So You Want to Write a Book: What Every New Writer Needs to Know First [EPISODE TWO]

🔥 Choosing Your Idea & Defining Your Book’s Core 🔍

🚀 Ready to turn your spark into a flame?

🔗 Missed Episode One? Start here first!

In Episode One, we tackled the emotional foundation of writing—your why, your fears, and your mindset. It’s time to take the leap and shape your idea into something real.

🎯 Episode Two is all about:
✔️ Testing your idea’s strength (Is it book-worthy?)
✔️ Finding the heartbeat of your story (What’s it really about?)
✔️ Avoiding the traps (Over-planning, genre confusion, weak stakes)
✔️ Crafting a one-page pitch (Your book’s DNA on paper)

📌 Bottom line: A great book starts with a clear vision, not a perfect idea.

The Myth of the “Perfect” Idea 🧠❌

🚫 Stop waiting for the “perfect” idea.

• There’s no such thing.
• Originality isn’t about what you write—it’s about how you write it.

💡 Examples:

• "The Hunger Games" → Not the first dystopian story, but Katniss’s voice made it iconic.
• "Atomic Habits" → Not the first habit book, but clear, actionable framing made it a bestseller.
• "Twilight" → Not the first vampire romance, but Bella’s emotional rawness hooked millions.

🎯 Your mission:
✅ Don’t chase “unique.” Chase compelling execution.
✅ Ask yourself: “Why am I the best person to tell this story?”

How to Test Your Idea’s Potential 🧪

Not all ideas are created equal. Pressure-test yours with these questions:

1️⃣ . Does it excite you? (If you’re bored, readers will be too.)
2️⃣ . Can you summarize it in one sentence? (Clarity = power.)
3️⃣ . Does it have a conflict? (No conflict = no stakes.)
4️⃣ . Who is it for? (Not “everyone”—someone.)

💬 Try this: Pitch it to a friend.

• If they lean in and ask questions, → You’ve got something.
• If they shrug → Dig deeper.

Defining Your Book’s Core (The Heartbeat of Your Story) 💓

Every great book has a core—the emotional or thematic pulse that drives it.

📖 Examples:

• "The Alchemist" → “Follow your Personal Legend.”
• "Gone Girl" → “How well do you really know someone?”
• "Becoming" (Michelle Obama) → “Self-discovery is a lifelong journey.”

✍️ Your turn:
Finish this sentence:
“At its heart, my book is about ______.”

💡 Can’t answer yet?

• Write freely for 10 mins: “Why does this story matter to me?”
• Look for recurring emotions or themes.

Genre, Audience & Stakes (Why They Matter) 🎭

Genre isn’t just a label—it’s a promise to readers.

✔️ A thriller should thrill.
✔️ A romance should make hearts flutter.
✔️ A memoir should feel raw and true.

🎯 Key Questions:
1️⃣ . What genre am I writing? (Research its tropes and expectations.)
2️⃣ . Who is my ideal reader? (Age, interests, emotions they crave.)
3️⃣ . What are the stakes? (Why should readers care?)

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Over-Planning 🛑

🚦 Two extremes:
1️⃣.  The Over-Thinker → Researches for years but never writes.
2️⃣.  The Leaper → Starts with a zero plan and gets lost.

🎯 Find your balance:

• Plotters: Sketch a loose outline (but leave room for surprises).
• Pantsers: Know one key scene or character to start.

💡 Pro Tip: Your first draft is a discovery draft—let it be messy!

Your First Action Step – The One-Page Pitch 📄

Before you write Chapter 1, answer these:

1️⃣. Working Title: (Even if it’s terrible!)
2️⃣. Genre: (Be specific—e.g., “cozy mystery” vs. “thriller”.)
3️⃣. Core Theme: (From Part 3!)
4️⃣. Protagonist’s Goal: (What do they want?)
5️⃣. What Stands in Their Way? (Conflict = story fuel.)
6️⃣. Stakes: What happens if they fail?
7️⃣. Why This Story? (Your connection.)

✨ This isn’t set in stone—it’s your North Star.

A Final Pep Talk for the Next Phase 🚀

You’re no longer just thinking about writing a book.
You’re doing it.

🔥 Next Up: Episode Three – Structuring Your Book (Without Losing Your Soul).

But for now:
✅ Trust your idea.
✅ Write the book only YOU can write.
✅ Progress > perfection.

📣 Remember: The world needs your story—whether it’s for 10 readers or 10 million.

👉 Drop a comment below: What’s your book’s core theme? Let’s cheer each other on! 🎊

— Victoria ✍️