Who Writes the Best Book? Action vs. Preparation

Want to write a book? You might think years of study and preparation are the key to success. But what if the secret is simply starting? Let’s compare two writers and uncover why action often trumps over-preparation when it comes to writing a book.

Writer A: The Perpetual Learner

Writer A has an impressive resume: a B.A. in English, an MFA in Creative Writing from a top university, and a habit of reading five books a month. They’ve studied thirty books on writing, joined a writer’s group, attended six conferences, and taken twelve workshops. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a bestselling author, right?

Not quite. Writer A hasn’t written a book. They’re stuck in a cycle of learning, waiting for the “perfect” moment to start. They believe they need to master dialogue, plot structures, and a Shakespearean vocabulary before putting pen to paper. Now, deep-rooted psychological reasons could exist for this, such as perfectionism or the belief she’ll never be good enough, but waiting can perpetuate these thought patterns.

Writer B: The Doer

Writer B, on the other hand, works at a grocery store and writes in her spare time. She’s completed an 80,000-word novel. Is it a masterpiece? Maybe. Or maybe it’s atrocious. But Writer B has something tangible—a finished book. And if she keeps writing, her second or third novel will likely be even better.

Why Action Wins

The difference between Writer A and Writer B boils down to action. Writer B writes, while Writer A plans. Writing a book requires a balance of knowledge and doing, like a balanced old-fashioned scale. Too much preparation tips the scale away from productivity. Immediate action, even if imperfect, leads to growth through failure and experience.

Writer B could benefit from some of Writer A’s knowledge, just as Writer A could learn from Writer B’s boldness. The sweet spot is where learning enhances action without delaying it. A writer writes. It’s that simple. If you want to be a writer, you need to start writing—today.

My Journey: From Planner to Writer

I’m a perfectionist planner in most areas of life. If I’m going for a walk, I’ll research the best shoes, check the weather, and map the ideal route (hyperbole, of course). But when it comes to writing, I’ve learned to embrace the opposite approach. I start with a rough idea, forgo detailed outlines, and just write. This mindset has led to several completed novels, one of which will be published soon.

If I over-planned, I’d still be tweaking my first chapter. Instead, when it comes to writing, I’ve embraced the “go, set, ready” approach, and it’s paid off (Now I just need to embrace it in the other areas of life. Ha). Writing is about momentum, not perfection.

How to Become a Writer: Start Now

Ready to write a book? Don’t wait for the perfect moment or more credentials. Start writing, even if it’s messy. Your first draft might not be a bestseller, but it’s a step toward becoming a writer. Failure teaches, action improves, and persistence pays off.

So, grab a pen or open your laptop and start your story. Share your writing journey in the comments below, or check out the blog for more inspiration. Want to learn more? Subscribe to the newsletter.