Writing Tips From Someone Who Shouldn’t Be Giving Them

Written By Tom McDowell

Welcome to my writing blog. Before we get started, let me set the record straight: I have no formal training, no English degree, and the best grade I ever earned in English was a C. And just so you don’t misunderstand - that wasn’t my lowest grade. That was my highest. So take everything I’m about to say with a grain of salt. I’ve only been writing novels for three years. I started at age 78, and somehow I’ve managed to publish eight novels - with a ninth on the way. I don’t claim to be an expert. What I am is someone who loves telling stories, has a vivid imagination, and learned a few things the hard way. If any of this helps you get your first book written, then it’s worth sharing.

Tip 1: Capture ideas the moment they show up

Ideas are slippery. When one pops into your head, write it down immediately - on paper, in a notebook, on a napkin, whatever you’ve got. Don’t trust your memory. It lies.

Tip 2: Give your characters names early

Names make characters real. You can always change them later, but once a character has a name, they start to take shape. Write down who they are, what they want, and what role they’ll play.

Tip 3: Identify your hero and your villain

I primarily write murder mysteries, so this is second nature to me. But even if you’re writing romance or sci‑fi, you still needs someone the reader roots for and someone who causes trouble. Conflict is the engine of story.

Tip 4: Choose your setting - and use places you know

Pick a location you can picture clearly. Use real streets, real restaurants, real neighborhoods. Readers can feel authenticity, even if they don’t know the place.

Tip 5: Pile up notes, then put them in order

Don’t worry about structure at first. Just gather ideas until you’ve got a mountain of them. Then start sorting:

• What happens first?

• What causes what?

• Where does the tension rise?

• How does it end?

This is the messy part. Embrace it.

Tip 6: Learn from people who teach for free

If you still want to write a book after all that, head to YouTube. There are hundreds of excellent videos on outlining, pacing, character arcs, and first‑book mistakes. Watch a lot of them. You’ll start to see patterns.

Tip 7: Pick a good AI brainstorming partner

This is where I admit something: I use AI as my writing assistant. Not to replace me - but to help me:

  • Brainstorm

  • Organize ideas

  • Outline chapters

  • Polish prose

Sometimes my prompt is longer than the paragraph it produces. That’s because the creativity is mine; AI just helps me find the right words.

Tip 8: Plan your chapters - then accept that everything will change

Make a rough chapter list. Don’t get attached. Your story will surprise you, and that’s part of the fun.

Tip 9: Sit down and start typing

At some point, you have to stop planning and start writing. It won’t be perfect. It’s not supposed to be. Just get the story down.

Tip 10: When you finish your first book, send it to me

I mean it. If you write that first book, I’d love to read it.

Tom McDowell