367: How to Write a Book | Azul Terronez

Is Your Big Idea a Book or Just a Blog Post? with Azul Terronez

Writing a book is a dream for many, but not every idea deserves 200 pages. In this solo episode of Authors Who Lead, I unpack one of the most common questions I hear from aspiring authors: How do I know if my idea is big enough for a book—or if it’s better off as a blog post, podcast, or talk?

This question matters more than people realize. Books take time, energy, and long-term commitment. So before you dive in, let’s figure out what really makes a book-worthy idea—and how to avoid common pitfalls that keep writers stuck or stalled.

The Stakes: Why Are You Writing This?

Before you even think about your audience, I encourage you to ask yourself: Why am I doing this?

A book isn’t something you just launch and leave behind. It lives on—out in the world, in readers’ hands—and you don’t get to take it back. If you’re going to write a book, you need to care about the topic not just today, but for years to come.

Unlike blog posts or podcasts, a book becomes part of your identity. So if you’re considering writing a book on parenting, but know deep down that you’re not passionate about it long-term, pause. Ask yourself if this is really the message you want to stand behind.

Blog Post or Book? The Depth Test

I break it down like this: blog posts and podcasts are great for informing. But books? Books must transform.

If someone reads your book and says, “That was interesting,” it’s not enough. A great book moves people. It shifts their identity, challenges their thinking, or helps them heal something inside.

Ask yourself:

What’s the transformation I’m offering?
Is there a clear “before and after”?
Am I solving a deep, persistent challenge—or just sharing an interesting concept?

If your answer points to deep change, then you might just have a book on your hands.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

I’ve seen so many aspiring authors fall into these traps:

🟠 Tip books — Collections of quick tips might work for marketing, but they rarely create lasting impact. Tips don’t create transformation.

🟠 External encouragement — Just because someone says, “You should write a book!” doesn’t mean you should. If they’re not preordering it, it’s just a compliment—not a green light.

🟠 Too narrow in focus — If your idea hinges on one powerful story or moment, that’s a great blog post or talk. But a book needs a wider lens—something more universal.

Your Perspective Is the Value

One of the most important things I’ve learned (and taught) is this: your book isn’t about what you know. It’s about your perspective on what you know.

Information is everywhere. But your personal experience—how you see, process, and live your message—is what makes a book truly valuable.

After a decade of coaching writers, I’ve found that the biggest blocks aren’t about writing technique. They’re about confidence, clarity, and emotional resistance. That’s why your personal journey is part of the content. It’s not separate from it—it’s the heart of it.

How to Test Your Idea

So how do you know if your idea has enough substance?

I recommend this: try writing 20 blog posts on the topic. If you still have more to say after that, great—you might have a book.

But don’t make the mistake of stringing those posts together and calling it a book. A blog is about fragments. A book is about sustained, focused transformation.

Ask yourself: Could someone get the full idea in five minutes? Or does it invite them into a bigger shift?

Final Thoughts: Your Book = Your Promise

A book isn’t just a collection of thoughts—it’s a promise. It says, “Come with me, and I’ll take you somewhere different from where you started.”

If you can name that transformation—and know why you are the one to lead it—you’re ready to begin.

And if you’re feeling unsure, I invite you to join our Five-Day Writing Challenge at Authors Who Lead. It’s designed to help you clarify your message, test your idea, and take real steps toward authorship.

As Maya Angelou said, “There’s no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

Let’s get it out—one page 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.