360: Why Small Ideas Make Great Books | Dan Andrews

Lessons from Dan Andrews

In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Dan Andrews—writer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Dynamite Circle—to explore what it means to write and lead in today’s creative landscape. Our conversation is a goldmine for aspiring authors who feel the pressure to be original, fear starting, or struggle with the all-too-familiar sting of writer’s block. Together, we demystify the writing process and uncover the deeply human journey behind every meaningful book.

The Power of Vulnerability: Writing to Discover, Connect, and Transform

Dan talks about writing not as an act of knowing, but as an act of discovery. He says, “You’re writing to seek to discover. And sometimes your words can either formulate the blob that’s in your head… And the most exciting moment is when what you’ve discovered turns out to be true for other people, too.” That lands with me.

I often remind writers that the journey begins when we let go of our editor brain—the judge we pick up in school—and embrace curiosity instead. Great writers don’t just follow the rules; they know when to break them. They challenge the status quo and say what needs to be said, even if it feels unfinished or raw. That kind of vulnerability—sharing thoughts that aren’t fully formed—makes writing real and transformative.

Why Generosity and Service Matter More Than Being a Lone Genius

Dan and I share a similar path when it comes to building community. His work with the Dynamite Circle is rooted in generosity and transparency, a refreshing contrast to the closed-door, competitive culture he encountered early in his career. “We’re creating more net value for everybody,” he says.

That really mirrors my own experience. Some of my biggest breakthroughs come from moments of service—like hosting a casual pre-event meetup or helping someone workshop a book idea. When we write with real people in mind—when we serve—it becomes a cycle of meaning, not just a solo pursuit.

The Value of the “Small Idea”: Why Big Books Start Small

One of the most liberating insights from this conversation is this: the best books often come from small ideas. I tell Dan, “Books are not big ideas. They’re really small ideas. Atomic Habits might seem like a big idea. It’s not. It’s very, very small… Everything else in the book is to persuade you about that simple idea.”

Dan illustrates this with his book, Before the Exit, which dives into the emotional side of selling a business. It’s not flashy. It’s honest. And that’s what makes it powerful. He realizes that what feels deeply personal is often universal. That’s what small ideas do—they resonate on a big scale.

Practical Tips: Volume, Constraints, and Feedback

We also get into some practical strategies for writers:

Embrace Volume: Dan brings up the Equal Odds Rule—put more work into the world, and you increase your chances of creating something that lands. I couldn’t agree more.
Welcome Constraints: I challenge writers with prompts like “What if your book was a one-sentence story?” because limitations spark creativity and clarity.
Seek Real-World Feedback: We both believe in sharing early and often. Whether it’s a blog post, a talk, or a draft with beta readers, feedback helps ideas take shape in the real world.

Writing as Apprenticeship and Acts of Service

Dan and I agree: writing is both a craft and a form of service. Whether we apprentice under others, write with a specific reader in mind, or show up to the page unsure but open, what matters is that we keep showing up.

As Dan puts it, “You can simply discover things and tell the story of them. And that’s a service.” That’s what turns a writer into a leader—one honest, generous, creative step at a time.

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.