How to Become an Author, Even If You Can’t Write

Let’s face it. Writing is hard. It requires discipline, patience, and a lot of creativity. Of course, you could try to do it with ChatGPT. Try it out and see how that works in a world where everyone’s doing the same and not realizing that it’s really not that simple. Still, everyone’s got a story to share, and many wonder how to become an author—even if they’re not great at writing.

The reality is that between tech tools like ChatGPT for inspiration and a professional writer who knows what they’re doing, there are a bunch of reasons why you should consider how to become an author more deeply:

1. You can finally tell your side of the story.

Have you ever been in a situation where you wished you could explain things better? Becoming an author allows you to tell your side of the story and set the record straight. Writing enables you to communicate your ideas, whether a memoir or a work of fiction inspired by your experiences.

2. You can finally use that English degree.

If you spent four (or more) years studying English literature, now’s your chance to put that knowledge to use. You can finally create the literary masterpiece you’ve always wanted to write. Or you can write a hilarious parody of your favorite classic novel. Either way, your English professors will be proud.

3. You can finally get rich and famous.

Okay, let’s be honest. Not everyone becomes the next J.K. Rowling or Stephen King. But there’s always a chance that creating your own book could lead to a bestseller. At that point, you can become rich and famous. But even if it doesn’t, writing a book is a great way to promote yourself and your brand.

4. You can finally put all those weird ideas to good use.

We all have a lot of ideas that we never make a reality. But becoming an author allows you to put those ideas to good use. That idea about a dystopian future where cats rule the world, go ahead and write it. Writing is a great way to explore any cool, weird ideas.

5. You can finally impress your friends and family.

When you’re an author, everyone gets impressed. Well, most people. Those who are curious and interested. So, becoming an author is a great way to show off your creative side and impress people. But try not to become overbearing. No one likes that. Just be smart and interesting.

6. You can finally be the boss.

Writing a book gives you complete control over the story, characters, and plot. As a result, you get to decide what happens and how it happens. It’s a great feeling to be the boss of your creative project. So go ahead and write before tech becomes our overlord.

7. You can finally make the world a better place.

Writing has the power to change the world. Whether it’s a work of fiction that inspires people to be better or a non-fiction book that exposes a social injustice, writing allows you to make a difference in the world. Moreover, it’s something that, once written, remains. Further, it becomes part of your life’s story—regardless of genre.

So, now that you know why you should become an author, let’s explore how to become an author, even if you’re not a great writer. Fear not, my friend, because there’s hope for you yet. With a bit of creativity, you can become an author and achieve your dreams. Here’s how:

Step 1: Pick a genre.

The first step to becoming an author is picking a genre you’re interested in doing. Choose a genre you enjoy and know well, whether it’s romance, business, or science fiction. And if you don’t know any genres well, just pick one that sounds cool.

Step 2: Get a thesaurus.

Let’s face it. If you’re not a great writer, you need a thesaurus. But that’s okay because every good writer uses a thesaurus to find fancier words to replace overused ones. Remember not to go overboard, or your writing will sound like a bad high school essay.

Step 3: Find a co-author or ghostwriter.

If you really can’t write, find someone who can. Look for a co-author willing to do all the heavy lifting or hire a ghostwriter. And if you can’t find a co-author, jump into the deep side of the pool anyway. A ghostwriter or writing coach will help you craft your book.

Step 4: Use cliches.

If you can’t come up with anything original, just use cliches. They’re cliches for a reason, after all. Just remember to put your spin on them, or you’ll get called out for being unoriginal.

Step 5: Embrace the typos.

If you’re not good at writing, you’re probably not the best at spelling and grammar. But that’s okay because you can embrace the typos and make them a part of your writing style. Just remember to blame them on your editor.

Step 6: Write in all caps.

It’s great to show your readers that you really mean it. If you want to emphasize something, write it in all caps. And if they don’t like it, tell them that you’re being artistic. See, writing is all about creativity!

Step 7: Use emojis.

If you’re struggling to express yourself, use emojis. They’re a great way to add some personality to your writing and are way more fun than words. Just make sure to use them sparingly, or your writing will look like a teen’s text message.

Step 8: Make it short.

If you really can’t write, just make your book short. Like, really short. Like, one page short. It’s a great way to get your point across without having to write a whole lot.

Now you know all the tricks of how to become an author—even if you’re not the best writer. Alright, let’s get serious now. The fact is that everyone does have a story—as do you. So, with some creativity, you can achieve your dreams and become an author. Further, you can share your history, ideas, and legacy with others. That alone is worth it. Start writing that book today (or find someone else to write it for you or with you).

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