Q&A: Advice for First-Time Writers

Real Talk from Owl Mountain Press

Have you ever heard the saying,
“If writing was easy, everyone would do it?”

It might sound like a cliché, but this is a truth that every writer comes to understand over time. Writing is not simply putting words on a page; it is a process that demands courage, commitment, and a willingness to dig deep into your own experiences and emotions. It is about wrestling with your inner critic and self-doubt and choosing to keep going despite the discomfort that inevitably arises. If writing were truly easy, the world would be flooded with bestsellers and acclaimed authors. The reality is that writing requires time, patience, and an investment of heart and soul. It is a calling that asks for your full presence, and it will challenge you in ways you may not expect.

This is why so many people start writing projects and then abandon them midway. The initial excitement of a fresh idea eventually gives way to the difficult “middle” phase, where your plot may twist in unexpected ways, your characters feel flat or incomplete, and you struggle to find the right words. In this part of the journey, many writers feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or ready to give up. But this moment is also a crossroads where you have to decide whether you will push through the struggle or turn away from your story. At Owl Mountain Press, we want to encourage you to keep going. It is okay for writing to be hard. It is okay to cry, to question your ability, or to feel stuck. If you stay committed to the process and embrace the challenges, you will create something meaningful and real.

If you are a first-time writer, or if you are returning to your writing after a pause, this post is for you. We want to share some honest advice to help you navigate the ups and downs and find your way through this creative journey.

❓ What should I expect as a first-time writer?

When you begin writing your first book, it is important to understand that this is not a short or easy path. Writing a book is a long-term commitment that will test your patience and persistence. You should expect to encounter moments of joy when your ideas flow freely and the words come effortlessly, but you should also prepare for dry spells, creative blocks, and moments where you feel completely stuck. These difficulties are a natural part of the creative process, and they do not mean you are failing. Rather, they are signs that you are stretching yourself and growing as a writer. Writing demands you to be flexible and open to change. Sometimes the story you thought you were telling will evolve into something unexpected, and part of your job as a writer is to allow that transformation to happen.

Creatively and emotionally, this process will challenge you in ways you might not anticipate. You will have to confront doubts about your abilities, face fears of rejection, and possibly experience moments where you question whether you should even be writing at all. This stretching is necessary for growth. While it may be uncomfortable, it will ultimately help you develop not just as a writer, but as a person. Expect that the journey will not always be comfortable, but trust that the effort you invest is meaningful and will bear fruit in the end.

❓ What should I look for when starting this process?

Before you begin writing, it is crucial to get clear on your motivations and what you hope to achieve. Being honest with yourself about your goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the often winding road ahead. Are you writing to heal from personal experiences? Do you want to share your knowledge with others? Are you looking to publish your book professionally, or is this a project for your own growth? Knowing your “why” will guide your decisions and keep you grounded when challenges arise.

It is also important to find reliable resources and support systems. This means seeking out trustworthy writing communities, editors, critique partners, or small presses that are genuinely invested in helping new writers grow. Surrounding yourself with people who offer constructive feedback and encouragement will make a significant difference. Avoid those who only flatter you without helping you improve. Having someone in your corner; whether a friend, mentor, or writing group, can provide much-needed motivation and perspective, especially during the most difficult parts of your journey. Remember that writing can be a solitary endeavor, but having support makes the road easier to travel.

Honesty from yourself – Be real about your goals. Are you writing to heal? To publish? To prove something? To share something? Knowing your “why” helps guide your process.
Resources you can trust – Writing communities, editors, critique partners, small presses like ours. Surround yourself with people who want to help you grow, not just flatter you.
Support systems – Have someone in your corner, even if it’s one person who believes in your story. It helps when you’re in the messy middle.

❓ How do I ask for help without feeling like a burden?

Simple: ask with humility, and ask the right people.

Asking for help can be intimidating, especially if you worry about imposing on others’ time or generosity. The best way to approach this is with humility and respect. Understand that no one expects you to have all the answers or to know everything right away. Most people who have been through the writing process are happy to support others who are sincerely trying to learn and grow.

