This Is What I Learned on My Quest to Write the Perfect Book

Surabhi Paraki

Credit: Stephan Pastis

Like most avid bookworms, at one point in my life, I found my love for reading slowly
metamorphosising into wanting to write the kind of books that gave birth to my one personality
trait (carrying a novel in my backpack no matter where I go). I was an early teen when I wrote my
first chapter, and it took me 3 days to write 3500 words. I’ve had to write entire college essays in less
time these days. Over the next several years, I added so many more chapters as I spent countless
hours poring over writing advice, attending workshops, and seeking inspiration in the hopes of
discovering the formula for literary brilliance. After years of trial and error, I've come to realize that
the perfect book is a mythical creature, a fleeting unicorn of the writing world. Now, at 21, I’d say
I’ve learnt a fair amount about the seemingly never-ending process. Here are 6 of my takeaways
from my writing journey

1. Let Go of Perfectionism
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Now, this might sound counterintuitive to what you might have been looking for when you landed
on this article, but it still holds true. When I first started writing, I aimed for perfection in every
sentence, every paragraph. I agonized over every word choice, endlessly revising and editing as I
wrote. It paralysed my progress. The truth is, perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. Writing is an
art, and art is subjective. Embrace imperfection, allow yourself to make mistakes, and give yourself
permission to revise and improve later. This way, you actually finish your first draft instead of
nitpicking between choosing an en dash or an em dash!

2. Cliche Doesn’t Mean Bad

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When it comes to writing a book, clichés often get a bad rap. But hey, let's not throw the baby out
with the bathwater! Clichés might be as common as a cold, but they've stood the test of time for a
reason. They're familiar and comforting, like a warm cup of cocoa on a rainy day. So, instead of
avoiding them like the plague, aim to give clichés a quirky twist or a fresh perspective using your
own unique voice. Embrace the cliché and give it a literary makeover—it might just surprise you!

3. Pull Your Own Leash When You Research.

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Research adds depth and authenticity to your writing, but be mindful of striking the right balance.
While thorough research is essential, be careful not to overload your book with excessive details that
detract from the story. If your book is set in the cold war era USSR, having a fair idea about
period-accurate clothing is helpful, but it isn’t all that necessary to write two whole pages about
how Dior ventured into Soviet haute couture while maintaining the fashion philosophy of the
brand (speaking from experience). Use research strategically to enhance the narrative rather than
overwhelm it.

4. Build A Solid Story Structure

 Credit: Tom Gauld

Crafting a compelling story requires a solid structure. Whether you follow a traditional three-act
structure or experiment with non-linear narratives, ensure that your plot has a clear beginning,
middle, and end. Create well-defined characters, establish conflict, and maintain a sense of tension
throughout.

5. Write, Write, Write

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The most obvious advice, yet often the most overlooked: write consistently. Writing is a craft that
demands practice. Treat it like any other skill you want to improve. Set aside dedicated writing time
and stick to it. Even on days when inspiration seems elusive, sit down until you have at least a few
words on paper. Use rituals like lighting your favourite scented candle, wearing your lucky writing
socks, or facing 23.5 degrees north with a specific rain podcast playing while you type away,
whatever works for you! The more you write, the better you'll get, and you’ll also move just a little
closer to your goal along the way.

6. Embrace the Editing Process

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Writing the first draft is just the beginning. The real magic happens during the editing process.
Embrace it. Your first draft is going to seem terrible to you once you read it back. Don’t be
disheartened by that. It’s a writer’s rite of passage to have a first draft that makes you question why
you even wrote it in the first place. Revise ruthlessly. Cut out unnecessary fluff. Strengthen weak
areas. Polish your prose. Editing is where your book truly comes to life. Don't be afraid to make
bold changes or kill your darlings. Remember, writing is rewriting.

Of course, there’s so much more I’ve learnt along the way, but most importantly, in my quest to
write the perfect book, I've learned that perfection is an unattainable goal. The true beauty of
writing lies in its imperfections, the little quirks that make each writer's voice unique. Along this
journey, I've discovered that the key to writing success is not in the destination but in the process
itself. Embrace the joy of storytelling, the satisfaction of self-expression, and the growth that comes
with each word written. Write with passion, write with purpose, and embrace the imperfections
that make your work truly yours.

Remember, the perfect book may be an elusive creature, but the imperfect journey to create it is
where the magic truly happens.