Find Your Book Idea: The First Step Toward Your Own Book

Every book begins with an idea.

At the beginning of every book project, there is no fully developed concept, no plot, and no perfect structure—there is an idea. Sometimes it’s clear, sometimes vague. Sometimes it feels big, sometimes barely tangible. But without it, there is no book.

Many aspiring authors believe their idea has to be extraordinary or fully formed from the very beginning. But that’s rarely the case. A book idea is more of a starting point than a destination—it’s allowed to change, grow, and become clearer throughout the writing process.

One thing matters above all: that you allow it to exist. Uncertainty is part of the process! It’s not a sign that your idea is bad—it’s a sign that it’s still in motion.

The journey to a book idea is personal.

Book ideas don’t follow fixed rules. Some authors have countless ideas, while others search for a long time for the one that truly feels right. Both are completely normal.

What matters most is that you take action. An idea rarely appears while you’re waiting for it. It reveals itself when you engage with yourself, your interests, and your life. Books, films, conversations, memories—all of these can become triggers.

Your book idea doesn’t have to be “original” in the sense of never having existed before. It becomes unique automatically because it grows out of your perspective—and your life experience is one of a kind. From what moves you, occupies your thoughts, or simply won’t let go.

What do you truly feel passionate about?

Writing is a long process. That’s why it’s essential that your idea genuinely interests you—not just at the beginning, but also when things get challenging.

Ask yourself honestly:
– Which topics keep drawing you back in?
– Which questions keep resurfacing in your life or your thinking?
– Which stories would you love to read yourself?

Your preferences are no coincidence. They’re clues to where your book idea might be hiding. When you write about something you genuinely care about, readers can feel it—and they stay engaged. At the same time, developing your book idea often teaches you a great deal about yourself.

Finding Your Genre – Guidance Rather Than Limitation

Many authors feel intimidated by the term “genre.” But genre isn’t a straitjacket—it’s a guide. It helps you understand what readers expect and what possibilities your idea can offer.

Sometimes the genre is clear from the very beginning. Sometimes it only emerges as you continue developing your idea. Both are perfectly fine. What matters is becoming aware of the direction your story is taking. In doing so, you also learn something about yourself: the stories that move us most often revolve around characters we relate to—or admire—because they reflect our own challenges, values, and goals. What kinds of stories do you enjoy reading? Which films or series do you like to watch? Which characters do you find compelling?

Additional helpful questions for identifying your genre include:

• In which time period is my story set?
• Where does it take place?
• Is the tone more serious, light, dark, or humorous?
• Does a love story play a role—or not?
• Is my idea grounded in reality, or is it fictional?

Your genre influences how your idea is told—not whether it’s allowed to be told.

Collecting Ideas, Making Them Visible, and Organising Them

Ideas remain fleeting as long as they exist only in your head. It’s only when you make them visible that they can begin to develop. This can happen in many different ways—through notes, sketches, or a collection of possible titles.

Sometimes it helps to place many ideas side by side without judging them right away. Which themes keep showing up? Which genres run through your thoughts? Which motifs keep returning?

At this stage, it’s not about making decisions—it’s about observation. Patterns often only reveal themselves when you give them space.