Authors Who Lead - Learn to write a book from bestselling authors and leaders

Send us a textIn this episode of the Authors Who Lead podcast, I welcome Dr. Shannon Irvine, an accomplished neuropsychologist, entrepreneur, and founder of the SINC Neurocoach Models. This riveting conversation peels back the curtain on Dr. Shannon’s journey from idea gestation to book launch, giving us an inside look at the neuroscience-driven method she shares in her new book, The 67-Day Year. Her work blends scientific rigor with practical wisdom and timeless principles, helping anyone—from new moms to high-powered CEOs—unlock levels of achievement they once thought impossible.Timestamp:00:00 Sharing life-changing tools broadly04:48 Breaking through entrepreneurial barriers07:00 Neuroscience boosts results effectively10:37 Mastering change in 67 days15:25 Aligning your brain for goals18:29 Overcoming fear to create21:44 Azul’s vision and goal evolution25:40 Embracing your writing style30:02 The call to share wisdom31:20 Flip fear, share wisdomFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textWriting 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.Timestamp:00:00 Determining if your idea’s a book05:49 Books: tools for transformation07:26 Blog posts aren’t books10:32 Beyond tips: broadening book appeal16:01 Evaluating your book’s purpose16:57 Five-day writing challengeFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textWhat does it really mean to be yourself in a world that rewards conformity and disconnection?In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Amy Cerny Vasterling—a public speaker, author, and intuitive—to discuss her powerful new book and what it means to live beyond the model society presents to us. With two decades of research and deeply personal insights, Amy shares how we become disconnected from ourselves—and how to reconnect with our inner truth.This conversation is one of the most thought-provoking I’ve had, and I know it will resonate with writers, creatives, and anyone feeling the stirrings of something deeper.Timestamp:00:00 Origins of a book on narcissism03:06 Writing journey: from months to years09:25 The status quo of self-deception11:07 Challenging spiritual models globally13:24 Questioning educational norms19:20 Innovative teaching: students as authors23:08 Future book explores time perception23:55 Innate intuition and self-discovery27:34 Rethinking disability and contribution32:07 Unconventional success in education36:05 Overcoming fear for self-expression37:22 Join us on Authors Who LeadFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIf you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book but find yourself stuck in “prep mode,” you’re not alone. In this solo episode of Authors Who Lead, I delve into the real mindset blocks that prevent aspiring authors from taking that crucial first step.After years of coaching writers—and navigating my own resistance—I’ve identified three common myths that stop talented storytellers from sharing their message. Here’s how you can move past them and finally start writing.Timestamp:00:00 Dream deferred: the writing struggle04:08 Embrace creativity over rigid outlines06:23 Reassess priorities, not time09:39 Transform self-perception, pursue goals12:58 Embark on your writing journeyFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textFor so many authors, writing a book feels like the pinnacle of their work—the culmination of years of learning, creativity, and leadership. But when the final chapter is written, there’s often a gap. Those powerful ideas don’t always leap from the page into programs, products, or lasting impact.On this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Charlotte Crowther—founder of Signature Framework—to explore how authors can codify their ideas into clear, visual frameworks that fuel growth, clarity, and influence. If you’re writing a book or already have one out in the world, this conversation helps you think bigger about what comes next.Timestamp:00:00 Visual methodology coaching success03:14 Challenges in translating books to business09:20 Overthinking hinders authentic creativity12:18 Creative incubation strategy15:41 Courageous leadership through storytelling18:40 Magic of visual thinking20:09 Visual aids enhance communication26:25 From idea to action: Boss Mums29:47 Clarifying purpose for action-driven results32:11 Visual branding from written content35:26 Appreciation for creative guidanceFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn today’s world, where knowledge is abundant and AI can churn out answers in seconds, readers crave something deeper—authenticity.On this episode of Authors Who Lead, I share lessons I’ve learned working with authors who want to lead with their story, not just their expertise. I reflect on my work with bestselling author and negotiation expert Kwame Christian to explore why embracing your uniqueness isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.Timestamp:00:00 Importance of personal perspective03:43 Kwame’s early negotiation journey06:55 Finding confidence through conflict12:50 