How I'm Going About Writing a Book

In January, I announced to the world that I am writing a novel, which felt slightly terrifying. But putting it into the ether made it feel real. And it IS real. I’m literally doing it. I’m on chapter 7, if you can believe it. I sort of can’t!

As I got older and reached true adulthood, I did an audit of myself, everything I’d done, and everything I wanted to do. And I decided that one of my worst character traits is saying I am going to do some something, and then not doing it. And I am so over it. I am determined to make myself the Queen of Following Through. I joined a gym after months of saying I was going to. I stopped scrolling on my phone before bed after months of saying I was going to. And I am finally writing the book I’ve been saying I was going to write for years. I’ve never felt more proud of myself.

The wild thing about writing a book is the fact that there are no rules. The billions of books you see on shelves are the result of people, just like you and me, sitting down one day and deciding to put pen to paper. There are no set guidelines to follow. There is no right way—and that is the most intimidating part. One day, you just plop down on a chair, open your laptop, start a copy doc, and get going. It is so wild to me.

So, for anyone who has also been sitting on an idea for a book for years, but has no idea where to start, here are some things I’ve done that have helped me get to where I am today: Chapter 7.

As someone who thrives on routine, dedicating the same day each week to writing my book has been monumental. Every Friday, I wake up and know exactly what I am doing. There is no wiggle room. No room for negation. I never schedule anything else on Fridays between 11AM and 3PM because that is writing time. I decided if I was serious about writing this book, I needed to set some sort of schedule—otherwise, it would never get done.

The biggest issue I ran into when I was started writing this book was choosing a location. In the beginning, I used the book as an excuse to visit cute coffee shops around the city. But I quickly learned that this method had too much room for error. I’d trek into Manhattan and get to a coffee shop only to discover: they don’t allow laptops, every table was full, they didn’t have outlets, the music was way too loud, etc. And then I’d find myself in the middle of the sidewalk, scrolling Google Maps for another option. Half the day would be wasted. My energy would fizzle. And zero writing would get done. Never again.

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The best place to be productive is the library, specifically the New York Public Library. My eyes well up with tears every time I step foot inside this Beaux Arts landmark—it’s that magical. I’m simply in awe of the history and importance of the place. And it’s free !!!

I usually sit in the Rose Reading Room. The ceiling mimics an ethereal sky, walls are lined with books, windows flood the room with natural light, and best of all—it’s silent. There is dependable wifi, a clean bathroom, plenty of outlets, and endless tables and chairs. If the NYPL ever has an auction selling the chairs they have in this reading room… I am buying 12. That is how comfortable they are.

To enter the Rose Reading Room, simply tell the person in front of the doors that you are here to study or do research. No prior appointments are required. Just remember no food or drinks are allowed.

Sometimes after writing for a while, I subconsciously pick up my phone and start to scroll. I think it’s a way to just give my brain a little rest. To go numb for a little bit. But every time I do this, I regret it instantly because it takes me out of the zonnneeee. Instead, I try to simply shut my laptop for a few minutes, look around, take a walk, open my book, have a snack. Anything but doom scrolling.

I always knew the plot for my book, but only up until a certain point. And that is what was holding me back. Then as time went on, something clicked. I don’t really know how or why, but it did. I realized that the reason I was struggling to get going was that writing from someone else’s perspective is impossible—at least for me. The book is based on my Grandma’s life, so I always thought the character needed to be just like her. But then I decided to make her more like me. Her hobbies, thoughts, and the way she speaks are a mix of my Grandma and mine, while her friends are based entirely on mine. So in a way, the book is both a tribute and an auto-biography.

To anyone else who has dreams of being an author, I hope these little habits help you—even just a little. To any book agents or editors reading this, I’d love to get coffee and pick your brain.

xo,

Claudia