A Journey to Authentic Storytelling.
There’s an old saying that goes, “Write the book you want to read.” It sounds deceptively simple, almost like a passing piece of advice you’d overhear in a cozy little bookstore. But what does it really mean? How do you go about writing that elusive book that you’ve always yearned to find on a bookshelf? As I embarked on my journey of writing my debut novel, I realized that creating a story tailored to your desires, interests, and dreams isn’t just about filling a void in the literary world—it’s about discovering your own voice.
Let’s unpack this journey together and see why crafting the book you want to read is both an art and a personal evolution.
1. Find Your Missing Narrative
For years, I hunted for stories that felt like a big, warm hug, set in a world I knew, loved, and understood. I craved narratives that blended feel-good moments with the complex realities of life as a millennial global citizen—someone who holds her chai cup with the same reverence as a champagne flute. But every time I reached for a book, I ended up settling for a story that only partially reflected my experiences, my identity, and my values.
That’s when it hit me: Why not write a story that captures the nuances of modern Indian millennials navigating life, love, and ambition across continents? My “ChaiLit” genre was born—books that feel like the comfort of your favorite chai, with flavors of home, identity, and aspiration blended seamlessly. I wanted to read stories that mirrored my experiences but were also aspirational, relatable, and dripping with cultural richness. So, I created it.
Tip: Ask yourself, “What’s missing in the stories I’ve read?” If there’s a specific setting, voice, or theme you wish existed, that’s your calling.
2. Let Authenticity Be Your North Star
When you’re writing the book you want to read, authenticity is your greatest ally. It’s easy to slip into trends or mimic the styles of bestselling authors, but your voice is what will set your work apart. I wanted to write stories where characters didn’t just exist; they lived—they wrestled with their heritage, straddled two worlds, and found beauty in the ordinary.
For instance, my protagonist isn’t just an Indian girl in America; she’s an ambitious, chai-obsessed millennial who navigates the uncharted waters of identity, love, and family expectations. Her narrative isn’t just about finding romance; it’s about finding herself in a world that constantly demands she choose between tradition and modernity.
Tip: Stay true to your experiences and observations. Even if your story takes place in a fictional world, grounding it in your truths makes it resonate.
3. Balance Aspirations with Relatability
The beauty of writing the book you want to read is that you get to blend your wildest dreams with your everyday realities. I wanted to create a narrative that felt aspirational—complete with fancy sensory experiences, cultural celebrations, and opulent backdrops—yet remained deeply rooted in the relatable struggles and triumphs of being a millennial.
When you write, let your imagination soar. Picture the dreamlike locations, the fancy dinners, and the unforgettable romances. But also remember to infuse your narrative with the mundane moments—the awkward conversations, the quiet introspections, and the small victories that make life feel real. It’s this balance that transforms your story into a page-turner, one that readers can escape into but also see themselves within.
Tip: Don’t shy away from making your characters flawed and human. They can be aspirational, but they should also make mistakes, doubt themselves, and experience growth.
4. Create the Characters You’re Dying to Meet
One of the most exhilarating aspects of writing my own book was crafting characters I’d love to befriend in real life. I wanted them to be multifaceted, like the people I’ve met over countless cups of chai—full of contradictions, dreams, and unspoken fears.
If you’ve ever wished a certain character was more complex or that they had the courage to say what you’d say in their shoes, this is your chance. Give your characters quirks, dreams, fears, and a sense of humor. Make them so real that you could imagine bumping into them at your favorite café.
Tip: Allow your characters to evolve. Let them challenge themselves, surprise you, and even annoy you at times. It’s in this unpredictability that they become real.
5. Write Through the Lens of Joy
When you set out to write the book you want to read, it’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism. But remember, this is a story you’re creating for yourself first. It’s an act of self-love, a journey of capturing moments that make your heart skip a beat. There were days when I’d get lost in writing a single scene—a chai date under fairy lights, a heartfelt conversation between friends—and those moments of joy were the fuel that kept me going.
Let writing be a joyful exploration. Play with words, experiment with settings, and allow yourself to be swept away by your own narrative.
Tip: Whenever you feel stuck, ask yourself, “What would I want to read next?” And then write it.
6. Embrace the Fear, and Do It Anyway
Writing the book you want to read means stepping into uncharted territory, and that can be terrifying. What if no one else understands your vision? What if your story doesn’t fit neatly into existing genres? But here’s the thing: the world doesn’t need another cookie-cutter narrative. It needs your story, your voice, and your unique perspective.
When I started writing my debut novel, I was scared too. But the thought of holding back from telling the story I needed to read was scarier. So I wrote through the fear, embracing the vulnerability, and trusting that my story would find its way to the readers who needed it most.
Tip: Be brave. Write the book that scares you, excites you, and keeps you awake at night. That’s the book worth writing.
Conclusion: The World Needs Your Story
The journey of writing the book you want to read is an adventure filled with discovery, growth, and endless cups of chai. It’s about being bold enough to say, “This is the story I wish existed,” and then bringing it to life with all the passion, authenticity, and flair you possess.
So, whether you’re writing about a love story that spans continents or a protagonist who dares to dream beyond societal norms, remember: you’re not just writing for yourself—you’re creating a world that others can escape into, find comfort in, and see themselves reflected in.
Pick up that pen, open your laptop, or start that voice memo. Write the book that makes your heart race, the one you’ve always wanted to read. Because if you’re yearning for it, chances are, others are too.
And that, my friend, is where the magic begins.
Writing the Book You Want to Read: A Journey to Authentic Storytelling
