
Authors Who Lead - Learn to write a book from bestselling authors and leaders
If you want to know how bestselling authors find the time to write their books, the methods they use to be productive and how they find their ideas you will love this podcast. Writing coach Azul Terronez shares interviews with clients such as Pat Flynn, of the Smart Passive Income, Jon Vroman, of the Front Row Factor, and Dana Malstaff of Boss-Mom, Jadah Sellner of Simple Green Smoothies. Learn from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling authors. Want to get behind-the-scenes insights about how first-time authors overcame their fears and found the courage to write? Are you curious about how successful bestselling authors write or learn how to publish and market a book? Have you thought, "I'd like to write a book," but I don't know where to start? I explore authors' journeys, how they craft their stories, become published, and share their art of writing books with the world. You are meant to write the book now and be inspired by those who have done it.
Latest episodes

Aug 2, 2024 • 38min
Crafting Intriguing Mysteries in the Gilded Age with Cecelia Tichi
Send us a textIn the expansive world of writing, two elements intertwine seamlessly: the stories of the past and the characters that breathe life into them. This notion becomes clear in this episode of Authors Who Lead, where Cecilia Tichi and I delve into the intricacies of storytelling, drawing from personal and historical wellsprings of inspiration.Timestamp:00:00 Overcoming challenges as a writer, shaping journeys.06:36 Lee Child on mystery fiction's shared assumption.08:42 Irish immigrant becomes wealthy with JPMorgan.11:41 Develop strong and diverse characters for impact.15:04 Curiosity about stories, historical fiction, and academic background.20:32 Steel mills, coal, generations - deep-rooted history. Sketch your stories.22:14 Vegas before Vegas, coming of age story.27:16 Writing to shed light on overlooked historical figures.31:16 Overcoming dyslexia, excelling at conveying through voice.35:17 Believe in authorship, find joy in writing.Full 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

Jul 25, 2024 • 19min
Dyslexic to Bestselling Author | Azul Terronez
Send us a textWriting a book can be a daunting journey, particularly when the biggest hurdle lies not in the process itself, but in the mindset of the aspiring author. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I shine a light on the psychological landscape that authors must navigate. From overcoming imposter syndrome to embracing the identity of an author from the outset, I offer invaluable insights that can help both new and seasoned writers alike.Timestamp:00:00 Battling imposter syndrome as an aspiring author.05:00 Overcome writing blocks and find community support.07:10 Believe in yourself, writing is for everyone.10:50 Becoming an author cleared my mind.14:52 Writing, publishing, doubt, and self-discovery in industry.17:09 Accelerated 3-month program with special bonus.Full 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

Jul 19, 2024 • 46min
Writing with Purpose | Dana Malstaff
Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, Dana Malstaff and I unravel the intricate tapestry of balancing extraordinary personal and professional goals, particularly through the lenses of parenthood, authorship, and entrepreneurship. This episode, rich in insights, underscores the raw honesty and emotional depth that resonate with many. It shows how individuality, unique perspectives, and mindful marketing strategies drive meaningful connections and impactful storytelling.Timestamp:00:00 Emphasizing the importance of genuine brainstorming in mind mapping.04:46 Marketing system empowers moms with brutal honesty.09:37 Harvard expert, not the essential, emotional connection is.10:51 Recognize the impact of words when writing books.15:13 Growing an audience requires coaching and vulnerability.20:10 Book emphasizes doing things differently for success.22:38 The author advocates for a thoughtful, long-term business approach.25:24 New book released; old version stays online.29:16 Book writing vs. core of long-term mission30:50 Be strong for your kids, your voice matters.34:13 People connect through shared thoughts and experiences.40:13 Harness your passion to drive change.43:27 Next book discussed, collaboration preferred over accolades.44:19 Agree, big advance, payback, royalties, job.Full 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

Jul 11, 2024 • 42min
From Ideas to Screenplay | Brooks Elms
Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I have the pleasure of delving into a profound conversation with Brooks Elms. As we reflect on their journeys, share personal experiences, and offer invaluable insights, it becomes evident that writing is as much about collaboration and facing fears as it is about individual creativity.Timestamp:00:00 Lockdown influenced show popularity, reflecting cultural timing.03:59 Write stories with deep soul and timing.09:43 Refused to sell out, stood by principles.10:42 Overcoming fear to create a successful genre movie.15:21 Shift in perspective, missed opportunities, perfect timing.18:53 Emotions as a guidance system in families.20:23 Listening to and understanding your inner feelings.25:03 Team provides perspective for ideal audience impact.29:36 Simplify: Storytelling basics are fundamental, enjoy the process.31:16 Took action without experience, found courage instead.36:00 Understanding audience and purpose in writing.38:24 Learning the art of storytelling in 5 minutes.40:30 The Fast-paced interview ends with gratitude and excitement.Full 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

Jul 5, 2024 • 20min
From Stuck to Finished | Azul Terronez
Send us a textWriting a book is an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and promise at the start. However, as the days progress, there are moments when the initial spark diminishes, leaving many writers staring at a blank page. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I delve deep into the reasons behind this loss of motivation and offer actionable strategies to reignite the writing fire within.Timestamp:00:00 Weak motivation hinders the effective writing process.05:31 Fix mental blocks and find motivation for writing.06:35 Overcome doubts, empty your mind, and observe thoughts.11:39 Write in presence, clear message, writing without thinking.14:42 Create pathways, rewards, and internal motivation for writing.17:05 Get personalized guidance to become a writer. Full 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

