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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392

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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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June 26, 2026Episode 39216 min

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

Send us Fan MailWriting 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 message03:39 Simplifying the core message06:48 Identifying your ideal reader12:02 Editing for Audience Engagement15:15 Finding Your Book's Core MessageFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailEvery 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 writing04:27 Discussing Our Favorite Films07:16 Feeling invisible growing up11:51 Discussing the impact of The Matrix15:23 Discussing the Lord of the Rings adaptation16:42 Starting out in Hollywood21:52 Writing from personal experience23:32 Discussing creative decision-making28:30 Evaluating screenplay effectiveness31:56 The power of subtle storytelling33:43 Tips for aspiring screenwriters36:21 Writing a story in one sentenceFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailWhat 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 mostHow life patterns can point toward your deeper messageWhy your viewpoint matters more than more informationHow to begin noticing the clues your book may already be giving youWhy clarity starts with understanding who you are writing for and why your message mattersYour book may already be speaking. This episode will help you listen.Timestamp:00:00 | A conversation that sparked a deeper question03:00 | Your favorite stories may be clues06:00 | Why life patterns matter when writing a book10:00 | A book idea is not just a topic13:00 | Questions to help you find your message16:00 | Why people come to write a book19:00 | Your viewpoint matters22:00 | Clarity comes from message, reader, and perspective25:00 | Your book may already be speakingFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailIt’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 Ideas03:34 Blending Plotting with Pantsing09:12 Tessa's DNA discovery and implications12:56 Ensuring accuracy in medical details15:20 Overcoming writing roadblocks20:04 Persistence leads to publishing success23:10 Writing books with teen protagonists24:43 Making books exciting for readers30:18 Starting a New Book33:05 Writing through challenges and goals37:03 Editing and revising chapters40:21 Collaborating with an editor43:23 Finding writing community and resources47:44 Concerns about book censorship48:55 Where to find April's workFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailAt 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 book04:11 Embracing your unique perspective09:06 The unpredictability of bestsellers10:34 Confronting book writing fearsFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailWhether 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 succeed05:10 Discovering a teaching career07:12 Struggling with writing a manuscript11:32 The impact of a book14:00 Letting go of writing perfection18:02 Understanding intrusive thoughts20:12 Encouragement to subscribe and reviewFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailPublishing 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 book06:01 Impact of publishing a book07:02 Seeking publishing validation12:54 Writing process and early feedback14:11 Discovering my writing passion17:00 Discovering the TED Talk idea22:36 Turning book into Kindle edition25:07 Crafting a clear book message28:27 Writing my first book32:40 Choosing between fame and fortune33:51 Using visual models for writingFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailWriting 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 memoir05:12 Complex PTSD not in DSM07:08 Understanding trauma's impact on mental health10:29 Discussing personal healing journey14:45 Feeling vulnerable but understood19:34 Writing during health challenges21:29 Navigating a patriarchal society26:06 Healing Foundation and trauma care29:12 Editing process for publishing33:12 Discussing book feedback and approach37:18 Writing a clinician's hand guide39:40 Challenges in trauma therapy training43:36 Discussing a valuable trauma bookFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailFor 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 book03:38 Pursuing travel through writing07:23 Importance of finishing your book11:55 Writing and living in SpainFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE 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 MailBehind 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 style04:02 Navigating medical language barriers09:24 Beginning memoir research process11:02 Crafting an engaging memoir narrative14:52 Balancing honesty in writing18:58 The impact of Blue Fairy19:56 Reader feedback on helpful book details23:06 Teaching 12-year-olds memoir28:10 Discussing future writing ideas30:26 Starting to write a novel36:19 Dealing with a friend's grief39:03 Writing a fictionalized series41:04 Preview of her art journal44:14 Advocating for your messageFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your book🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start⭐ You're Allowed to Write This BookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage