Many people find themselves contemplating the prospect of writing a book, whether it be a memoir, a mystery, or a romance. While the process demands grit, research, and substantial effort, bridging the gap between having an idea and holding a finished product is a significant challenge. A 2021 survey conducted by ThriftBooks revealed that while over half of respondents believed they possessed a strong concept for a novel, only 15% had actually begun the writing process, and a mere 8% had successfully completed their work. It speaks to grit, determination and hours of research and effort, like running a marathon or successfully filing your taxes. But thinking about writing a book and actually doing it are two very different things. And yet, lots of people who talk about writing books don’t actually do it – or they start, and never finish. (For example, without naming any names: me.).
For some, the drive to write is rooted in a fundamental need for creative expression. Jami Attenberg, a bestselling author and founder of the 1000 Words of Summer project, notes that for many, “they’re born writers, and this is how they communicate with the world.” Beyond communication, she adds that for others, writing serves as a “cathartic release” for stories they feel compelled to share. Marita Golden, a novelist and co-founder of the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation, describes the endeavor as “a powerful act of imagination and self-affirmation.” She acknowledges that it is a demanding and occasionally intimidating personal challenge, though Attenberg finds the variety of motivations encouraging, suggesting that it proves people still deeply value books.
Barriers to completion are often personal. Novelist Christopher Moore points out that while the craft is difficult, those who have finished a book possess the knowledge of how to navigate the process. Often, writers are hindered by self-doubt or the fear that they are not the “certain type of person” suited for the task. Golden notes that many worry about the potential for criticism, which reinforces their insecurities. Additionally, life simply gets in the way of consistent progress. They won’t complete it, and that will reinforce their insecurity or open them to criticism and judgment,” Golden says, some fret that they won’t accomplish what they set out to do. “People fear that if they begin the process.
To overcome these hurdles, experts emphasize the necessity of reading. Attenberg suggests that reading is non-negotiable, as it helps writers understand their own influences, preferred genres, and the tools used by other authors. She begins her own workday with reading to engage with the “big, beautiful, noisy conversation” of literature. Moore advises writers to clearly define their goals and maintain an ongoing internal dialogue about what they are trying to communicate, even if the perspective is simply a unique take on a familiar topic. “It doesn’t have to be profound,” he says. “It might be showing your unique perspective on a topic that’s been covered.”.
Research is another critical first step. Moore describes this not just as fact-checking, but as exploring existing literature on a subject and developing characters to anchor the narrative. To prevent the cycle of perpetual preparation, he recommends setting a firm start date. Even if the output on the first day is only a single paragraph, beginning the momentum is what matters. Additionally, joining a writing class can provide both technical instruction and a supportive community. He explains – it is finding out “what has been written before on the subject I’m interested in”, and then “creating characters to carry the story”, this is more than looking up dates and places. It’s easy to slip into a trap of endlessly preparing to write – telling yourself you’re just going to do a little more reading or add further detail to your outline before you start. According to even if it’s not in order, even if it’s a hundred pages from where you last stopped writing, “giving your characters a chance to talk to each other or make decisions will give you guidance for where to go next”,, Moore.
For those who have stalled in their progress, Attenberg recommends writing a letter to oneself to revisit the original intentions and the significance of finishing the project. Once the motivation is clarified, establishing a firm timeline is essential. If stuck, Moore suggests jumping ahead and writing a scene—even if it is out of sequence—to allow characters to interact and reveal the direction of the plot. Above all, he warns against premature editing. He advises writers to push through to a full first draft, noting that polishing can always occur later: “Once you have a thing that vaguely resembles a book, you can always go back and shape and polish it until it’s what you want.” So how does one get started and follow through.