When you reach out, be thoughtful. Do some research before asking questions, so you demonstrate that you are serious about your craft. When you ask for help, try to be specific about what you need, whether it is advice on plot development, feedback on a chapter, or guidance on the publishing process. Being clear and concise shows respect for the other person’s time and expertise. Remember, writing is a community effort as much as it is an individual one. Finding mentors, joining writing groups, or connecting with a small press like Owl Mountain Press can provide the encouragement and accountability you need to keep moving forward.

*You don’t need to know everything. No one expects you to. But you do need to be open to learning. Find a mentor, a writing group, or a small press (like Owl Mountain) that genuinely supports new writers.

*Be respectful of people’s time, do a little research first, and ask questions that show you’re serious about your craft. Most writers and editors are happy to help someone who’s trying, really trying.

❓ Everyone keeps talking about “finding your voice.” What does that even mean?

Finding your voice is one of the most important and rewarding parts of being a writer, but it can also feel elusive. Your voice is the unique way you tell your story. The combination of your tone, word choices, rhythms, and perspectives. It is what makes your writing unmistakably yours and distinguishes it from everyone else’s.

This means that finding your voice is not about imitating other authors, copying popular trends, or writing what you think people want to hear. Instead, it requires you to be authentic and true to yourself. Your voice reflects your life experiences, your worldview, your emotions, and even your quirks. It takes time to discover, and often you find it by writing imperfect, messy drafts and learning to trust yourself more with every word you put on the page.

Being brave enough to write honestly, even when you feel vulnerable or uncertain, is what ultimately leads to a strong and genuine voice. It’s okay if your voice is rough or unpolished at first. The important thing is that it is real. With time and practice, your voice will become clearer and more confident..

❓ I keep getting discouraged. Will that ever stop?

Discouragement is something every writer encounters at some point. Even authors with decades of experience still have moments of self-doubt, frustration, and exhaustion. It is a natural part of the creative process. Writing is hard work, and it asks a lot of you emotionally and mentally.

If you are someone who struggles with receiving constructive criticism, this journey will be especially challenging. Not all feedback feels easy to hear, but when it is given thoughtfully and with your growth in mind, it is invaluable. Learning to listen openly to feedback, even when it stings, is an essential skill for any writer who wants to improve. Take the time to absorb what resonates and use it to make your work stronger.

You will likely feel frustrated many times. There will be tears and moments when you want to give up. You might even feel emotionally drained or “brow-beaten.” This is not unusual, and it does not mean you are failing. These difficult emotions show that you care deeply about your work. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and let yourself experience them, but do not let them stop you. Instead, remind yourself why you started writing in the first place and keep moving forward, one word at a time.

💡 The most important advice?

Patience is the foundation of successful writing. It is tempting to rush through your project because you want to see the finished book or share your story with the world. However, rushing often leads to frustration and disappointment. Allow your story and your skills the time they need to develop naturally. Some stories need space to breathe, and writers need time to grow and mature in their craft.

Honoring the process means accepting every stage; the exciting beginnings, the challenging middles, and the rewarding endings. Each phase contributes to the evolution of your voice and your story. When you commit to this process, you prepare yourself for the moment when your book finally reaches a reader and makes a meaningful impact.

*Be patient.
Don’t rush. Don’t try to force your way to the end. Some stories need time to breathe. Some writers do too.

*Honor the process.
Every part of it is shaping your voice, sharpening your skills, and preparing you for the moment your book reaches someone who needs it.

🦉 Final Thoughts from Owl Mountain Press

At Owl Mountain Press, we believe in writers who approach their work with integrity, heart, and dedication. We do not promote shortcuts or quick fixes. Instead, we support writers who are willing to do the hard work, learn from their experiences, and stay committed over time. This kind of dedication results in stories that are authentic, powerful, and lasting.

If you hang in there, commit to your journey, and embrace the vulnerability and resilience required, you can bring your unique voice to life. You can share your story with the world in a way that resonates and endures. Remember, the writing journey is not always easy, but it is worth every step.

We believe in you and your story. If you are ready to take this journey, know that Owl Mountain Press is here to support you every step of the way.

Keep going. You’ve got this.
And when you don’t? Come sit with us. We’ll figure it out together.

Much love and many blessings,
Jess Bicknell
Founder, Owl Mountain Press