimately find your writing voice.
Truth be told, you’re never going to do that if you don’t just start writing.
Being ambitious on the get-go won’t work because there’s no getting around the truth that you ought to put in the time to learn your craft.
By starting small, you gradually ease into writing a book-length work without feeling overwhelmed.
Find Your Writing Niche
Finding your niche is just as crucial as figuring out your writing voice.
You could sense that you’d become a great writer, but if you’re not writing about something that interests you, it’ll show in your work.
Your niche is what makes you exceptional as a writer.
It’s the one thing that’ll set you apart from other writers. Once you find it, lean into it and make it your own.
There are infinite opportunities for finding your niche.
For example, if you’re passionate about history, write about a specific period or event that fascinates you.
If you love to cook, write a book about your favourite recipes.
In short, don’t try to write a book just because you think it’ll be a bestseller.
Write a book because you have something to say and are sincere about saying it. It’s literally staying true to your voice as a writer.
Writing Exercises
This one is, in a way, related to the principle of taking small steps.
The fact that you have no experience doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
It just means you might have to work harder than someone who’s already been through the process.
One way to ease into writing is by doing some fun writing exercises.
These short, prompt-based exercises help jumpstart your creativity and get the ideas flowing. They’re also great for developing your writing voice.
Be reminded that being inexperienced doesn’t equate to being untalented.
Familiarity plays a vital role in the process. If you’re unsure about your writing, just keep at it and trust that the more you write, the better you’ll get.
Immerse in Your Favourite Books
When starting, it’s helpful to have some reference point – something to compare your work to and aspire towards. This one’s a no-brainer if you wish to ease into writing.
For that reason, you should immerse yourself in the books you love.
It affords you a better understanding of the craft and gives you a feel for the different writing styles. It’s a terrific way to find inspiration for your future book.
Likewise, when reading books that inspire you, take note of the things you like about them.
It could be the author’s use of language or the way they structure their stories. Whatever it is, come up with a mental note or even jot it down, so you get to refer back to it later.
It’s Not a Race To Finish Writing
For many first-time writers, the pressure of being able to finish a book can be paralyzing.
If it takes you a couple of years to finish your book or novel, so be it. The only way to succeed on your first try is to spend as much time as required to perfect your craft.
If you’re bound by some deadline or time constraint, it’ll only add to the pressure and make it tougher for you to produce your best work.
You’d end up losing your most crucial advantage – fun. The goal is to find your writing voice and have fun doing it.
The process shouldn’t feel like a chore, but it will be if you’re in a hurry to finish the book. If it does, take a step back and re-evaluate why you’re doing this in the first place.
Further Reading
Hiring An Editor For Your Book
How To Become A Ted Talk Speaker
Joel Mark Harris graduated from the Langara School of Journalism in 2007. Joel is an award-winning journalist, novelist, screenwriter and producer.
He has ghostwritten numerous books in all types of genres including true life crime, business, memoir, and self help. With over 1,000 blog posts to his name, he has helped hundreds of business owners scale their business and increase their visibility. You can email him at info@ghostwritersandco.com
