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Did you know that according to the New York Times, a whopping 81 percent of people dream of writing a book? That's a lot of future authors out there!

But here’s the thing: many folks don’t have a clue about how to actually make it happen or even where to begin.

Truth is, successful authors have a few tricks up their sleeves—they know what areas to focus on, and surprisingly, there’s no magic involved. These are super simple tips that often get overlooked because they seem too basic.

Let’s change that, shall we?

With so many people aiming to join the author ranks, it’s all about knowing where to focus your energy. You need to nail down the right book idea and build some solid writing habits along the way.

Now, with all those books getting published daily and influencers grabbing book deals, not to mention the self-publishing craze, becoming an author can seem daunting. But guess what? You don’t need big publishing houses banging on your door to dive into the action. That’s right, don’t fall into that trap and delay writing.

So, how do you boost your chances of success? It’s simpler than you think. These aren’t mind-blowing secrets—they might even seem a bit dull! But remember, small changes add up to big wins over time. Let’s break it down:

#1 - Build a Perseverance Mindset

Perseverance is key for any creative project. Sure, getting lucky helps, but perseverance? That's your bread and butter. Just think about it:

• Dr. Seuss: Dr. Seuss was rejected twenty-seven times before his first book, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," was published.

• Disney? Fired for a lack of creativity!

• Stephen King's first novel? It was rejected thirty times!

The difference with these legends is their mindset. They stuck to their guns and pushed through setbacks.

JUST DO IT!

#2 - Hit Those Daily Word Count Goals

To get anywhere in writing, you simply have to write. Set clear goals for yourself. Whether aiming for short stories or a full-on novel, start with daily word count targets. For beginners, try writing one hundred words a day. More established writers? Maybe aim for 500-750 words. Whatever your target, make sure to think SMART with these FIVE guidelines:

• Get specific and use a firm word count, not pages.

• Track measurable progress every day.

• Set achievable goals you can manage but still push you.

• Dream big, but not too big. Keep it real

• Plan your timeline, mark your final deadline to finish your project and work backwards.

#3 - Dive into Creative Writing

Perseverance is impressive, but heading in the right direction matters too. So, study up! Online courses, local classes, webinars, or even hiring a writing coach can work wonders. Remember, the more you learn, the more you realize you still have so much to discover. Embrace it!

#4 - Learn from Other Writers

This creative world is packed with opportunities to learn from others. Chat with a seasoned pro over coffee, and you might just see things differently. Both newbies and veterans have so much to teach—and learn from—each other. Dive into writer’s guilds, masterclasses, webinars, or just network with other writers ahead of you in the game.

Start Today: Don't Just Dream, Do!

Dreaming is easy; it's the doing that trips most people up. You can read all the advice out there, but if you don’t act, it’s all for nothing. So, jump in! Check out:

• Jerry Jenkins’ blog

• Jane Friedman’s blog

• Diann Schinder…. yes, my Craft of Writing Blog and YouTube Video Playlist 

These resources are in your pocket thanks to smartphones. Use that waiting time at the coffee shop or your daily walk tap into these treasure troves of knowledge.

Find a mentor who offers one-on-one learning. A personalized touch can make all the difference. Write them a cover letter like you would for a job interview, share your goals, and see where it takes you.

The biggest lesson? Don’t wait until you feel ready, because honestly, no one ever does! Just take the first step—momentum will follow. Remember Dr. Seuss, Disney, and King. They were once where you are.

Feeling discouraged? Join the club—and keep going!