So you want to write a book?

(The one with resources on how to begin)

On Savannah Gilbo’s excellent podcast, Fiction Writing Made Easy, she cites a statistic that over 80 percent of adults want to write a book. Still, only three percent actually finish a draft. Anecdotally, I’ve found that when I’ve told friends and family that I’m writing books inevitably they say “I’ve always thought about doing that” or “How the hell do you have the time?” (fair!).

It can feel overwhelming to go from the kernel of an idea to an 80,000-word tome.

There are a few things that can’t be taught—perseverance, resilience, and courage. You will need all three things to survive in the rejection-filled world of traditional publishing. That said, there were a few things that helped me get started, and I hope they help you as well.

The Bad on Paper podcast did a series in the summer of 2022 entitled, “How a Book Gets Made,” in which hosts Olivia Meunter and Becca Freeman interviewed authors along with an agent, an editor, and a publishing marketing professional. It is a great overview of traditional publishing.

Jessica Brody of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel fame, offers many writing classes online for only $15/month. I used her fast drafting course to power through the first draft of my second book, and she’s an excellent teacher.

Author friends have also recommended Stephen King’s On Writing and Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. I’ll admit that I’ve never read either one. I did enjoy Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic and highly recommend it.

Time for the hard truth.

You have to start somewhere. Putting words on the page. And it’s almost certainly going to suck. And then you’ll take craft classes. And find a writing group or critique partners. And it will suck a little less. You will submit your work in writing contests or to be reviewed on your favorite podcast. Little by little you’ll learn from the feedback and get better.

The only way you lose is by giving up. So, why not give it a shot? I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines.

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What I’m reading

Jamie Varon’s fiction debut, Main Character Energy, was an absolute delight. It’s full of heart and humor and takes place in the French Riviera. Armchair travel, anyone?

Kate Robb’s forthcoming debut, This Spells Love, is funny, heartwarming, and sexy. When Gemma gets dumped four years into her relationship, she casts a spell to erase her ex from her life. She wakes up in an alternate reality and learns that one wish changes everything. This book has serious Sliding Doors vibes! It’s out on December 5, 2023.

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What I’m eating

I’m calling it. Alison Roman’s salted butter and chocolate chunk shortbread cookies are perfect. Not overly sweet. Plenty of salt and are easy to make. Add them to your holiday party rotation and you won’t be disappointed.