5 Simple Shifts to Get Started With Writing Your Book

If you’ve dreamed of writing your first book but don’t know where to begin, you’re not alone. A lot of people—especially busy moms—struggle to move from a great idea to the actual writing.

Whether your dream is to pen a self-help book, a novel, or a collection of short stories, the process of writing can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a degree in literature, a cabin in the woods, or a deal with a major publishing house to begin. You just need a few smart shifts.

These five simple shifts helped me move from paralysis to progress—and they can help you too.

1. Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time

A 2022 Reedsy Studio survey found that nearly 60% of first-time authors wrote their books in under an hour a day.

The key? Consistency.

You don’t need a quiet weekend, an empty house or a trip to a coffee shop to start (although they're always nice!) The best time to write your first draft is now, even if you only have 20 minutes at the kitchen table.

Many successful writers, including bestselling authors like Stephen King and Neil Gaiman, started by carving out short, regular writing sessions around full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

2. Know that the First Draft is Supposed To Be Messy

The first line, the first sentence, even the first word—it doesn’t have to be perfect. The old creative writing adage is true: you can’t edit a blank page. Your job in the first draft isn’t to be brilliant; it’s to show up. The editing process is where good writing happens.

Lots of authors—yes, even great writers—struggle with the beginning. The best way to move forward is to accept that your first draft is supposed to be messy. It's where the creative process truly begins.

3. Make a Plan (But Keep It Simple)

A 2023 report from the Center for Publishing at NYU found that writers with even a loose outline were 42% more likely to complete their full novel.

You don’t need a full table of contents, detailed plot points, or a comprehensive story structure to begin. But a general roadmap helps. The 5-Day Book Blueprint is the one I use and it helps organize my thoughts. 

Ask yourself:

• What’s my book idea?

• Who is my main character (if fiction)?

• What’s their motivation?

• What are 3–5 major things I want to say or explore?

4. Shift From Outcome to Process

Many beginner writers focus so much on publishing—finding a literary agent, getting a book deal, hitting the New York Times list—that they forget the most important part: the actual writing.

Whether you’re sitting with Microsoft Word at 5AM or sneaking in a paragraph during school pickup, trust that every writing session builds momentum.

Focus on the process of writing, not just the finished book. Build a writing schedule that fits your life—not the life of some professional writers on social media.

5. Use Real Life as Your Richest Material

Great stories often start with real life. Think of your own writing as a lens to explore personal experiences—whether it’s a story idea that came during a family vacation or a character inspired by your high school best friend.

The most important parts of good writing often come from the details only you can see. Your experience, your voice, your truth—that’s what makes a good book great.

"You don’t need to write the entire book this week. You just need to write the first page."

Want Help Starting?

If you want a step-by-step guide for beginner writers, check out my 5-Day Book Blueprint—a digital download that walks you through:

• Clarifying your story idea

• Building your main character

• Nailing your genre and point of view

• Creating your first sentence and opening line

• Outlining your book’s beginning

  
  

No fluff. No overwhelm. Just practical steps to move from idea to page.

Because the only way to become a good writer is to start writing. And the first thing you need? A little structure—and a lot of heart.

Final Thoughts

You’re not the only one who’s waited a long time to write. Lots of people—especially first-time authors—delay starting because it feels like too much.

But with small shifts in mindset and a realistic writing routine, you can start where you are, with what you have.

Your best work isn’t behind you. It’s just waiting for you to begin.

👉 Start the 5-Day Book Blueprint