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?”

Every finished novel starts the same way: with a flicker of an idea.

But turning that flicker into a fully developed story? That takes intention, inspiration, and a little bit of strategy.

Whether you’re a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, the research and brainstorming phase of writing a book is where the real magic begins. In this post, we’ll break down how to turn that “what if?” moment into a powerful foundation for your story—with examples, tools, affiliate resources, and helpful tips to guide you from blank page to story plan.

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.