So you want to write a book…

Aug 7

A beginner’s roadmap for the busy mom with big ideas.

You’ve been carrying your book idea for months… maybe even years.

You scribble phrases on napkins, jot chapter titles into your Notes app, and think “One day…” every time inspiration strikes.
But when you finally sit down to write?

Crickets. Blank screen. Overwhelm.
The truth is, starting is often the hardest part.

If you're here wondering how to start writing a book, you're not alone. And you're in exactly the right place. Let’s walk through the first steps to getting started.

This is your roadmap.

Step 1: Define Your “Why”

Before you write a single word, get clear on your why.

Why this book? Why now?

Maybe it’s to share your story. To help someone going through what you’ve already survived. To support your business. To leave a legacy for your kids.

There’s no wrong answer as long as it’s an honest one.

Try This Prompt:
“If one person were to read my book and feel seen or supported, what would I want them to walk away with?”

When the writing gets hard (and it will), your why becomes your anchor. Don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Choose Your Topic or Story

If you’re like many first-time authors, you have multiple ideas swirling in your head. A childhood memoir. A guide for moms starting businesses. A story inspired by real-life pain you’re still unpacking.

Start with the one that feels loudest.
Not necessarily the most polished or “marketable”—but the one that won’t let you go.

Ask yourself:

Which idea do I think about the most?
Which one feels urgent, even if it’s messy?
Which one would I be most proud to hold in my hands?

Pick that one. The rest will still be there when you’re ready for them.

Step 3: Create a Simple Outline

No, you don’t need a 20-page outline or an formal writing degree to begin.

Just think of your book like a conversation with someone who needs it.
Start with big buckets; what you’d cover in each part or chapter.

A simple starting structure:

Beginning – Who are you talking to, and why? What’s the promise of your book?
Middle – What are the major lessons, stories, or turning points you want to walk them through?
End – What do you want them to walk away with? What will feel complete?

This doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to give you direction.

Step 4: Set Realistic Writing Goals

Repeat after me: You do not need to write a book in a weekend.

Start with small, consistent goals. Write 20 minutes a day. Or aim for 300 words, three times a week. Some weeks you’ll do more, others less. But progress compounds faster than perfection ever does.

Try This:
Pick two mornings, evenings, or nap times this week to write for 30 minutes. Put it on your calendar like any other appointment. Then protect it.

Step 5: Now Write!

This is the part where most people freeze — and where you get to truly start.

You’ve done the groundwork. You’ve chosen your story, clarified your message, and set realistic goals. Now it’s time to actually write.

Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for the perfect opening line. Don’t worry about what your voice sounds like or if it’s “good enough.”

Just write.

Write like you’re talking to one person who needs what you have to say. Write like it doesn’t have to be perfect (because it doesn’t). Write like your story already matters (because it does).

And if your inner critic starts whispering?
Remind her: “I’m not publishing this draft. I’m just writing it.”

Bonus: Tools & Support for Beginners

Writing is personal but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.
Here are a few beginner-friendly tools to make it easier:

Google Docs or Scrivener for writing and organizing chapters
Trello or Notion for keeping track of ideas, scenes, or timelines
Voice memos for capturing thoughts on the go
A writing coach or accountability partner to help you stay on track (like us!)

And of course, if the idea of formatting, editing, or “figuring it all out” has kept you frozen—you don’t have to do it all. That’s where we come in.

You Don’t Have to Be Ready. You Just Have to Begin.

The most important thing isn’t writing the perfect book.

It’s starting.

So here’s your permission slip: You are allowed to start small. You are allowed to learn as you go. You are allowed to write a messy first draft that turns into something beautiful.

Your story matters. Let us help you tell it.