If You Don’t Start Now, You May Never Begin
“Writing a book is not just the process of putting one word in front of the other. Writing a book is about finding what message matters to you.” —Azul Terronez
Writing a book isn’t one of those things that you should wait for. You shouldn’t put it off until a future “someday” because writing a book can really change your life today. You might have started with planning and plotting your idea but then didn’t feel it was good enough or you aren’t ready to write. But the truth is no one is ever ready to write a book. You just have to make the choice and commitment to do it.
On this week’s episode of “Authors Who Lead,” I talk about why now is the right time to start writing the book that’s been on your heart and ways you can finally do it successfully.
Perfectionism Is Not a Badge of Honor
Perfectionism is best-called procrastination. There is no perfect time to write your book, so all the reasons you’ve had for not doing it up until now are just excuses. You can’t wait because that “perfect” someday may never come. You may never feel like you’re good enough or there is enough time. All those ideas in your head won’t be worth anything if they aren’t executed on.
Write Now!
The book you need to write is the book that will transform you. If you want to be a leader or a visionary or make a movement with your message, then you need to start writing now. Not because you won’t be better later. I’m sure you will be. But you can’t promise it later, there’s only now. The knowledge you have is valuable, but I promise you the transformation you make or give to others is priceless.
Ideas to Start Writing
First, you need to narrow down your idea. I suggest you explore every idea you can think of. Then narrow it down to one that inspires you. I always tell my authors that there are no wrong ideas or choices. There are just ideas and choices that you make a decision to commit to.
Secondly, you need to develop a daily writing habit. Even if it’s only for eight minutes a day, commit to that. Everyone can write something in eight minutes. You just need to not overthink it. Think on the page, even if it’s just your feelings about how much you’re not inspired at the moment. Getting those words on the page instead of taking up room in your head is freeing. Then start writing about your topic. I’ve learned to not get caught up on “feeling” like writing, and instead, I enjoy the process and enjoy the feeling of having written every day.
Third, think about your ideal reader. Is your topic one that you want to talk about and share with others consistently? Narrowing down your reader and what they need will help you get clarity on your topic and whether or not you love it enough to talk about it for years.
In this podcast, I also share:
- The different types of books you can write
- How to narrow down your ideas
- That writing is not a solo sport
- Why writing in community is beneficial
- Our special 90 days for $90 opportunity to join our Authors Who Lead community
I’m so grateful that you listened to this podcast. I appreciate anybody who leaves a review; it really helps inspire us to keep contributing and giving content here.
What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Do you want to write a book? Do you have great ideas for a book but it never seems to be the right time to start? In the comments, share your biggest challenge in writing your book.
That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside you that needs to be written, know that you can write and publish the book that’s been on your heart. Don’t delay—get out of your head, put words on the page today, and make a movement with your message!
Episode Resource:
Membership Community
AuthorsWhoLead.com
Fiction with Purpose
Mandala Tree Press
Get a copy of Azul’s book here:
The Art of Apprenticeship: How to Hack Your Way into Any Industry, Land a Kick-Ass Mentor, and Make A Killing Doing What You Love
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