How to Become an Author: A Look Into Stephane Marchand and Turning Your Writing Dreams Into Reality

Becoming an author is one of the most rewarding and challenging journeys a creative person can take.

Whether you're driven by the urge to tell stories, share hard-won wisdom, or influence the world through your ideas, the path to authorship requires more than just talent—it takes passion, discipline, and persistence.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to becoming an author, from finding your voice to getting published. Along the way, we’ll take inspiration from the career of Stephane Marchand, a writer whose work blends intellectual depth with thrilling storytelling—and who proves that success is built on consistency and dedication.

1. Start With Why: Define What Kind of Author You Want to Be

Before you write a single word, ask yourself:

• What do I want to write?

• Who do I want to reach?

• Why do I want to write?

Are you into fiction or nonfiction? Do you lean toward sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, memoirs, or self-help? Getting clear on your genre and goals will help shape your voice, your audience, and your career.

Take Stephane Marchand as an example. He carved out a niche in historical thrillers and suspense. He didn’t try to write in every genre—he found what moved him, and leaned all the way in.

2. Read A Lot, Write Even More

Every great author is a lifelong reader.

Reading widely—especially in your genre—exposes you to structure, style, pacing, character development, and voice. Just as importantly, it teaches you what not to do.

Writing regularly is the other half of the equation. Make writing part of your routine, even if it’s just 500 words a day. Think of it like going to the gym—you’re building creative muscle.

Stephane Marchand wasn’t born a master of suspense. He started small, wrote often, and improved through experience. His dedication to practice helped him grow into a refined storyteller.

3. Find Your Voice

Your voice is your fingerprint on the page. It’s the tone, rhythm, and perspective that makes your writing feel uniquely you.

Finding it takes experimentation. Try writing in different styles and points of view. Mimic your favorite authors—not to copy, but to stretch your range. Eventually, your own voice will emerge.

Marchand’s writing voice is unmistakable—sharp, thoughtful, and laced with tension. Readers come back to his books not just for the plots, but for how he tells them.

4. Learn the Craft

Writing a book is part inspiration, part construction. You need to understand:

• Story arcs

• Character development

• Dialogue

• Structure

• Scene pacing

• Theme

There are endless resources—books, podcasts, online courses, writing workshops. Join a critique group. Work with beta readers. Hire an editor if you can.

Every successful writer, including Stephane Marchand, has invested time in mastering the craft. Nobody skips this step.

5. Finish Your First Draft

This is where many aspiring writers get stuck.

The first draft doesn’t have to be brilliant—it just has to be done. Write without judging yourself. Resist the urge to revise as you go. Push forward.

Finishing a draft teaches you more than any book on writing ever will. It’s proof that you can follow through on a creative project.

6. Revise Ruthlessly

Once you have a draft, the real work begins: editing.

Cut what doesn’t serve the story. Strengthen characters. Smooth out clunky dialogue. Look for gaps in logic or pacing. And yes—fix the grammar and typos too.

Many writers go through multiple rounds of revision. Some work with editors, others use writing software or feedback from trusted readers.

Stephane Marchand is known for the precision in his writing. That polish doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from rewriting and refining, again and again.

7. Choose Your Publishing Path

You have two main options: traditional publishing or self-publishing.

• Traditional publishing: Submit your manuscript to literary agents or publishers. If accepted, they’ll handle editing, cover design, distribution, and some marketing.

• Self-publishing: Use platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital to publish your book yourself. You control everything, from cover to pricing.

Both routes are valid, and both have their pros and cons.

Stephane Marchand went the traditional route, working with established publishers to bring his work to a wider audience. But many modern authors thrive by publishing independently—what matters is choosing the path that fits your goals.

8. Build an Author Platform

Writing the book is only part of the journey. If you want people to read it, you need visibility.

Start with the basics:

• Create a website

• Grow your email list

• Get on social media (pick one or two platforms)

• Blog or share behind-the-scenes content

• Engage with readers and other writers

Stephane Marchand maintains a solid media presence, appearing in interviews and literary events. Even if you’re more introverted, having some kind of platform helps people discover and connect with your work.

9. Keep Writing

Don’t stop at one book. Keep going.

The more you write, the better you get. Each project teaches you something new. Plus, readers who love your work will want more.

Writing is a long game. Even seasoned authors like Stephane Marchand continue to evolve with every book. If you stay in the game, your audience will grow—and your impact will, too.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an author isn’t about being perfect from the start. It’s about starting, learning, and finishing—again and again.

The world needs your voice. Your perspective. Your stories.

If you ever need proof that it’s possible, look at someone like Stephane Marchand. He didn’t get there overnight. He put in the time, trusted the process, and kept writing—even when it was hard.

Now it’s your turn.

Pick up your pen. Open your laptop. Tell the story only you can tell.