354: Top 10 Fears Writers Face and How to Overcome Them | Azul Terronez

Turning Fear Into Fuel for Your Writing Journey with Azul Terronez

Anyone who’s ever thought about writing a book knows the feeling: a mix of excitement, hope, and, yes—fear. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I dive deep into the emotional realm of writing, pulling back the curtain on the ten most common fears that keep writers from taking the next step.

1. “I Don’t Know Where to Start”

The most persistent fear among aspiring authors is simply not knowing where to begin. Staring at a blank page can be overwhelming, especially if you overthink how a book “should” be written. I remind everyone that writing a book is just putting one word after another. The trick? Create a plan before you begin. This roadmap helps you move forward, word by word, instead of getting lost in endless revision.

2. “I Don’t Know How to Write a Book”

Even with a plan, the process feels daunting. How do you move from idea to outline, from outline to chapters, and finally to a finished draft? School may not have taught you this kind of writing. Writing a book is iterative—it’s not a one-and-done, all-nighter like a high school essay. Embrace the process, and seek guidance or structured programs to learn what you don’t know.

3. “I’m Not Good at English”

Many worry their language skills aren’t up to snuff. I, who is dyslexic, emphasize that it’s not about using complicated words or perfect grammar. Most bestselling books are written at a sixth or seventh-grade reading level! Your unique perspective, your “why,” and the message behind your book matter more than flawless prose.

4. “My Ideas Are Too Messy”

Disorganization can paralyze progress. If your thoughts feel jumbled, you’re not alone. The key is to find a system that lets you gather and flexibly organize your ideas. You don’t have to write in a linear fashion—capture the bursts of inspiration as they come, then structure them later.

5. “No One Will Care About My Story”

Self-doubt runs deep, especially around whether anyone will actually read (or care about) your work. I suggest research: Who’s your audience? Are you solving a problem or filling a gap in the market? Even if your book is for a small circle—or just you—writing it well still matters.

6. “I’m Completely Overwhelmed”

The sheer volume of steps—writing, editing, publishing, marketing—can stop you dead in your tracks. The solution? Get a guide or join a writing community. Surround yourself with others who’ve been through it, so you can learn from their mistakes and find encouragement along the way.

7. “I Don’t Have Time”

The real issue often isn’t time, but prioritization. “I don’t have time” usually masks other worries: overwhelm, self-doubt, or confusion about where to begin. Set a small, daily writing habit—just 500 words a day adds up quickly.

8. “I’m Afraid of Being Judged”

Worrying about what others think often holds us back. But as I say, judgment is inevitable—and has nothing to do with you. Write your truth; let others have their opinions.

9. “I Keep Procrastinating”

Procrastination is usually a cover for deeper fears. The best antidote is action, even if it’s a small one. Break writing down into the tiniest steps—just opening your document, jotting a note—then build momentum from there.

10. “I Can’t Stay Accountable”

Starting is easy; finishing is harder. Accountability is essential—whether it’s a coach, a writing group, or telling a friend your goals. Regular check-ins and external support make all the difference.

Embracing the Writer’s Journey

All these fears are signatures of being a real writer—not roadblocks, but part of the journey that every serious author faces. Don’t try to eliminate these emotions; use them as signposts that you’re heading in the right direction.

If you’re looking for support, I encourage writers to join the Authors Who Lead Community or listen for his upcoming secret podcast, “Born to Write, Scared to Start”—a guided series designed to walk writers through their fears, one episode at a time.

Your story deserves to be told. Start today—one honest word after the other.

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.