341: How Our Writing Challenge Can Help You Finally Finish Your Book | Azul Terronez

Conquer Writing Challenges with Small Steps with Azul Terronez

 

Every author faces challenges when writing a book—whether it’s finding the right idea, battling imposter syndrome, or simply staring at a blank screen. You are not alone in this.

In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I emphasize that writing isn’t a solitary endeavor but a community activity. Let’s dive into the key topics discussed in the podcast episode, exploring how a structured approach, inspired by Japanese Kaizen philosophy, can help you kickstart your writing journey through a 5-day challenge.

The Power of a Group Challenge

Starting something new often begins with great enthusiasm, but maintaining momentum can be tricky. One of the best ways to push through these initial hurdles is by joining a group challenge. These challenges offer daily accountability, which is crucial for maintaining consistency. Knowing that others are in the same boat makes the process less daunting and more encouraging.

When you’re part of a writing challenge, every day brings a new task and a new goal. This daily accountability helps you stay on track and provides structure. I share that the 5-day challenge I offer includes live calls and tasks that don’t consume your entire day but keep you moving forward.

The Kaizen Approach to Writing

The Japanese concept of Kaizen focuses on making small, incremental changes. Instead of overwhelming yourself to write an entire book, break it down into manageable parts.

For example, if your goal is to write a book, start small. I suggest setting a daily word count goal, even if it’s as modest as 500 words. This incremental approach ensures that you make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed. Over ten days, 500 words a day adds up to 5,000 words—a significant chunk of your manuscript.

I advise using a tracker to manage your word count. This helps you stay honest about your progress and identifies when you’re stuck, overthinking, or spending too much time on non-writing activities like research and editing. Tracking your work ensures that every word you write counts towards your goal.

Overcoming Mental Blocks

Often, the biggest obstacles in writing aren’t technical but psychological. These mental blocks can stem from various sources, including imposter syndrome, fear, or doubt.

One of the key insights I share is that writing a book isn’t purely a logical task. Unlike academic writing, where you follow a structured format, book writing lives between the emotional and thinking mind. The chatter of self-doubt can be silenced by focusing on your emotional core and letting the story flow naturally.

Many people treat book writing like an academic paper, overthinking and over-planning. This approach often leads to burnout. Instead, my challenge aims to unlearn these habits, promoting a more fluid and intuitive writing style. By focusing on just getting words on the page without constantly editing, you can overcome the paralysis of perfectionism.

Community and Support

Writing is often seen as a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I emphasize the importance of community in achieving your writing goals.

When you join a writing challenge, you also join a community of like-minded individuals who can provide feedback, motivation, and support. This camaraderie increases your chances of completing your manuscript. As I point out, people who write in the community tend to finish their books, whereas those who isolate themselves often don’t.

I share inspiring stories of individuals who have benefited from the 5-day challenge. One notable example is Donald Doss, who joined the challenge and eventually secured a book deal with the biggest publisher in Lithuania. This success story demonstrates the transformative potential of participating in a writing challenge.

Writing a book is a monumental task, but breaking it down into manageable steps, staying accountable, and engaging with a supportive community can make the journey significantly easier. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a novice, the 5-day challenge offers the structure, support, and tools you need to get started. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, visit Authors Who Lead and sign up for the next challenge. Your book—and the world—are waiting for your unique voice.

By focusing on small, daily tasks and leveraging community support, you can navigate the complexities of writing a book more effectively. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in this case, a few hundred words.

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

341: How Our Writing Challenge Can Help You Finally Finish Your Book | Azul Terronez341: How Our Writing Challenge Can Help You Finally Finish Your Book | Azul Terronez

In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I emphasize that writing isn't a solitary endeavor but a community activity. Let’s dive into the key topics discussed in the podcast episode, exploring how a structured approach, inspired by Japanese Kaizen philosophy, can help you kickstart your writing journey through a 5-day challenge.

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