A first-time author is someone who is writing and publishing their first book or piece of literature. This can include various genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or memoirs. The journey often involves brainstorming ideas, drafting, revising, and finally submitting the work to publishers or self-publishing. Many first-time authors face challenges like writer's block, understanding the publishing process, and marketing their work. They may seek guidance from resources like writing workshops, online courses, or communities such as NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to improve their skills and connect with other writers.