Stop Waiting: The Real Cost of Delaying Your Book
How to Overcome Writing Challenges: 10 Tips from a 13-Time Author and Mentor
✏️ ON MY MIND
Stop Waiting: The Real Cost of Delaying Your Book
How to Overcome Writing Challenges: 10 Tips from a 13-Time Author and Mentor
Writing and publishing your first book can seem like an enormous task—one I’ve personally experienced multiple times.
As you may know, I started re-writing DARE TO ESCAPE: Break Free from the Rat Race and Create Your Ideal Life this year, but life got in the way. Work became challenging, and then my father-in-law fell ill with cancer and passed away. My wife and I took a much-needed healing trip to Mexico, and I lost my motivation to write somewhere along the line.
Last week, I attended a 3-hour "First-Time Author" masterclass hosted by Natasa Denman and her husband, Stuart, in Sydney. As part of my new goal to attend at least one in-person event each week, this was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with a long-time friend and business mentor I admire and haven’t seen in years.
Natasa has written 14 books herself and, through her Ultimate 48-Hour Author program, helped over 850 first-time authors publish their books.
This masterclass was packed with actionable lessons that could help any first-time author navigate the often intimidating path to publishing their book.
Below are my key takeaways.
1. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear
One of the biggest challenges is self-doubt. Natasa explained that many writers hold themselves back by questioning their worth and qualifications, thinking, Who am I to say I’m an expert? But your story and experiences offer something unique that others can learn from.
"Who am I to say I'm the expert? Who am I? Why am I special?"
Recognising that your story matters is the first step to pushing through the fear of inadequacy.
2. Start Without Perfection
A common mistake first-time authors make is waiting for perfection before starting. Natasa emphasised that perfection is the enemy of progress, and many first-time authors overthink the process before even putting words down.
She shared how she made mistakes when writing her first book but learned as she went.
You can’t edit a blank page, so start writing without worrying if it’s perfect.
3. Your Story Matters (But It’s Not About You)
Many first-time authors worry that no one will care about their personal stories. Natasa pointed out that readers care more about the lessons within your story, not the story itself.
"No one cares about our stories. Everyone cares about what’s in our stories."
Framing your personal experiences in a way that provides value to readers can create a powerful connection.
4. Cost as an Obstacle: Prioritise What You Value
A major hurdle for aspiring authors is the cost of publishing a book. Natasa encouraged writers to view publishing as an investment, not an expense. By making writing your book a top priority, you can figure out how to make it happen.
“If you push writing your book into your top three values for a temporary period of time, you will figure it out because then it becomes non-negotiable."
Publishing brings long-term value—financially, personally, and career growth.
5. Avoid Costly Mistakes: Choose the Right Approach
Natasa shared her personal experience of choosing the wrong publishing company for her first book, which led to wasted time and money. She advises thoroughly researching your options and asking the right questions before making decisions.
“I mucked around, I wasted time, I spent money. I had to republish because I didn't choose the right publishing company."
Choosing the right support system can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
6. Don’t Let Fear of Regret Hold You Back
Natasa’s most powerful point was about regretting missed opportunities. She urged authors not to wait for the perfect time to start writing, as waiting often leads to regret.
“If I do nothing about it, nothing happens… Someone else will write.”
Writing your book opens doors to speaking engagements and career growth, so don’t let fear hold you back.
7. Writing as an Act of Service
Natasa’s final lesson was to view writing as an act of service. By keeping your knowledge to yourself, you miss the chance to help others avoid the same struggles.
“Who are you to decide not to share the information, the shortcuts, the wisdom you have accumulated so others can have less of a struggle?”
Writing a book isn’t just about personal gain—it’s about making a difference in the lives of others.
8. Why Wait? Write First, Get Famous Later
Natasa also addressed the myth that you need years of work experience or awards before you’re qualified to write a book. Her advice? Write the book first, then get famous!
"Why do we have to get all these years of work and awards to be ready to write the book? Write the book and then get famous. That's how I did it."
9. Clarity Comes from Action
Many authors think they need perfect clarity before they begin writing. Natasa shared that clarity comes from action—the more you write, the clearer your ideas and direction will become.
This lesson doesn’t just apply to writing. It’s true for business and life, too. Often, we wait for the "perfect plan" or ideal circumstances before starting something new. But just like with writing, taking action is what drives progress.
Clarity will come through the doing, whether launching a new product, starting a business, or making life changes.
The key is to start, adapt, and grow along the way.
10. Face Resistance and Push Through
As your book nears completion, fear and resistance are natural. Natasa calls this “tinkering,” where authors keep delaying finishing out of fear of releasing their work. Recognise this, and push through.
“We call that tinkering because of fear. They don’t want to release it into the world. So always they find something that’s wrong.”
My Personal Takeaway
This month, I’ve rekindled my writing motivation and am planting the seeds for a new book.
It started with launching my weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Trust Signals, which explores the elements of the Trust Economy and how companies can quickly build trust with potential customers and partners online. This project was born from 15 years of experience working with SaaS, B2B, and innovative businesses like Bean Ninjas, Hub Australia, Our Kinds, and Birchal.
I’ve chosen this approach for two reasons:
1. The target market for this book is already connected with me on LinkedIn, and I’m actively searching for and connecting with new people who fit the target reader's profile weekly. The fact that I have 260+ subscribers in 3 weeks since launch is a good sign.
2. I was publishing a weekly newsletter on LinkedIn anyway, so why not write what will become chapters of my book and get live feedback along the way?
For instance, my first newsletter, Navigating the Trust Economy: Why Credibility is Your Biggest Asset, got some pretty insightful comments:
Natasa’s teachings were a timely reminder that progress beats perfection, and writing is a service that benefits others. Whether you're writing for business, personal growth, or creative expression, remember that your story can make an impact. And making an impact is what I’m all about.
By the way, I haven’t completely given up on finishing Dare To Escape. I just feel like it would work better as my second book after Trust Signals.
Conclusion: Take Action and Start Your Journey
Natasa Denman’s masterclass was packed with insights about overcoming self-doubt, prioritising writing, and avoiding costly mistakes. Whether you’re just beginning or have been stuck in the planning phase, these lessons will help you take action.
Writing a book is an investment in yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Start your writing journey today!
—
A quick shoutout to Natasa Denman:
Nat has been a huge influence and supporter in my journey—she was even a guest at our wedding, and as the first and last person on the dance floor, she proved she’s not just about business!
Natasa was also a guest on the Founders Connect Podcast in November 2019, where she shared her wildly successful business retreat strategy with Cindy and me.
Little did we know then that COVID was about to disrupt everything, so Nat had to shift her business model to focus on virtual retreats only. This was a blessing in disguise, as the remote model made 2020 the most profitable year for her business.
Now that we’re all allowed to travel and get outside of our homes again, I feel there’s a huge opportunity for in-person experiences like retreats. So, if you’re keen on exploring how retreats might work for your business, listen to Nat’s tips on hosting lucrative business retreats here.
If you want to dive deeper into becoming a first-time published author, check out Natasa’s upcoming in-person and online events, and download her Ultimate 48 Hour Author Blueprint for free at writeabook.com.au.
👍 PUBLISHED + WORK IN PROGRESS
1/ Alex Hormozi and the AI Imposter: Building Trust Through Authentic Branding
2/ What if cafes rewarded impact in addition to purchases?
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