Jun 27, 2024 • 47min
When Fiction Heals | Ronald Dwinnells
Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I have an engaging conversation with Dr. Ronald Dwinnells, founder and CEO of Ohio Northeast Medical System, and author extraordinaire. His journey from medical school to novelist reveals the unique interplay between medicine, writing, and the enriching lessons derived from human encounters. Timestamp:00:00 MD and CEO from Ohio, also an author.06:08 Medical student recalls a true incident from 20 years ago.09:19 Many medical students are arrogant and need guidance.10:57 Nursing, illness, and time shifts in writing.16:35 Book focuses on a cerebral palsy child's emotions.17:50 Book explores the impact of disabled children's love.23:15 Fiction can heal and transform through storytelling.24:36 Writer turned author, achieved great success.29:36 Passionate leadership and personal success story.32:43 Medical students faced bias and overcame obstacles.37:05 Creating characters from real-life experiences, and emotions.38:28 Editor brain influences, creative writing needs freedom.43:27 Reaction to situations can define character.44:57 Be yourself, and write creatively, no specific rules.Full 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

Jun 21, 2024 • 37min
The Fear and Excitement of Career Change | Yesim Nicholson
Send us a textChange is often sparked by a subtle shift — a gradual erosion of joy at work, or the dreaded Sunday nights where we can’t shake the impending feel of another monotonous week ahead. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Yesim Nicholson and I dive deep into this universal experience, emphasizing that these feelings are cues pointing toward the need for a deliberate reevaluation, rather than impulsive decisions. Yesim wisely advocates for a methodical approach, suggesting thorough consideration before leaping into a new career.Timestamp:00:00 Started writing, podcast, and unexpected book journey.05:21 Enjoyed job, but felt uncertain about future.08:57 Sunday night dread common, but deliberate job change.11:18 Admiration for mother's diverse and adaptable career.15:08 Toe dipper: employed with side aspirations.16:27 Imagining new possibilities to make dreams reality.22:12 Exciting book release and positive reader feedback.25:24 Transitioning from marketing to writing is exhilarating.27:19 Contemplating the use of time and opportunities ahead.32:17 Transitioned to teaching, advanced quickly and found inspiration.33:43 Book provides help for navigating career quitting.Full 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

Jun 14, 2024 • 21min
Overcoming Doubts | Azul Terronez
Send us a textWriting a book is a dream many cherish but few accomplish. According to a survey by The New York Times, 81% of North Americans want to write a book, yet less than 1% see their manuscript through to publication. The journey from idea to finished book is fraught with doubts, fears, and uncertainties. In this episode, I discuss the five key strategies to overcome these hurdles and complete your book.Timestamp:00:00 Focus on writing, don't worry about others.04:40 Knowing yourself creates opportunities to stand out.07:20 Finding purpose through mentorship and writing.11:48 Set a writing challenge and start now.13:19 Writing a book is about time management.16:28 5-day book writing challenge for accountability and support.19:44 Entrepreneur offering help and inspiration on the podcast.Full 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

Jun 7, 2024 • 40min
Touring with Legends | Arturo Cisneros
Send us a textIn this captivating episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Arturo Cisneros, a former concert tour manager with 25 years of experience and the author of the new book, The Rock Star Adjacent. Art shares the ups and downs of his remarkable journey, from being a rock star to writing about his personal experiences with honesty and vulnerability.Timestamp:00:00 Grew up in El Paso, a dreamer, and a MASH fan.03:30 From exploring cities to a hotel industry career.06:57 Actor with hotel management experience found a job.12:31 Lessons from mentor Patty shaped world view.15:38 Supporting others, staying grounded in the celebrity industry.18:29 Artist focused on music, I handle logistics.21:09 Writing a book about an early experience.26:10 Gratitude and resilience in facing personal challenges.28:05 Honesty, shock, surprise, and acceptance in memoir.32:43 Book contains healing stories and a rock star perspective.33:20 Share impact, leave review, and discuss plans.38:15 Inspiring message urging perseverance and self-belief.Full 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

May 31, 2024 • 38min
Trust-Building Through Events | Sarah Fejfar
Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with the incredible Sarah Fejfar to delve into leveraging live events to grow as an author. Sarah's extensive experience in helping entrepreneurs produce profitable events provides a rich backdrop for a conversation filled with insights and actionable advice.Timestamp:00:00 Transition from corporate to online coaching entrepreneurship.05:29 Authors have countless options and paths to success.07:57 Clear vision and pricing prevent financial pitfalls.10:21 Welcoming gestures help people feel seen and heard.14:36 Choose a venue true to your message.17:28 Maximizing event monetization through various revenue streams.22:32 Speakers with books and valuable opt-ins.25:58 Entrepreneurial journey filled with personal development insights.29:33 Perspective as the unique messenger of the message.30:49 Appreciate the coach's proximity for a transformative experience.33:40 Change perspective to change lives and outcomes.Full 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