How to Find Confidence to Start Writing Your Book

If you’re waiting for a surge of confidence before you start writing your book, you’re not alone. I’ve spent years hosting Authors Who Lead, talking with authors at every stage of the journey, and one belief comes up again and again: “I just need a little more confidence before I begin.”

Here’s the truth I’ve learned—confidence rarely shows up first. Action does. And waiting for confidence is often the very thing keeping us stuck.

Why We Wait for Confidence

Most first-time writers imagine a moment when everything clicks—when the idea feels airtight, the voice feels strong, and the fear finally disappears. I’ve worked with people who rewrite outlines endlessly, jump from idea to idea, or polish drafts they never intend to publish, all in the hope that confidence will arrive once things feel “right.”

What’s really happening is a misunderstanding of how confidence works. We’re taught to believe confidence is something you earn by preparing long enough or finding the perfect idea. In practice, that belief leads to stagnation, not clarity.

The Confidence Myth—and What Actually Builds It

What I’ve seen again and again is this: confidence is not the prerequisite for action. It’s the result of it.

Every author I admire didn’t start confident—they started willing. That shaky, uncertain feeling isn’t a sign you’re doing it wrong. It’s a sign you’re stretching into something that matters. Confidence grows only after you take the step, not before it.

Writing asks us to loosen our grip on perfection. There is no flawless book waiting to be written—only an honest one that reflects who you are right now. As you grow, your writing will grow with you. But it can’t grow if it never leaves your head.

Action Beats Perfection—Every Time

One of the most important lessons in my own writing life has been this: imperfect action is what turns dreamers into authors. Pride doesn’t come from producing something perfect. It comes from finishing.

Your first book won’t be your best work—and it doesn’t need to be. It needs to exist. And your voice matters more than ever. In a world saturated with information and AI-generated content, your lived perspective is what creates connection. Readers don’t want technical perfection; they want truth, presence, and a point of view they can feel.

Books Matter More Than Ever

Despite the noise about shrinking attention spans, books are thriving. Independent bookstores are growing. Readers are hungry for depth, nuance, and voices that don’t sound like everyone else. This is not the wrong time to write a book—it’s one of the best.

Imperfect Action: Your Next Step

If you’re stuck, here’s the shift I want you to make: stop waiting to feel ready. Take the step anyway. Seek support if you need it—but don’t use preparation as a hiding place.

Your first book doesn’t need to be your masterpiece. It just needs to be written. Say it out loud. Tell someone you’re starting. Let accountability replace fear. And remember that your why—the reason this book wants to be written—matters far more than how polished the first draft looks.

Don’t Die With Your Book Inside You

Countless people leave this world with unwritten books still inside them. I don’t want that to be you.

Confidence doesn’t come from waiting on the sidelines. It comes from stepping onto the page, again and again. Write the book. Let it be imperfect. Let it be yours. The confidence you’re looking for will meet you in motion.

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.