321: How Writing a Book Can Transform Your Life | Azul Terronez

Uncover the Real Reasons Behind Your Author Ambitions

 

In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I take listeners on an introspective journey, urging aspiring authors to embrace their genuine desires and motivations when writing a book. Through personal anecdotes and insightful advice, this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of knowing and honoring what you truly want from your writing journey.

Acknowledge Your Genuine Motivations

Many authors start their writing journey with aspirations of helping others. While altruism is commendable, it’s essential to dig deeper and ask, “What do I want this book to do for me?” By understanding and acknowledging your motivations—whether it’s to become a bestselling author, gain recognition, or transition careers—you set a clear direction for your writing process.

I redefine this perspective in a world where creative desires are often portrayed as selfish. Desiring something from your book doesn’t make you self-centered; it makes you self-aware. When you honor your true motivations, you invest the necessary effort and steps required to see your book through to its successful completion.

Avoid the Trap of Vanity Metrics

A common pitfall many authors fall into is chasing vanity metrics like becoming a New York Times bestselling author or selling a million copies. These external validations can often distract from the intrinsic value of your work. Instead of setting goals based on external expectations, focus on what you want to achieve, such as gaining more clients for your coaching business or fulfilling a long-held personal dream.

When your goals are intrinsic and aligned with your deeper desires, you will likely remain motivated throughout the writing and publishing process. Vanity metrics should be seen as potential by-products of your efforts, not the primary aim.

Turning Desire into Actionable Steps

Once you’ve identified your true motivations, the next step is to translate these desires into actionable steps. My personal experience with my first book, “The Art of Apprenticeship,” is a prime example. My desire to transition from teaching to living a location-independent life guided every decision I made, from the topic selection to the marketing strategy.

Identifying your genuine desires helps you focus on key activities that align with your goals. This could involve investing more time in marketing, networking with the right people, or even attending specific workshops. The intention here is to leverage your book as a platform to achieve your greater aspirations.

The Transformative Power of Authorship

One of the most profound aspects I discuss is the transformative power of writing a book. Coming from a teaching background, I used my book to elevate my self-belief and garner credibility. Authorship has the potential to shift your perception of yourself and open doors that seemed previously unattainable.

Moreover, writing is a vulnerable act that pushes you to confront and articulate your thoughts and desires. This process not only helps in refining your voice but also instills greater confidence and clarity in your messages, enabling you to make a more significant impact on your audience.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Authors

For those who find themselves stuck or unsure of their motivations, I offer practical advice. I suggest being brutally honest with yourself during the ideation phase. Ask questions like, “Why am I writing this book?” and “What do I hope to achieve?”

Additionally, if you need support and accountability, consider joining a community of like-minded individuals. Our “Authors Who Lead” community, for example, provides aspiring writers with valuable resources, workshops, and a supportive network to help navigate the complexities of writing and publishing.

Embracing your true desires may initially feel intimidating, but it’s a crucial step toward achieving genuine and sustainable success in your writing journey. By understanding what you genuinely want from your book, setting intrinsic goals, and taking actionable steps, you not only create a meaningful piece of art but also transform your life in the process. So don’t be afraid to dream big and be honest about your desires; they’re the key to your success.

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.

Episode Resources


Connect with Azul here:
Authors Who Lead
AWL Membership Community
TEDX
Fiction with Purpose Group
Mandala Tree Press Publishing
AWL Coaching Programs

Get a copy of Azul’s first 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

231: How Writing a Book Can Transform Your Life | Azul Terronez321: How Writing a Book Can Transform Your Life | Azul Terronez

In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Azul takes listeners on an introspective journey, urging aspiring authors to embrace their genuine desires and motivations when writing a book.

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