I want to write a book: why I'm aiming for 200+ chapters
By Sebastian Vasquez · Oct 22, 2026
If you've ever thought "I want to write a book", this is how I'm doing it. I'm Sebastian Vasquez. I built Aluna, and I'm also writing on it: a LitRPG called Respawn Penalties. This isn't advice from someone with ten finished novels. It's what book writing looks like from inside the first chapters, honestly.
Why did I decide to write a LitRPG?
A lot of LitRPG stories online have fewer than 200 chapters. I wanted to write one that keeps going and eventually passes that mark. Writing a novel that long is its own kind of challenge, and that's the one I wanted.
What is Respawn Penalties about?
It's about someone who might die for real inside a game, instead of for fake. As the book's description puts it: in a trapped VRMMO, dying doesn't just reduce your level. It strips away your stats, your senses and your skills. Dying is permanent, but it doesn't happen all at once.
You can read the free chapters on Aluna, no account needed.
How do I use AI for book writing?
I use AI, and I'd rather say so. It's a tool, not a crutch. I use it for brainstorming and for drafting, and I direct where it goes. Because of that, writing chapter by chapter has been easy for me. I know other authors might find it hard, and every writer works differently.
What is the hardest part of writing a novel?
For me, it's deciding what path the story will take. Every chapter could go more than one way, and picking the one that's right for the story is the real work.
Which writing skills am I still working on?
Honestly, none I'd call mastered yet. I hope to get better with every chapter.
Why did I build Aluna for long novels?
I built Aluna for long books, long novels, and for authors to get paid and make a living. A real one. On Aluna, authors keep 85% of every sale, paid by Stripe straight to their own account in 41 countries, and a story can keep going for as many chapters as it needs.
How do you become a writer and get paid?
Just start. Use social media to tell people what you're writing, and start writing. It's better to start and redraft than to get stuck picking the perfect idea.
When you have chapters, you need somewhere readers can find them and pay you. On Aluna, publishing is free, and the first chapter of every story is free to read. When readers want more, the Seller plan lets you sell a subscription to your book, finished copies or digital goods, and you keep 85%. If you're weighing your options, here's a guide to where to publish a web novel.
What should you do tonight if you want to write a book?
Pick a book to read for inspiration, or think about what you'd like to read and imagine it. That's your first scene. If you want a push, try one of these writing prompts for adults.
Frequently asked questions
I want to write a book. Where do I start?
Start writing, even before it feels ready. It's easier to redraft a chapter than to keep choosing the perfect idea. If you're stuck, read a book you love for inspiration, or imagine the story you'd most like to read and write its first scene.
Is it OK to use AI for book writing?
It can be, as long as it stays a tool. I use AI to brainstorm and draft, and I decide where the story goes. Be honest with your readers about how you work.
How long are LitRPG novels online?
A lot of LitRPG stories online stop before 200 chapters. My book, Respawn Penalties, is aiming to go past that.
Can I become a writer and get paid on Aluna?
Yes. Publishing is free. On the Seller or Pro plan you can sell book subscriptions, finished copies and digital goods, and authors keep 85% of every sale, paid by Stripe in 41 countries.
Can I read Respawn Penalties for free?
Yes. Its free chapters can be read on Aluna, even without an account.
Ready to start your own? Start writing, it's free.