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The Biggest Barrier to Writing a Book (And How To Overcome It)

What’s the number one reason most people don’t start writing their book? It’s not time, talent, or even a lack of ideas.


It’s this: they don’t know where to start.


woman at a laptop writing
Writing Your Book - Let Go of the Perfection

You’ve been there—staring at a blank screen, feeling the weight of what lies ahead, an entire book. The fear sets in, convincing you that your first line has to be a masterpiece that will captivate readers instantly.


But here’s the truth: no one starts with the perfect first line.


For the overachievers and perfectionists out there (I see you): no one starts with the perfect first line.


The Reality of Writing


Writing isn’t what you see in the movies—where a writer magically churns out a bestseller in one inspired sitting. It’s messy, imperfect, and iterative. If you’re holding yourself to the impossible standard of writing a flawless opening line before you’ve even warmed up, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Instead of letting fear and doubt stop you, let’s focus on what actually works - let's write your book.


Take a deep breath, grab your favorite pen or fire up your laptop, and let’s go.


Writing a book
Write Your Book -

A Process That Works for Busy Experts

You’ve already done some heavy lifting: you know the purpose of your book, who your audience is, and what value you want to deliver. Now it’s time to start.


Here’s a game-changing idea: start with the ending.



Why start with the end??


Think about the transformation you want your reader to experience. How do you want them to feel after finishing your book? What action should they take?


When you write the ending first, you set a clear goal. Everything else you write will lead toward that goal, making the process feel more structured and intentional. This approach works whether you’re writing a book, keynote speech, or even a detailed coaching framework. I know, I've done it many times, so have my clients and my writing partners.


For the Process-Oriented

If starting with the ending feels counterintuitive, here’s another approach: just start.


Writing the first draft is like a warm-up. You’re getting ideas out of your head and onto the page. It doesn’t matter if it’s messy, unfocused, or filled with backstory. In fact, most first drafts are exactly that—rough.


Here’s the kicker: you’ll likely cut your first 10 pages during editing. That’s not failure; it’s part of the process. Those initial pages are for you, the writer, to find clarity and flow.


Stop Waiting for Perfection
A coach working on a book
Write Your Book - Stop Waiting for Perfection

Your first line doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be good. You can (and will) revise it later. What matters is starting.


Sometimes the perfect opening line comes to you halfway through the book or during the second draft. Trust that it will happen when it’s meant to.


For now, just write. Start where you feel inspired, and let go of the pressure to get it “right” from the start. Allow yourself the time to grow, learn and make mistakes. After all, we learn from making mistakes.


Your Next Step

If you’re ready to stop staring at a blank page and start writing a book that amplifies your authority and opens doors, remember this: writing is a process, not a performance. Take a deep breath, let go of perfection, and just start.


You’ve got this.


 

Want to talk about the process? Are you getting in your own way? Still unsure of your path? Have you considered a FREE 30 Minute GET YOUR BOOK DONE session with me? It's painless, insightful and you will walk away with action steps, a plan and maybe even a new path you hadn't though about.





Unleash your inner writer - book coach
Write Your Book

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