312: Overcoming Doubts | Azul Terronez

Five Ways to Keep Writing and Finish Your Book

Writing a book is a dream many cherish but few accomplish. According to a survey by The New York Times, 81% of North Americans want to write a book, yet less than 1% see their manuscript through to publication. The journey from idea to finished book is fraught with doubts, fears, and uncertainties. In this episode, I discuss the five key strategies to overcome these hurdles and complete your book.

Understanding the Common Challenges

Many aspiring authors are immobilized by doubts and fears. The anxiety of whether their book will be well-received, the worry of negative reviews, or even the fear of a loved one not appreciating their work can be paralyzing. I emphasize that far from being unique, these feelings are incredibly common and part of the author’s journey.

The Power of Uniqueness

One of the most potent pieces of advice I offer is to focus on your uniqueness. As Jada Selner, author of “She Builds,” aptly puts it, “There are no unique messages, just unique messengers.” Your life experiences, background, and perspective make you the perfect person to tell your story. Whether it’s your upbringing, the places you’ve lived, your education, or your personal struggles and triumphs, all these elements contribute to your unique voice.

The Importance of Motivation

The importance of understanding why you want to write your book cannot be overstated. This isn’t about creating a bestseller or a mere marketing tool; it’s about crafting something that holds deep personal meaning. I share my own story of transitioning from a career in education to authorship through writing my first book, “The Art of Apprenticeship.” My book was a tangible step towards changing my life, and it was the ‘why’ behind it that kept me going.

Taking Real Action

A common stumbling block for many writers is mistaking other activities for actual writing. Researching, planning, and even editing—though essential parts of the process—are not writing. I want to make it clear: writing is putting one word after the other, day in and day out. If you’ve been “writing” a book for years and have only a chapter or two to show for it, it’s time to reassess what writing means to you.

Building Consistency

Once you’ve committed to writing, it’s important to measure your progress. Understand how long it takes you to produce a certain number of words or pages. This not only helps in setting realistic goals but also in building the consistency needed to complete your book. I advise figuring out your writing speed and gradually increasing your output. By focusing on the act of writing itself and setting manageable daily goals, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to finish your manuscript.

Stop Waiting for the Perfect Moment

Many authors dream of a perfect writing environment—a secluded cabin, an uninterrupted stretch of time—but the reality is often far from this ideal. I caution against the trap of waiting for the perfect moment or perfect tools. Writing a book is about making the most of the time and resources you have. Whether it’s squeezing in writing sessions during lunch breaks or after household chores, the key is to start now, not later.

Join a Community

Lastly, consider joining a community or challenge to keep yourself accountable. My 5-day book writing challenge is designed to give writers the push they need to get started. For just $27, participants receive daily guidance, tasks, and coaching, significantly increasing their chances of progressing from an idea to a completed manuscript.

Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a journey filled with self-discovery and growth. By embracing your uniqueness, understanding your deeper motivations, committing to actual writing, measuring your progress, not waiting for perfect conditions, and leveraging the support of a community, you can transform from someone who dreams of writing a book to someone who actually does it. So why wait? Start today, and take that first step towards becoming an author who leads.

Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.

That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.