As an author who has been writing now for 15 years and has navigated both the gritty, magical streets of urban fantasy and the dark, fractured worlds of dystopian fiction, I’ve picked up countless lessons throughout my writing journey. Some have come from hard-won experience, others from moments of doubt, and still others from the quiet, unexpected flashes of inspiration that seem to come out of nowhere, usually in the shower or during long car rides.
Today, I want to share the most valuable writing lessons I’ve learned along the way. These aren’t just about crafting stories—they’re about the mindset, habits, and perseverance that shape an author’s life.
1. Embrace the Chaos of the First Draft
When I first started writing, I used to agonize over every word in my first drafts. I’d waste hours trying to perfect every sentence, hoping to make it sound just right. But here’s the thing I’ve learned: the first draft is supposed to be messy. In fact, it’s better if it is.
Writing that first draft is about getting the story out of your head and onto the page, without worrying too much about perfection. It’s about momentum. Perfection can come later, during the revision process. When I finally gave myself permission to write without overthinking every word, I found that my creativity flowed much more freely. So, don’t stress over the first draft. Just write it.
2. Characters are the Heart of Your Story
In urban fantasy, where the world is often as complex as the plot itself, and in dystopian novels, where entire societies are upended, it’s easy to get caught up in world-building and intricate plots. But the most important part of any story is the characters. Readers don’t just want to know what’s happening—they want to know how it affects the characters, how they react, and how they grow.
I’ve learned that the more real and complex your characters feel, the more invested your readers will be in the world you’ve created. Whether they’re fighting monsters in a magical city or surviving in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, their journey—emotional, moral, and physical—is what makes readers care. So, I always ask myself: What does this moment mean for my characters?
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules
Urban fantasy and dystopian fiction are genres that thrive on bending and breaking traditional rules. Magic is real, societies are crumbling, and the unexpected is always lurking around the corner. Over the years, I’ve realized that writing is a playground, and the rules are there to be tested, twisted, and sometimes shattered.
Whether it’s breaking the rules of storytelling, experimenting with unconventional narrative structures, or taking risks with your plot and characters, innovation often lies in the moments of rebellion. Some of my most exciting and rewarding moments as a writer have come from pushing beyond what I thought was possible. So, embrace the freedom to break the rules and experiment. You might just create something uniquely yours.
4. Write the Story That Only You Can Tell
In the world of fiction, it’s easy to feel the pressure to conform—to write what’s trendy or popular, or to imitate successful authors. I’ve definitely been pulled toward that trap before. But the truth is, the best stories come from your unique perspective. What makes your voice distinct is the way you see the world, your influences, and your experiences.
I’ve learned to lean into my own voice and not shy away from telling the stories that feel the most personal or unusual. When I allowed myself to write the kinds of stories I truly wanted to tell—my writing became more authentic, more exciting, and more fulfilling. Your story is yours to tell, and it will resonate most when it comes from an honest, original place.
5. Perfectionism Will Only Hold You Back
It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly editing, revising, and doubting every word you write, especially when you’re passionate about your project. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stared at a paragraph, tweaking and reworking it endlessly. But here’s the hard truth: perfect writing doesn’t exist.
At some point, you have to let go of the fear of imperfection and give yourself permission to finish. This doesn’t mean being careless or writing sloppy prose, but it does mean accepting that no piece of writing will ever be flawless. Perfectionism kills progress—it’ll paralyze you and keep you from finishing what you started. I’ve learned to step away from the manuscript, trusting that revisions will smooth out the rough edges.
6. It’s Okay to Not Have All the Answers Right Away
When I first began writing, I thought that a solid plot needed to be completely figured out before I even started. I tried to outline everything in advance, convinced that the best stories had everything planned out. But what I’ve learned over the years is that sometimes, you don’t have to have all the answers right away.
Especially when writing in genres like urban fantasy or dystopian fiction, there’s room for spontaneity. Your characters will surprise you, and your plot will evolve. Instead of trying to force everything into a predetermined mold, I’ve learned to embrace the unknown and trust that the answers will come as I write. Often, it’s in the act of writing itself that the story reveals what it wants to be.
7. Writing is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Writing is not about getting to the finish line as quickly as possible. It’s about the process—the journey of creation. As someone who’s worked on multiple novels, I’ve learned that it’s important to pace myself. There are days when the words come easily, and there are days when they don’t come at all. That’s okay.
I’ve had to remind myself that writing is a long game. It takes time, persistence, and patience. There’s no rush. I’ve learned to accept that the process of writing—no matter how slow or messy it seems—is just as important as the finished product. Some days, the best thing I can do is simply sit down and write, even if it’s just a few hundred words or even justa journal entry. The more consistent I am, the further I get.
8. Rejection is Part of the Process
If there’s one lesson I wish I could tell every aspiring writer, it’s that rejection is a part of the journey. It stings, yes. It’s painful to have your work turned away or ignored, but I’ve learned that rejection is not a reflection of your talent or worth as a writer.
Every rejection has taught me something—whether it’s a critique on my writing style or a simple reminder that not every story is the right fit for every reader. The key is to not let rejection stop you from writing. I’ve had my fair share, and each time, I’ve picked myself back up, learned from the experience, and moved forward. Rejection is just a detour, not the end of the road.
9. Trust Your Instincts
There are many voices in the writing world—editors, agents, fellow authors, readers—and they all have their opinions. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the advice and feedback you receive. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most important voice is your own.
Your instincts, your gut feelings, are there for a reason. If something feels off in your story or your character arc doesn’t resonate, listen to that. It’s easy to second-guess yourself, but I’ve found that trusting my own instincts is often what leads me to my best work. Writing is personal, and only you can truly know what’s right for your story.
Final Thoughts
The writing journey is not an easy one—it’s filled with highs and lows, moments of inspiration and doubt. But through it all, the lessons I’ve learned have made me a better, more resilient author. As I continue to write urban fantasy and dystopian novels, I carry these lessons with me, knowing they’ll help me navigate whatever comes next.
To anyone just starting out, or anyone struggling with their own writing journey: remember that writing is a process. You don’t have to get everything perfect right away, and sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come when you least expect them. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep believing in your story. It’s worth it.
Nina Soden 