the question I get asked most often

One of the questions I get asked the most often is: “Here’s my book idea. Is it any good?” 

Here’s the truth: whether or not your idea is good matters WAY LESS than whether or not you execute the idea. 

I’ve met writers who have tons of amazing ideas but have never executed any of them as a book. 

I also have people who find out I’m a writer who say, “I have a great idea for a book! You should totally write my idea.”

I do not have a problem coming up with ideas for books. 

The challenge is always, always, always, investing the time and energy in EXECUTING THE IDEAS I HAVE. 

Let’s take the example of J.K. Rowling.* She had the idea for the Harry Potter series on a train. But the idea mattered less than her execution of it: after having the idea, she spent SEVEN YEARS outlining all seven books and writing the first one - all before knowing whether or not the first book would even get a publisher. 

Stop spinning in circles on the question, “Is this idea even any good?” 

Assume that it is. Spend your energy WRITING THE BOOK INSTEAD OF WONDERING WHETHER OR NOT THE IDEA IS GOOD ENOUGH. 

You will learn so much in the writing. You will get feedback that will help you become a better writer. 

All of that is more valuable than staying in the idea phase. 


*I do not support J.K. Rowling’s stance on trans people. And, I still learn from her writing.