The decision to write a book is a huge one. For me, it was a dream that lingered for years before finally taking shape. A significant part of my journey to becoming an author involved engaging myself in the world of writing through books. Here are seven titles that inspired and motivated me to take the plunge and write my first book.

The Inspirational Seven

1. Write Faster Series Box Set by Lynda McDaniel 

Lynda McDaniel's "Write Faster Series Box Set" is a goldmine for writers struggling with procrastination. Her practical advice on time management and productivity transformed my writing process. I used to spend hours staring at a blank page, but after reading this book, I developed a consistent writing routine that helped me whip out pages much faster.

2. Writing 101: How to Write for Yourself & Share with the World: A Beginners Guide to Just Do It, Write, Publish, Market by Theresa Jacobs, Lucy Lombos, Karina Bartow 

"Writing 101" by Theresa Jacobs, Lucy Lombos, and Karina Bartow is the perfect starting point for any aspiring author. Their all-you-need guide demystified the entire publishing process for me. I was overwhelmed by the idea of marketing my book, but this book broke it down into manageable steps. I felt more confident and prepared to enter the publishing world after reading it.

3. The New Author by R. A. Barnes 

Barnes' "The New Author" offers an honest look at the author's journey. His insights into the emotional ups and downs of writing resonated with me deeply. I realized it's okay to doubt myself sometimes, and that many successful authors have faced similar challenges. This book helped me develop a growth mindset and persevere through the tough times.

4. 5 Things Every First-Time Author Needs to Know: How to Publish a Book and Build Your Platform by Geoff Affleck 

Geoff Affleck’s "5 Things Every First-Time Author Needs to Know" is a concise and practical guidebook to publishing. I was initially intimidated by the idea of building a platform, but Affleck's clear advice made it seem achievable. I implemented his strategies for social media marketing and started building my author brand before even finishing my book.

5. NaNoWriMo Ready by Cindy Tomamichel 

While I didn't participate in NaNoWriMo, Cindy Tomamichel's "NaNoWriMo Ready" at that time provided invaluable tips on setting writing goals and overcoming writer's block. I adopted her techniques for creating a writing schedule and setting daily word count targets. This book helped me develop the discipline and focus needed to complete my first draft.

6. The 7 Deadly Sins of Editing: Top Editing Mistakes Writers Make, And How To Avoid Them by Kevin Mills 

Kevin Mills' "The 7 Deadly Sins of Editing" is a must-read for any writer who wants to polish their work. I was guilty of several of the editing sins he described, but this book helped me identify and correct them. My manuscript improved significantly after applying some of Mills' editing strategies.

7. Secret Powers of the Author Mastermind: How to Transform from Struggling Writer to Career Author by J. Thorn 

J. Thorn's "Secret Powers of the Author Mastermind" emphasizes the importance of building a supportive writing community. I joined a local writing group after reading this book, and it has been a game-changer. The feedback and encouragement I've received from fellow writers have helped me grow as an author and stay motivated.

These seven books provided the knowledge, inspiration, and motivation I needed to start my writing adventure. They offered practical guidance, encouragement, and a clear path forward. I believe that every aspiring author can benefit from these resources, and the best part is that most of them are available for free on Kindle (at the moment of publishing this blog post), so I highly recommend checking them out.

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Do you have any specific books that have inspired your writing journey? Share them in the comments below!