Whether you’ve dreamed of being an author for decades or you’re just starting to put pen to paper, there’s one constant truth: writing—and finishing—a book is no small feat. On this episode of the Authors Who Lead podcast, I want to dive into the hidden obstacles that prevent most aspiring writers from becoming published authors. Drawing from my own journey (including a 24-year gap between my writing dreams and writing reality!), I lay out three major reasons books go unfinished—and what, exactly, you can do about it.
Below, we delve deeper into these common roadblocks, offering practical tips and a motivational roadmap to guide you from blank page to published author.
The Myth of Time: You’re Not Writing Because You’re Not Writing
Every aspiring author has a favorite excuse, but the most common one? “I just don’t have the time.” However, I insist that time isn’t really the enemy; the real issue is not sitting down to write at all. Most people find creative ways to avoid facing the blank page: organizing files, sending emails, reading about writing, or planning to write are all substitutes for the act itself.
The difference between thinking about writing and actually writing is as simple as getting words on a page. I suggest overcoming inertia by setting a timer for as little as eight minutes—no editing, no agonizing over quality, just pure word generation. Over months, even these small increments add up to a full manuscript.
Practical Tip:
- Set a timer for eight minutes daily. Write without editing or worrying about quality.
- Track your word count, focusing on progress over perfection. If you wrote just 250 words a day for six months, you’d have a 50,000-word manuscript.
The Perfection Trap: Believing Your Writing Must Be “Good”
The second major block is perfectionism. Many writers freeze before they even begin, convinced that their ideas aren’t good enough or that their writing needs to be flawless right out of the gate. Drawing on my years as a teacher, I talk about how our culture (especially school) conditions us to believe in the myth of “good” writing. Instead of striving for quality in the first draft, it’s more productive to focus on getting ideas out.
Remind yourself that writing is a process of discovery. Characters, stories, and ideas may not work—and that’s okay. Every draft teaches you something, and you can only improve by doing. Let go of the need for validation, whether from yourself, editors, or future readers. “If you’re writing, it’s good, period,” I affirm.
Practical Tip:
- Separate the acts of writing and editing. Treat your first draft as raw clay—you can’t shape a vase until you have material to work with.
- Celebrate imperfect drafts as essential steps along your creative journey.
Fear of Publishing: The Final Hurdle
The last hurdle is perhaps the hardest: actually publishing your work. Even after finishing a manuscript, many writers hesitate to share their creation with the world. Doubt creeps in—what if it’s not ready, what if the topic’s already been covered, what if people judge my story? I acknowledge this fear and reveal its universality; even seasoned writers feel this vulnerability.
Hitting “publish” is an act of bravery. Your story, message, or lesson can impact lives, but only if you share it. Remember, the book you write doesn’t have to be the only one inside you, nor the perfect one. It just needs to be yours.
Practical Tip:
- Reframe your mindset: publishing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making a difference.
- Remember the odds: only a fraction of writers ever finish, and an even smaller fraction actually publish. By completing both steps, you’re already among the few.
Your Message Matters—Start Today
At the heart of this episode, I emphasize: your message, not your perfect prose or unique ideas, is what truly matters. Writing—and sharing—your book is about connecting, inspiring, and leading.
So, set your timer. Quiet your inner critic. Write the messy draft. And when the moment comes, trust your voice enough to share it with the world. The world doesn’t need another flawless “widget”—it needs your story, told your way.
Start today. Even if it’s only for eight minutes. Don’t wait for permission or perfection—put the words down, and let your journey to becoming an author truly begin.
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