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

Hosted by Azul Terronez - Author, TEDx Speaker, Coach

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Episodes

393

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 26, 2026Episode 39216 min

Stop Overthinking: How to Edit and Refocus Your Book for Impact

Send us Fan Mail Writing a book isn’t a linear journey. It’s filled with ups and downs, moments of clarity, creative blocks, and the ever-present question: Am I hitting the mark? If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, you’re not alone. What transforms a collection of words into a compelling book isn’t the complexity of your knowledge or eloquence—it’s your ability to distill your message, deliver a clear promise, and deeply understand whom you’re writing for. In this post, inspired by the Authors Who Lead podcast, I’ll unpack these pillars to help you craft a book that truly connects with readers. Timestamp: 00:00 Emphasizing the book's core message 03:39 Simplifying the core message 06:48 Identifying your ideal reader 12:02 Editing for Audience Engagement 15:15 Finding Your Book's Core Message Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

June 18, 2026Episode 39138 min

From Stand By Me to The Matrix: How Your Favorite Films Reveal Your Unique Storytelling Superpower

Send us Fan Mail Every writer, whether penning a memoir or crafting a screenplay, seeks that elusive “voice”—the authentic expression of who they are and the stories only they can tell. On this episode of Authors Who Lead, screenwriter and coach Brooks Elms shared an illuminating process for tapping into this unique creative DNA by simply starting with a list of your favorite films. What unfolded in our conversation was more than a coaching exercise; it was an exploration of how those stories we love most hold a mirror to our deepest values, anxieties, and dreams. If you’re looking for a practical yet profound way to connect with your storytelling core, these lessons are for you. Timestamp: 00:00 Journey from teaching to writing 04:27 Discussing Our Favorite Films 07:16 Feeling invisible growing up 11:51 Discussing the impact of The Matrix 15:23 Discussing the Lord of the Rings adaptation 16:42 Starting out in Hollywood 21:52 Writing from personal experience 23:32 Discussing creative decision-making 28:30 Evaluating screenplay effectiveness 31:56 The power of subtle storytelling 33:43 Tips for aspiring screenwriters 36:21 Writing a story in one sentence Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

June 12, 2026Episode 39014 min

Your Book Idea Is Already Leaving Clues

Send us Fan Mail What if your book idea is not something you need to search for outside yourself? In this solo episode, Azul shares how a recent conversation with screenwriter and writing coach Brooks Elms helped him see something surprising. A simple list of favorite movies became a mirror for the deeper themes, questions, and patterns that have shaped him as a writer, teacher, and book coach. This episode is an invitation to look at your own life differently. The stories you love, the questions you keep asking, the work you have done, the struggles you have faced, and the things you notice that others miss may all be pointing toward the book inside you. Azul explores why your book is not just a topic. It is a way of seeing the world. And when you begin to trust your viewpoint, your message becomes clearer. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your favorite stories may reveal what you care about most How life patterns can point toward your deeper message Why your viewpoint matters more than more information How to begin noticing the clues your book may already be giving you Why clarity starts with understanding who you are writing for and why your message matters Your book may already be speaking. This episode will help you listen. Timestamp: 00:00 | A conversation that sparked a deeper question 03:00 | Your favorite stories may be clues 06:00 | Why life patterns matter when writing a book 10:00 | A book idea is not just a topic 13:00 | Questions to help you find your message 16:00 | Why people come to write a book 19:00 | Your viewpoint matters 22:00 | Clarity comes from message, reader, and perspective 25:00 | Your book may already be speaking Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

June 5, 2026Episode 38950 min

Secrets of Crafting Fast-Paced YA Thrillers with April Henry

Send us Fan Mail It’s not every day that a bestselling author invites you into the secret world behind their creative process. In this episode, I sit down with April Henry, acclaimed writer of thirty-two mysteries and thrillers, to discuss how she crafts her gripping stories—making them both intricately plotted and beautifully accessible. Here, we dive into the wisdom and practical strategies April shared about writing, resilience, and reaching all readers. Timestamp: 00:00 Finding Inspiration for Story Ideas 03:34 Blending Plotting with Pantsing 09:12 Tessa's DNA discovery and implications 12:56 Ensuring accuracy in medical details 15:20 Overcoming writing roadblocks 20:04 Persistence leads to publishing success 23:10 Writing books with teen protagonists 24:43 Making books exciting for readers 30:18 Starting a New Book 33:05 Writing through challenges and goals 37:03 Editing and revising chapters 40:21 Collaborating with an editor 43:23 Finding writing community and resources 47:44 Concerns about book censorship 48:55 Where to find April's work Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

