u/Academic-Success9525

Hi everyone,

I’m a complete beginner and I want to start writing something like a novel or emotional fiction, but I don’t really know how to begin.

My idea is about someone wanting to go back to the past, not for money or success, but to make their younger self happier and choose differently. I know time travel/second chance stories are common, but this idea feels personal to me because I want to express thoughts I usually can’t share with anyone.

I haven’t read many books, and I’m not confident in my writing yet. I’m wondering:

How should a beginner start a story like this?
Should I write it like a diary, a novel, or short scenes first?
How do I turn personal emotions into fiction without making it too messy?
How do I find a writing buddy or accountability partner?

Any advice would mean a lot. Thank you.

Hi everyone,

I’m very new to writing. I haven’t read many books yet, and I don’t really know whether what I want to write will become a novel, a short story, or something more personal. But I know I want to start.

The reason I want to write is not because I already see myself as a “writer.” I want to write because there are thoughts and feelings I don’t know how to share with friends or family. I want to turn those feelings into fiction, maybe as a way to understand myself better.

The story idea I keep thinking about is something like: what if someone could go back to the past, not to become powerful or rich, but to make their younger self happier? What would they change? What would they say? What would they do differently?

I know this is a common and unrealistic idea, but emotionally it feels very real to me. I want to write something honest around that feeling.

I’m looking for a writing buddy or accountability partner, preferably someone kind and patient with beginners. Maybe we could check in once a week, share progress, talk about ideas, and gently give feedback. I’m not looking for someone to write the story for me, just someone to grow with and help me stay consistent.

What I’m hoping for:

• Beginner-friendly guidance
• Weekly or twice-a-week check-ins, depending on availability
• Gentle feedback on small pieces of writing
• Help with story structure and characters
• Maybe mutual accountability if you’re also writing something

Genre/vibe: emotional fiction, time travel/second chance, self-reflection, healing, maybe coming-of-age
Experience level: beginner
Meeting place: Reddit chat, Discord, or Google Docs comments

If anyone is interested, please comment or DM me. Thank you.