Turn Your Someday Book into Your WIP
Do you have a Someday Book? You know, that book idea you’ve been holding onto for years, waiting for the “perfect time” to start writing it?
It might be the spark of an idea that seems too ambitious, or a story so personal that putting it on paper feels terrifying.
Many aspiring writers fall into the trap of constantly putting off their writing projects because they believe they need to perfect their craft before starting.
And by “aspiring writers” I mean, well, everyone. Like how Stephen King put off writing 11/22/63, and Neil Gaiman waited to write The Graveyard Book. Imagine how many other Someday Books never saw publication.
If you have a book you’ve been waiting to write, you’re not alone.
But what if you found out that today, right now, is the perfect time to bring that book to life?
Why Start Writing Your Someday Book Now?
The truth is, there will never be a time when that project seems less terrifying, or when you finally feel like you’re “good enough” to write it. And there’s never going to be a shortage of excuses! Life will always throw obstacles in your way – work, family, personal commitments – and it’s easy to let those distractions keep you from writing your Someday Book.
But the longer you wait, the further away Someday gets.
Saving Ideas Stifles Creativity
There's a common misconception that saving your best ideas for later will allow you to bring them to life when your skills are sharpest. But the truth is, hoarding ideas limits your creative growth.
When you pin all your hopes on a single concept, you turn all of your attention and creativity to spinning on that idea, even if you never write a word… and you risk stunting the flow of new ideas.
Creativity thrives on freedom and experimentation, not on waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The good news? When you use your best ideas now, you’ll have even better ones later.
Inspiration Strikes for a Reason
Have you noticed how some ideas just won't leave your mind? That's because they come when you need them most.
Your Someday Book idea came to you when it was relevant to your current experiences, insights, and emotions. It might even have a lesson in store for you that you’ll learn as you explore it on the page.
Waiting too long might mean losing the emotional connection and relevance that makes your story compelling. Write while you’re excited about the idea, and your authenticity will resonate with readers.
On a side note: Has this already happened to you? If you’ve already lost passion for your Someday Book, but you’re holding onto the idea because you think you “should” write it, this is your permission to let go and find a new idea that lights you up.
Overcoming the Challenges
Starting a writing project, especially one that matters so much to you, can feel overwhelming—but with the right mindset and support, you can overcome any challenges that come your way.
Recognize the Shadows of Doubt
It's easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt, underestimating your abilities. The blank page can be a daunting adversary, whispering doubts like “Is my writing good enough?” or “What if everyone hates it?”
These fears are normal, but they don't have to be paralyzing. Remember that every great story begins with a draft.
It's okay if it's not perfect!
Overcome the fear by recognizing it as a normal part of the process, not a barrier. Acknowledge your current skills and trust in your capacity for growth.
Learn As you go
Writing your Someday Book offers a chance to stretch your talents and discover new ones. Writing a book you genuinely care about is challenging, rewarding, and the best way to grow as a writer.
When passion fuels your project, you're more likely to push through the tough times and discover untapped potential within yourself.
Instead of waiting to get the skills you need to tackle this project, let the project challenge you to learn the skills you need!
You don’t have to Do It Alone
When you worry that you don’t have what it takes to write your book, you might picture the hours, days, months of writing in solitude only to have an editor tell you that it’s not good enough.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Editors can be more than judges or critics. The most fulfilling part of my work as an editor is working alongside authors as a thought partner, collaborating with them and helping them reach their full potential by offering feedback throughout their process of creation.
Imagine having someone who cares about your Someday Book as much as you do. As you work on your book, you have regular conversations about what is working and how to make the story even better. If you’re not sure how to do something, they teach you the skills you need and show you examples of what it looks like in published works. They help you grow your skills, and they help you keep the spark of inspiration alive so that you keep your passion for the project until you reach “The End.”
That’s what an editor can do.
Consider bringing an editor on board early to help you face the challenge of your Someday Book, and you can overcome the obstacles of the project together!
Someday is Today
The time to write your Someday Book is now.
Yes, it may feel intimidating, but remember that every celebrated author started with a blank page. The story you're meant to tell is the one calling out to you today.
It’s time to seize the moment, put pen to paper, and bring your Someday Book to life. Don’t wait for the perfect time—create it. Your story deserves to be told, and the world is ready to hear it.
Take the first step toward making your Someday Book a reality: Join Writers By Night! Take the What’s Your Writing Superpower? quiz today to unlock your secret identity and join the team. We’re working on a Top Secret project to help you make your Someday Book a reality.