May 28, 2026Episode 38811 min

Before You Write a Book, Answer This First

Send us Fan Mail At the heart of every aspiring author's journey, before outlines are made or words are penned, a gnawing question lingers: Am I enough? On this solo episode of Authors Who Lead, I cut through the noise of writing tips and publishing strategies to spotlight this deeply personal challenge. Drawing on over a decade of coaching writers, I reveal that the greatest barrier to writing isn’t a lack of ideas or technical skill—it’s self-worth. Timestamp: 00:00 Common doubts before writing a book 04:11 Embracing your unique perspective 09:06 The unpredictability of bestsellers 10:34 Confronting book writing fears Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

May 16, 2026Episode 38720 min

3 Reasons Most Writers Never Finish or Publish Their Book

Send us Fan Mail 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. Timestamp: 00:00 Why your book won’t succeed 05:10 Discovering a teaching career 07:12 Struggling with writing a manuscript 11:32 The impact of a book 14:00 Letting go of writing perfection 18:02 Understanding intrusive thoughts 20:12 Encouragement to subscribe and review Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

May 8, 2026Episode 38636 min

Why Writing a Book Can Transform Your Leadership and Build Lasting Impact

Send us Fan Mail Publishing a book is often seen as a milestone—a badge of honor for accomplished leaders and coaches. But as I reveal in my conversation on the Authors Who Lead podcast, writing a book does more than boost your authority. It can crystallize your message, become a launching pad for new opportunities, and ultimately serve as a powerful legacy that outlives you. Timestamp: 00:00 Discussing Mark's leadership book 06:01 Impact of publishing a book 07:02 Seeking publishing validation 12:54 Writing process and early feedback 14:11 Discovering my writing passion 17:00 Discovering the TED Talk idea 22:36 Turning book into Kindle edition 25:07 Crafting a clear book message 28:27 Writing my first book 32:40 Choosing between fame and fortune 33:51 Using visual models for writing Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

May 1, 2026Episode 38544 min

Healed Enough: Navigating Complex Trauma, Dissociation, and the Journey of Writing a Memoir

Send us Fan Mail Writing a memoir is never an easy feat—especially when the story being told explores the deeply personal terrain of trauma, healing, and the reclamation of one’s agency. In this episode of the "Authors Who Lead" podcast, I sit down with Chelsey Valeri—licensed clinical social worker, trauma therapist, and debut memoirist—as she offers an honest glimpse into how she crafted her book, Healed Enough . Through our conversation, you'll get a multidimensional understanding of complex trauma—from both clinical and lived perspectives—and what it takes to turn such experiences into a story that resonates. Timestamp: 00:00 Deciding to write a memoir 05:12 Complex PTSD not in DSM 07:08 Understanding trauma's impact on mental health 10:29 Discussing personal healing journey 14:45 Feeling vulnerable but understood 19:34 Writing during health challenges 21:29 Navigating a patriarchal society 26:06 Healing Foundation and trauma care 29:12 Editing process for publishing 33:12 Discussing book feedback and approach 37:18 Writing a clinician's hand guide 39:40 Challenges in trauma therapy training 43:36 Discussing a valuable trauma book Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

April 25, 2026Episode 38413 min

Living Abroad and Writing Books: A Life Transformed by Authorship

Send us Fan Mail For many of you, the journey from idea to manuscript can feel daunting and filled with self-doubt. In this heartfelt solo episode, I share personal insights and experiences from a life devoted to writing, coaching, and the pursuit of dreams. This post explores key takeaways from the episode, offering both encouragement and practical wisdom for anyone standing at the threshold of their own writing journey. Timestamp: 00:00 Deciding to write a book 03:38 Pursuing travel through writing 07:23 Importance of finishing your book 11:55 Writing and living in Spain Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

April 16, 2026Episode 38345 min

The Power of Memoir: Andrea Wilson Woods Shares Her Journey and Writing Process

Send us Fan Mail Behind every aspiring author I meet is a burning question: “Does what I have to say really matter?” I want to shine a light on this today, urging you to look beyond the mechanics of writing and toward the deeper reason you write at all. Writing a book is about so much more than perfect prose or bestseller status—it’s about sharing your unique message, stepping into leadership, and leaving a mark on the world that only you can. Timestamp: 00:00 Discussing the book's narrative style 04:02 Navigating medical language barriers 09:24 Beginning memoir research process 11:02 Crafting an engaging memoir narrative 14:52 Balancing honesty in writing 18:58 The impact of Blue Fairy 19:56 Reader feedback on helpful book details 23:06 Teaching 12-year-olds memoir 28:10 Discussing future writing ideas 30:26 Starting to write a novel 36:19 Dealing with a friend's grief 39:03 Writing a fictionalized series 41:04 Preview of her art journal 44:14 Advocating for your message Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage