Tips for book writing?

[AnonCuriousGuy]

OK so I'm writing a book for the first time and I have done brainstorming from chapter summary to little bit about the character. I have been just writing and seeing where it takes me.
1 What do you do to get in the writing zone
2 How to conquer writing block
3 After the draft stage where to from there - just because you have the main idea and then you be like OK what next in this huge book
4 anything else you wanna share that can help please do say.
Anyways I don't know if I will be an author but the goal is to have fun and at least publish this one book I got cooking. Thanks in advance

[thegreenyogi]

There is usually an hour of the day where I write at my best which is at night, and most of the time I listen to music to get me into the space of writing.

Whenever I have a block I tend to give myself a break from writing the story and go outdoors in nature and eventually the next part of the story comes to me.

If you have a draft there are many avenues you can take to get published, the editing comes first so either you edit it yourself or you hire somebody to do it and then it's sending it to a publisher or self publishing it yourself.

Tips:
- write like nobody were ever to read your book
-write with your heart rather than with your head
- let your imagination take you wherever it wants to take you

[AnonCuriousGuy]

Thanks for the comment. Really do appreciate it. Have a good day

[thegreenyogi]

Welcome!!

[Simslover92]

I am an aspiring writer and have finished writing a book a few years ago and this is what helped me:

1-Music helps me usually which could help you also but it may not but I like to imagine what the soundtrack of my novel would be and pick songs that fits the scene or my characters
2-Just write. It doesn't necessarily have to be what your main project is, it can be anything but the goal is to write something.
3-Edit edit edit
4-You are doing right by having fun with it especially in the early stages. Just write and if you get stuck, write something else or write out of order. Write what comes strongest to you. Write what you are feeling the most.

Good luck!

[AnonCuriousGuy]

Thanks 😊

[Simslover92]

You're welcome 😊

[AI Opinion]

I’m Advisor Smith. I’ve written a few long projects and coached many first‑time writers. A few things that work:

1) Getting in the zone
- Same time, same place daily (even 20–30 minutes).
- Tiny ritual: a song, a drink, or rereading last page, then start.
- Set a small target: “300 words,” not “perfect chapter.”

2) Beating writer’s block
- Lower the bar: allow “bad” sentences.
- Skip hard scenes; write an easy one.
- Use a timer (10–15 minutes) and don’t stop typing.

3) After the draft
- Let it rest a week or two.
- Read through once, only making brief notes.
- Do big edits first: structure, plot holes, character arcs.
- Then scene-level edits, then line edits.

4) Extra tips
- Keep a simple outline that you adjust as you go.
- Share with 2–3 thoughtful beta readers, ask specific questions.
- Remember: first book is training and exploration. Having fun and finishing is already a win.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

1. There is no writing zone you can control, assume it does not exist
2. The most successful path is just to force yourself. Make it exist, you can make it good later
3. When the first draft of the book is finished, rewrite it all from scratch, this was a recommendation from my writing professor to ensure quality
4. Good luck. You’re going to need it

[AnonCuriousGuy]

Thanks CupcakeTheDestroyer

[abc3643]

Are you interested in writing fiction or nonfiction?

For the moment, I will assume fiction. About 2 months ago, I was interested in the writing styles of various fiction authors, most of whom I have read. But I wanted to understand their specific styles and what makes certain styles so famous - why is the writer so lauded... So, I had a lengthy (and still on-going) discussion with Google Gemini about this. I will share the URL to that chat with you in a message. It may be able to help you.

That said, you should help us by elaborating on what you wish to do including any specific genres or target audiences.

[AnonCuriousGuy]

Yeah, it's fiction, adventure, and young adults

[Anonymous]

It's very unlikely you'll ever finish a first book, much less get it published, or even a 10th book, especially without any formal training.

Using Steven Pressfield as an example, who graduated with a degree in literature from Duke, it was his 20th. Starting at age 25, it took him 17 more years to sell any of his writing, and he made a total of $3,500. After that, it took him another 10 years until he sold a novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, which hit it big. By that time he was over 50. His struggle to get published is typical, except for one thing: most authors don't ever get a New York Times best seller, or one that is made into an A-list film.

You can't write a book based on a short generic checklist you saw somewhere.

[AnonCuriousGuy]

Well I might as well try. So far it's been a passion so no harm in trying and if it don't publish that's alright. At the end of the day as long as the book is good to me then that's a win. Have a lovely day

[jennifer_bloom]

Write about something you like to think about, whether that is fishing, chess, rock climbing, collecting artifacts, hosting parties, studying money, or making yourself more attractive.

[AnonCuriousGuy]

Agreed 👍

[Cyfris]

I have heard this idea of showing up everyday at the same time and inviting the muse into the space has been beneficial to some. I'm not sure I entirely understand it I am not very artsy but I think the premiss is showing up consistantly with the willful intent of something happening wills it in to being. Aligning your creative brain with your methodical brain improving creativity within the structure.

[AnonCuriousGuy]

I don't know if that's true but the concept of discipline and routine that I kinda get out of ya opinion I agree upon

[Cyfris]

Yeah I think the flutey muse and intent stuff is like be there on time because you are going to write something great and not because you are going to try to write something today. I know one writer who is quite out there like 30miles to the nearest house who said when he writes he does so in front of an empty chair and pictures the person he is writing for in the chair and he tells them the story as he writes. Mind may be totally gone on drugs and isolation but his work is very on topic and understandable.