When I first started writing fiction, hitting just 500 words felt impossible. I’d write, delete, rewrite, delete again, trapped in an endless cycle of frustration. But recently, I challenged myself: write 10,000 words in just 14 days—and actually finish something. Spoiler alert: It worked.

The trick? Small daily goals, a super-simple outlining method, and zero editing (at least at first). Turns out, messy writing beats no writing every single time. Curious how I did it? Keep reading—I’ll walk you through exactly how you can do it too.

Looking for the best tools to level up your writing and self-publishing game? Here are 10 must-have apps and websites every indie author should know—from writing software to book marketing tools that actually work.

Your cover is your book’s first impression—and it can make or break a reader’s decision to click. In this side-by-side example, you’ll see the clear difference between a professionally designed cover that grabs attention and one that falls flat. From genre alignment to typography and clarity at thumbnail size, these details matter more than you think.

Struggling to get book reviews as a self-published author? This step-by-step guide shows you how to build an ARC team, use review platforms like Booksprout, StoryOrigin, and BookFunnel, and ask readers for reviews without feeling pushy. Perfect for indie authors launching on Amazon or growing their email list.

So—you’ve got a brilliant idea for your book. You’ve done your research, brainstormed your characters, maybe even made a few Pinterest boards (no judgment here—we’ve all been there). Now you’re staring at a blinking cursor, wondering…

“Okay… how do I actually start writing this thing?”

Thinking about self-publishing your book but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through every step of the process—from editing and formatting to choosing the right platforms and launching your book like a pro. If you're ready to take control of your publishing journey, this is the roadmap you need.