Just Write

1. Know What Readers Truly Want: Transport, Entertainment, Connection

What a reader really and truly longs for is to be entranced.

Readers seek escape. More than just emotional experience or entertainment, readers desire to be transported into a dream, forgetting they are reading and becoming immersed in the story world. Avoid "speed bumps" like clunky prose or implausible plots that jolt them out of this trance.

Value for money. Readers are consumers looking for the best entertainment bang for their buck. Surpassing their expectations, even with inexpensive or free offerings, is key to turning them into loyal fans who will reward you with repeat purchases and word-of-mouth.

Connection matters. In the modern era, readers want to feel connected to authors they love. Utilize social media not just for marketing, but for building genuine community and interaction, earning the right to share your work when it's ready.

2. Develop Compelling Ideas & Concepts Before You Write

If you don't make your concept solid and simple from the start, you're likely to wander around in soggy bogs and down random rabbit trails.

Concept is foundational. A strong, simple concept is your anchor. You should be able to articulate it in a couple of lines, like an elevator pitch, before you dive into writing the full novel. This focus prevents aimless wandering during the writing process.

Goose the muse. Don't wait for inspiration; actively seek it out through play and intentional brainstorming. Techniques include:

• The "What If" game (applying it to news, observations)
• Starting with cool titles or opening lines
• Making lists of resonant nouns or ideas
• Using music or visualization to trigger scenes
• Stealing and remixing old plots or crossing genres

Premise plausibility. Ensure your core premise makes sense, especially in thrillers or suspense. Readers suspend disbelief initially but will abandon a book if the setup or resolution becomes ridiculous or characters act like idiots solely to serve the plot. Build your opponent's "ladder" or write their "closing argument" to solidify motivations and actions.

3. Craft Memorable, Three-Dimensional Characters

Living, vibrating human beings are still the secret and magic formula of great and enduring writing.

Characters drive connection. Readers bond with stories through characters. While plot is essential, character without plot is static, and plot without character lacks emotional resonance. Characters reveal their true nature when faced with the complications of plot.

Complexity over perfection. Lead characters don't have to be morally good, but they must be compelling and good at something. Even negative leads like Scrooge or Scarlett O'Hara need a hint of potential redemption or admirable strength to keep readers invested. Avoid two-dimensional stereotypes.

Inner life and conflict. Go deeper than surface traits. Explore characters' backstories, secrets, and inner conflicts. A powerful technique is the "mirror moment" in the middle of the story, where a character is forced to reflect on who they are or the overwhelming odds they face. This reflection informs their journey and potential change.

4. Build Your Story on Solid Structure & Conflict

Story loves structure, because structure translates story into a form that enables reader connection … and those are the stories that sell.

Structure is a guide. Structure isn't a rigid cage but a flexible blueprint (like the three-act model) that helps translate your imaginative ideas into a form readers can follow and connect with. Knowing structural "signposts" allows for creative freedom while ensuring narrative coherence.

Conflict is key. At its core, story is about conflict, ideally a "death match" where the protagonist struggles against physical, professional, or psychological death. Orchestrate your characters so their distinct personalities and agendas create tension and conflict in every scene.

Show, don't tell. This fundamental axiom means revealing character and plot through action, dialogue, and sensory details, rather than simply explaining them. While narrative summary (telling) has its place, especially for necessary exposition or backstory, prioritize showing, particularly in intense moments.

5. Embrace the Brave, Disciplined Writing Life

For a writer, not to write is death.

Write brave, live brave. The writing life is full of challenges: rejection, criticism, economic uncertainty. Face these realities with determination and attitude, not arrogance. Don't go gentle onto the page; rage against the dying of the light by continuing to produce words.

Discipline is non-negotiable. Desire and talent are not enough. Professional writers produce words consistently, often through setting and meeting daily or weekly quotas. This discipline is the mark of someone serious about making a living from writing.

Bounce back from failure. Rejection and setbacks are inevitable. Learn from critiques, even negative ones, and use them as motivation to improve. Don't let discouragement paralyze you; allow yourself time to feel it, then get back to the keyboard.

6. Master the Craft Through Continuous Study

Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Writing is a learned craft. While some may have natural talent, writing well requires dedicated study and practice. Don't fall for the myth that you only learn by writing; you learn by studying successful authors, reading craft books, getting feedback, and practicing specific techniques.

Study the masters. Analyze the work of writers you admire. Dissect their techniques for narrative, style, characterization, and dialogue. Collect examples of strong phrases and effective mannerisms, seeking the underlying principles rather than merely copying.

Focus on critical factors. Systematically assess and improve your skills in key areas:

• Plot (struggle with death)
• Structure (beginning, middle, end)
• Character (memorable, rounded)
• Scenes (objective, obstacles, outcome)
• Dialogue (compressed, differentiated, zing)
• Meaning/Theme (intentional leave-behind)
• Voice (character + language + author's heart + craft)

7. Write Efficiently & Defeat Writer's Block

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

Plan your time. Effective writers manage their time intentionally. Plan your week, prioritize tasks (A, B, C), and take advantage of your most productive hours for focused work. Avoid multitasking during deep work sessions.

Defeat paralysis. Overanalysis and the pressure to write a perfect first draft can lead to paralysis. Give yourself permission to write imperfectly, focus on finishing the draft, and trust that revision is where the real fixing happens.

Strategies for writer's block:

• Re-excite yourself by rereading favorite works
• Use random prompts (like the dictionary game)
• Change your writing location
• Take short breaks or power naps
• Engage in physical exercise
• Step back and check fundamental story structure (e.g., at 30k words)

8. Understand Publishing Realities & Options

The flux isn't going away, so you've got to embrace it.

Change is the new normal. The publishing landscape is in constant flux, particularly since the rise of digital publishing in 2007. The old gatekeepers of traditional publishing are no longer the only path to readers and income.

Harsh realities exist. Whether traditional or independent, breaking through and earning significant income is hard and involves a mix of skill and luck. Keep expectations low regarding overnight success, but maintain a high work ethic and focus on quality.

Multiple paths to readers. You are no longer limited to one route. Traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid approaches are all viable options. Understand the pros and cons of each and choose the path that best suits your goals and temperament.

9. Leverage Self-Publishing Strategically

Never before in the history of book publishing—heck, never before in the history of storytelling (and that’s a long time)—has there been so much opportunity for writers to find readers and realize actual moolah from their craft.

Think like a publisher. Successful self-publishers act as their own publishing house, managing acquisitions (choosing projects), production (editing, cover design, formatting), and marketing. Hire professionals for areas outside your expertise.

Quality is paramount. Your self-published book must meet professional standards in writing, editing, cover design, marketing copy, and formatting. Readers expect quality regardless of the publishing path.

Marketing requires a plan. Develop a written marketing plan and work it consistently. Focus on building an email list, leveraging deal-alert services, and generating word-of-mouth through excellent writing. Social media should be about building community, not just selling.

10. Maintain Passion & Perseverance

If you don’t have calluses on your soul, this isn’t for you.

Passion fuels the journey. Find joy in the act of writing itself. This inner core of love for your craft will sustain you through inevitable disappointments and setbacks.

Perseverance is the key. The one characteristic all successful writers share is the refusal to quit. Keep writing, keep learning, keep improving, even when things are difficult. Your ultimate competition is yourself.

Write until you die. Don't view writing as something you retire from. Stay creative and productive throughout your life by challenging yourself with new projects, taking care of your physical and mental health, and maintaining a positive outlook.

Last updated: May 19, 2025