5 Tips for Writing Chick Lit Novels from a Self-Published Author
As a self-published author, I know a thing or two about writing a book. Or perhaps at least five things, since that’s the number I’ve claimed in the title of this post. When it comes to tips for writing chick lit novels anyway. My first novel, The Manhattan Mishap, can absolutely be classified as chick lit. Although, I often refer to it as “fashion fiction” because the style is just as present as the scandal.
My next two books aren’t chick lit per se, but they definitely have elements of the genre. Regardless, I’ve read myriad women’s fiction novels and have studied, learned, and put into practice what I’ve read. My favourite authors include Sophie Kinsella, Lauren Weisberger, and Plum Sykes. If that tells you anything at all about my writing style . . .
If you’re just starting out as an author, I’d recommend reading books in your genre of choice before you begin writing. Get a feel for the content. How does the story unfold? Who are the characters? What can you learn from each juicy chapter? Three books I’d start with in the chick lit genre are Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Devil Wears Prada, and Bergdorf Blondes. And if reading those three books doesn’t make you instantly want to write something in a similar vain, you may have chosen the wrong genre.
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Below are my tidbits of advice on how to write the chick lit novel of your dreams. Plus, I’ve added a few snippets & examples of what I’m talking about from my debut.
5 Tips for Writing Chick Lit Novels
1. Keep the protagonist relatable and imperfect
Give her clear goals, sharp flaws, and a distinct voice that carries humor and emotional honesty. We want her to be relatable. However, readers don’t have to identify with every single aspect of her personality. Her actions don’t always have to make sense because nothing makes sense to everyone. Write her true to her.
“All I want to do in life is write for a fashion magazine, buy vintage clothes, ride horses on the beach, wear leopard prints, ski through fresh powder, drink martinis, swim in the ocean, laugh a lot, live in Manhattan, make money, read books, and be undeniably, ecstatically happy. Is that really too much to ask for?”
2. Balance heart and laugh-out-loud moments
Alternate between light, witty scenes and sincere stakes that force growth. Chick lit is all about being bubbly. As bubbly as a freshly poured glass of Avaline sparkling wine! However, that doesn’t mean that your MC—main character, not Mariah Carey—can’t be torn between life decisions or experience hardships that’ll help shape her into the woman she’ll become by the end of the book.
“Looking for these?” he teases, twirling my Jockeys around his index finger. Oh my god. I helplessly blink. I think I might spontaneously combust. Can you die from a shame overdose? Would it be acceptable to just run past him, out the door, and never look back?
Read More: Confessions of a Shopaholic Made Me Want to Be an Author
3. Lean into modern settings and pop-culture details
You want to ground the story while avoiding dated references. Is The Simple Life considered a “dated” reference now? I hope not. I mean, I wrote my book in 2017 so . . . I could still get away with it. But I think, if the reference makes sense to your characters and your storyline, then by all means, use it.
“I’ve seen Hailey Bieber strut around SoHo on Instagram wearing an almost identical pair to the ones I have on and she didn’t look like she needed greasing.”
“In the two weeks since Oliver’s been gone, I’ve visualized, manifested, and worked harder for my dream life than Emily Charlton worked for the Paris trip.”
“Over the years, people have come to know us as a packaged deal—like Paris and Nicole during The Simple Life era.”
4. Build a strong supporting cast
These can be best friends, quirky love interest, rival. Essentially, people who reveal different facets of your lead. Margot has all of these. Jessie, Liao, and Chantelle are her besties for life. Oliver is the steamy beau. And, of course, we have Gia as the venomous co-worker.
“This weekend, Chantelle has planned a mandatory brunch date for our foursome, and I’m very much looking forward to spending quality time with my friends.”
“[Gia] gives me a self-satisfied sneer, stubs out her Newport, and heads back inside. Sometimes, it’s difficult for my brain to comprehend how one woman can be so brazenly bitchy 24/7. Doesn’t she get exhausted?”
5. Ace the romance and personal arc
This is so obstacles escalate naturally, using setbacks to deepen character rather than just prolong the plot. You want your main character to shift and grow. You also want the romance to blossom! This is perhaps easier said than done, but just keep writing and refining and you’ll get there. Promise.
“That night when we have sex—or make love, whatever you want to call it—it’s like angels are singing, we’re skinny-dipping in the ocean in our own secluded cove, and all of the galaxies in the universe are twinkling in rhythm with our every move. Oliver tastes like citrus groves and salted caramel. I never want to leave this bed.”
Another tip: write tight, dialogue-driven scenes to keep tempo brisk. Few things are more dreary than drag-on sentences and a slow-moving plot. Then, you’ll want to show internal conflict with concise reflection rather than long exposition and finish with a satisfying emotional payoff that feels earned rather than contrived. Someone said that the ending of The Manhattan Mishap was “too convenient” but I think Margot worked for what she got. Read it and let me know what you think.
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Ok, so we’ve talked about tips for writing chick lit novels. But why do we want to write them? Obviously because they’re so much fun to read. Have you ever had a bad time reading a book bursting with sex, scandal, and style? Even bad ones are good ones. If you know what I mean.
Chick lit is fun to read because it blends humour, heart, and relatable chaos into fast-moving stories that feel like catching up with a close friend. The protagonists are often flawed but fiercely likeable, navigating career hiccups, messy love lives, and identity quests with wit and resilience that make their triumphs feel earned and contagious. The light, conversational voice and brisk pacing make it an easy escape—perfect for a commute, a lunch break, or a weekend binge—while romantic tension, sharp dialogue, and vivid urban settings create an emotional payoff without demanding heavy commitment.
Whether you want to laugh at awkward moments, root for a character’s personal growth, or savour a satisfying happy ending, chick lit offers comfort, catharsis, and a reminder that life’s stumbles can lead to unexpectedly joyful turns.
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