Authenticity over completeness in writing14:47 Join Authors Who Lead for writing success16:42 Book whisperer Azul TerronezFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textWhen we talk about leadership and entrepreneurship, the conversation often veers toward hustle culture, 80-hour workweeks, and the kind of relentless, sleep-when-you’re-dead mentality that’s glorified on social media. But what’s the real cost?In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I speak with Chris Ducker—entrepreneur, mentor, and author—about the deeply personal experiences that inspire his new book, Long Haul Leader. This isn’t just another business strategy book. It’s a candid, thoughtful guide to lasting success—without sacrificing your health, relationships, or joy.Timestamp:00:00 Struggling post-sabbatical return04:28 Adrenal fatigue and burnout06:25 Leadership chaos guide12:06 Hustle: season, not lifestyle13:45 Balancing entrepreneurship and family life18:24 Importance of relationships and hobbies19:43 Boost productivity: rediscover nature23:54 Embracing diverse ideas28:48 Choices impact recovery journey31:01 Focus over followers: embrace clarity33:19 Finding joy in simple living37:23 Chris’s reflective return to England39:40 Prioritizing relationships over hustle45:34 Book cover decision reflections47:43 Writing journey and future books49:46 Long Haul Leader launch detailsFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textWhen I think of someone too busy to write a book, Dr. Amy McMichael immediately comes to mind. She juggles her roles as a professor in the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, a practicing dermatologist, and a mentor to countless students. She has every reason not to add “author” to her already full plate. But in our conversation on the Authors Who Lead podcast, it becomes clear that it’s her deep commitment to mentorship that fuels her decision to write her book, Perfect Match: Secure Your Residency Spot and Achieve Greatness in Dermatology.Timestamp:00:00 Inspired to write a book05:31 Editing process and writing insights08:15 Transitioning from handwriting to dictation11:27 Book gains academic support15:12 Joyful writing and mentorship reflection17:03 Mentorship: my lifelong passion18:53 Mentorship in medical education23:01 Supportive mentorship in dermatology28:19 Diverse feedback on written work30:34 Human essays in dermatology34:08 Guidance completes the journey35:58 Dr. Maya Angelou’s adviceFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Dan Andrews—writer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Dynamite Circle—to dig deep into what it means to write and lead in today’s creative landscape. Our conversation is a goldmine for aspiring authors who wrestle with the pressure to be original, the fear of starting, and the all-too-familiar sting of writer’s block. Together, we explore how the writing process—far from being mystical or reserved for geniuses—is something deeply human, honest, and accessible.Timestamp:00:00 Internet transparency movement origins06:10 Internet explorations and new paths07:29 Tim Ferriss’ timely insight11:12 Early networking and generosity15:51 Conference speech writing hack18:10 Authors’ need for control21:47 Before the Exit insights25:16 Founder mode’s accelerated influence28:19 The 1000-day principle33:22 High output drives success35:49 Creative limits enhance artistic expression37:52 Creative freedom vs. impactful writing42:29 Overcoming creative doubt46:02 Personal podcast narratives48:48 Writing as a life-changing idea53:39 Impulsive ticket purchase regrets55:03 Apprenticeship success at MeetupFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textWhen the world slowed during the pandemic, Steve Vannoy and I found an unexpected gift in that stillness. We began recording stories from his father, Smokey Vannoy—vivid tales of a bygone West Virginia filled with cinder-bottom towns, red-light districts, and river adventures. What started as a collection of oral history soon grew into something more—a shared book project, born from legacy and love.Adventures in Cinder Bottom became more than a family story. It turned into a vibrant retelling of time, place, and identity. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, as we reflect on our second book, Greenbrier River, we weren’t just navigating the usual creative hurdles of fiction—we were also carrying the weight of loss. Smokey passed away during the writing process, and that grief wove itself into every chapter. What makes these stories resonate is that they’re rooted in real people, real places, and a real desire to honor someone we both deeply admired.Timestamp:00:00 Smokey’s stories and Cinder Bottom03:08 Greenbrier River: growth through stories08:54 Authentic storytelling for Appalachia11:37 Boom to bust: a county’s journey13:32 Avoiding judgment in polarized times16:41 Early integration in segregated America19:34 Living stories: a father’s legacy25:32 Believe in your story26:46 From starter to finisher29:18 Join Authors Who Lead podcastFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage