One of the most common questions I get, whether at a book signing, in my inbox, or over coffee, is this:
I get it. Maybe you’ve had an idea in your head for years. Maybe you scribble story ideas in notebooks, but you haven’t dared to call yourself a writer yet. Maybe you’re worried you need a degree in creative writing, or that it’s too late to begin. If you’ve ever wondered how to start writing fiction or looked up fiction writing for beginners, you’re not alone.
Let me tell you the truth: I didn’t go to writing school. I studied economics and public policy. I’ve spent years consulting for the World Bank and working in renewable energy. But in the in-between moments on long flights across the Atlantic or early mornings in Paris, I wrote. That’s how my stories were born. For anyone searching for how to write fiction for beginners, the answer is simpler than you think: you just need to begin.
If you’re wondering where to start, here’s my honest advice, shaped by experience and a little help from fellow writers who’ve walked the same road. These are my top fiction writing tips for beginners.
The most important part of writing fiction? Starting.
Not planning. Not researching. Not waiting for inspiration. Just starting.
One of my favorite quotes from a TV show with an author who’s struggling with writer’s block is: “It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to start.”
That first draft won’t be pretty. It’s not supposed to be. But once you’ve got something on the page, you can work with it. When I began Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction, a book that readers often compare to great spy novels and espionage books, I wrote scenes out of order, rewrote them multiple times, and still doubted myself every step. But I kept writing. This is exactly what I tell anyone who asks me how to start writing a novel: begin, even if it feels messy.
If you’re sitting there wondering how to begin, start with one scene. One character. One voice.
I write political thrillers, espionage, and drama, but I read everything: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and global literature. Reading shapes your voice, enriches your vocabulary, and teaches structure in ways no course can.
So read widely, especially in the genres you love. If you dream of writing the best spy novels, study the masters. Explore both classics and recommended spy novels from modern authors. Read slowly. Take notes on what works and what doesn’t when you can. But no matter what, keep reading. You’ll be surprised how much it seeps into your writing. Every book you read strengthens your skills in fiction writing for beginners.
Writing isn’t magic. It’s a habit.
You don’t need to write for hours every day. But you do need consistency. Even 15 minutes a day adds up. I’ve written parts of entire novels during layovers, in coffee shops between meetings, and at 11 p.m. when I was too tired to overthink it.
Set goals that work for your life. Daily or weekly word counts are great. So are writing sprints. What matters most is showing up. This is one of the most underrated fiction writing tips for beginners.
In this process, you’ll also discover something super important: what works best for YOU. I can tell you that for me, a daily word count target (1500 words), five days a week, works best. For other writers, it’s the amount of time they spend working, or they have a lighter target, but write six or seven days a week. That information is huge because what works best for me might not work best for you.
People often ask me where I get my ideas. The answer is simple: my life. My travels, my work, my heritage, the people I meet, the places I fall in love with.
You don’t need to be a spy to write espionage. You just need to observe closely and feel deeply. Infuse your fiction with real emotion, even if your plot is pure invention. The best spy books and best espionage books succeed not just because of clever plots, but because they capture human truths: fear, loyalty, betrayal, and courage. This is a cornerstone of how to write fiction for beginners.
Every writer carries a treasure chest of stories within them. Your experiences, relationships, and worldview are your richest material. And when you weave that into a thriller, a romance, or even the best spy novel, the story becomes unique.
Find critique partners, writing groups, or beta readers who understand your genre and support your growth. And just as importantly, read other people’s work too. You’ll learn more than you expect.
Online writing communities, groups, and even local meetups can be incredibly helpful. But remember: not all feedback is created equal. Learn to listen, but also to trust your gut.
Some of my favorite writing tools:
Writing doesn’t require fancy tech, just commitment. Even for those learning how to start writing a novel, the simplest tools often work best.
If a full novel feels overwhelming, start with:
Each piece you write sharpens your skills. And before you know it, you’ll have the momentum to write something bigger.
I say this often: write for joy, not for permission.
Don’t wait for someone to tell you you’re ready. Don’t wait for a publisher, a degree, or the perfect idea. You are a writer the moment you decide to be one.
And if your first story doesn’t turn out like you imagined? Good. That means you’ve started. And that’s everything. For fiction writing for beginners, this step is invaluable.
I’ve written about espionage and international conflict, grief and redemption, identity and belonging. But the hardest thing I ever did was write that first page.
So here’s my challenge to you:
Write a scene today. Any scene. Any length. Don’t judge it. Just write it.
And if you’d like company on your writing journey, whether you’re writing thrillers, memoirs, or even dreaming of creating the best espionage books of tomorrow, I’d love to hear from you. Join my newsletter, or explore my world of stories at pujaguha.com.
Writing is a craft. It’s also an act of bravery. You’ve got this.
Warmly,
Puja
Start small write one scene or one character. Don’t worry about perfection. The key is to begin writing consistently. You don’t need a degree in creative writing, just curiosity, observation, and practice.
No. Many successful authors never formally studied writing. Reading widely, writing regularly, and learning through practice are far more important for fiction writing beginners.
Start writing anything, even if it feels messy. Writer’s block often disappears once you stop waiting for the perfect idea and start putting words on the page.
Consistency matters more than word count. Start with 15–30 minutes daily or aim for a small word goal (like 500 words). Over time, build a writing habit that fits your lifestyle.
Read the genres you want to write in: thrillers, romances, spy novels, or literary fiction. Study how authors build tension, dialogue, and emotion. Reading deeply improves your writing instinctively.
Look at your own life travels, people, emotions, and memories. Inspiration comes from real experiences. Even great spy novels and thrillers often grow from personal truths.
Simple tools work best: Microsoft Word or Google Docs for drafts, Plottr or Scrivener for outlining, and Grammarly for editing. Don’t let software distract you from storytelling.
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