So You Want to be an Author?

By Grahame Moore 

Many of us dream about becoming a writer – one who is both appreciated and, if we’re lucky, profitable. Maybe you’ve imagined seeing your name on a bestseller list or earning enough from your stories to live comfortably. If that dream feels familiar, perhaps I can help. 

After years of writing, including twenty‑seven novels and a handful of novellas, I’ve learned that successful writing comes down to mastering two essential qualities. 

1. Know Your Subject 

A good writer understands the world they’re writing about. That understanding may come from personal experience, or it may come from diving deeply into research – studying the settings, the people, the emotions, and the consequences that shape your story. Readers can sense authenticity, so the more grounded your knowledge, the more vivid your writing becomes. 

2. Nurture Your Imagination 

If fiction is your passion, imagination is your greatest tool. A rich imagination allows you to carry your reader into the heart of your story as it unfolds. The opening pages, whether a foreword or the first chapter, should hook your audience. 

Think of yourself as an artist using words instead of colours. Where an artist paints a scene on canvas, you paint in the mind of your reader. 

With your words alone, you can stir emotion, build worlds, and help readers experience both the high and low moments of your characters’ lives. You set the scene, the atmosphere, the sensations – the tastes, smells, and textures that make your story real. 

Keep Learning, Keep Loving the Craft 

It takes time to understand what readers connect with. My own early work was, admittedly, a little unusual. But writing consistently, learning from each project, and staying true to my voice has allowed me to grow. After many years and many books, I feel my writing continues to improve. 

If you’re a ‘wannabe writer’, my best advice is simple: write from your heart. Don’t treat writing as a chore. Write because you love it.