How to Choose the Best Idea for Your Novel (And Finish It!)

 Choosing the Right Idea for Your Novel 

To a newbie writer, coming up with the right idea for your book can feel daunting at first. You can’t rush a good idea. You need a spark—a connection so strong it lights a fire in your soul. 

But how do you find that idea in the first place? How do you choose a book idea that you not only like but love? What you pick will shape months (or years!) of your life, so you need to choose wisely. If you’re an aspiring author hoping to write a book that excites you—and one that keeps readers turning pages—you need to start with the right foundation. 

Here’s a simple truth every new writer needs to hear upfront. Brace yourself. It’s not the easiest thing to accept, but trust me—it matters. 

Passion Matters More Than Trends 

Chasing trends or writing purely for profit is a guaranteed way to burn out. Even the most popular book genres won’t save you if your heart isn’t in it. If you’re not truly invested in your story, you’ll abandon it by chapter five, feeling frustrated with a half-baked draft that gathers digital dust in your hard drive. The only reason to write a novel is because you love your idea and want to allow your characters to live rent-free in your head. 

Falling in Love with Your Book Idea 

Loving your novel idea means dedicating hours (and hours) to it—even during late-night writing sessions or in those rare free moments you carve out of a full schedule.When I wrote my first books, there weren’t enough hours in the day, but I made the time because I loved the stories burning inside me. 

When people tell me they don’t have time to sit down and write, I raise the Mitchell right eyebrow and listen to their excuses. Then I clear my throat and remind them that I found time to write while working long hours as a police detective, raising four kids, and commuting to work for an hour each way. 

By God, if you’ve felt the heat of that stare, you’ll know that despite everything life throws at you, you can find twenty minutes a day, even if you’re just staring at the page. Make space for writing in your life. And guess what? Those words will eventually emerge. They may come limping to the page, but you’ll whip them into shape in no time. Just get them down. 

That love for your story will get you through the hard days. It will keep you going when you’re doubting yourself, fighting distractions, or feeling like your book will never come together. 

How NOT to Choose Your Novel Idea 

If you’re sitting there thinking, “Great, but how do I even find the right idea?” you’re not alone. Finding the right story takes time and patience. Here’s what you should not do when searching for it. 

1. Don’t Write for Other People 

If you’ve ever had someone approach you with a “bestselling book idea” and generously offer to give it to you to write for a cut of the royalties (how kind!)—welcome to the writing world. Writing someone else’s idea never ends well. It has to be something you’re excited about, not them. As for a share of the royalties...pfft. It doesn't work that way.

2. Don’t Write the Book You Think You “Should” Write 

You don’t have to necessarily write what you know. I’m an ex-police officer, so it felt natural for me to slip into writing that role. But if you want to write dragon fantasy, rom-com, or sci-fi, go for it! Think of all the fun you’ll have researching something new. Remember, nothing is set in stone. Why not try it out by writing a one page short story first?

3. Don’t Chase Originality for the Sake of It 

Yes, originality is important. Yes, adding a fresh perspective matters. But trying to invent an entirely new genre or idea that no one’s remotely touched before? I urge caution.

I’ve seen aspiring authors struggle to sell books because their stories don’t fit into a recognizable genre. Readers like to know what they’re buying into, particularly with new and untested authors. So instead of forcing originality, focus on giving your unique spin to a world, character, or theme. Your voice and passion are what make your book original. 

How to Find Your Perfect Novel Idea 

Now that we’ve covered the don’ts, let’s get into the do’s. 

1. Pay Attention to What Inspires You 

Daydream. Jot down that weird thought you had when you were washing the dishes or shampooing the dog. Sometimes in the quiet moments, ideas come. When you’re out and about, eavesdrop on conversations. (Yes, really.) Train your mind to look for stories everywhere. I've formed whole stories in my head before they even touch the page.

2. Ask Yourself These Questions 

When something catches your attention, ask yourself: 

Could this make a novel? 

If so, why? 

Is this something I’d pick up in a book shop and read? 

Sometimes it’s as simple as writing the story you want to read. Remember, you only need the basic story to begin with. Twists and depth will come in time. 

3. Live with Your Ideas 

Let them rattle around in your head for a while. Write quick notes about ideas that intrigue you, then revisit them after a few days. 

• Do they still excite you? 

• Have they grown into something bigger? 

The best book ideas stick around. 

4. Explore Characters, Not Just Plots 

I love writing strong characters. They give life to every story. Sometimes, the right novel idea doesn’t start with a plot—it starts with a person. 

My advice? Even if you’re writing dark characters, know that you’ll be spending a lot of time with them in your head. The better you come to know your characters, the more they’ll open up to you during the course of your book. 

Have Patience. Writing a novel isn’t easy, and finding the right idea might take time—often more than you expect. You’ll have false starts, ideas that fizzle, and plots that leave you scratching your head. But don’t give up. It’s all part of the process. Think of your idea as the blurb for your book. If you can’t make it sound engaging or interesting, then it may not be the right idea for you. 

When you finally stumble upon the idea you’re meant to write, you’ll know. It will motivate you to start typing, even if doubts linger. This is how novels are born—not from trends, not from formulas, but from that excitement and love. 

And yes, it’s daunting. Writing a book will test you. But the satisfaction of typing “The End” on a story you truly love? It’s worth every ounce of effort. I’ve written dozens of books and it never gets old. 

Want to know how to write a book from scratch? 

Do you have ideas bubbling but need guidance to take the leap? 

My writing course, Brave The Page, is here to help you craft, shape, and finish the novel you’ve been dreaming of. Join our online writing group today!