Deborah Fay -

Don’t get it right. Get it written.

Do you struggle with writing? I’m talking about literally having trouble getting words out of your head and getting them onto a word doc, or onto paper.

I do.

I know that as a book coach, I’m not supposed to say that out loud, but it is the truth.

I know from my own personal experience, as well as from regular feedback I receive from aspiring authors, that it’s not uncommon for writers to become paralysed by what I like to call our inner editor.

We have an idea that we want to explore and we start putting things down on paper, or typing things into a note on our computers, and before long we are reading and rereading the few words we’ve written, and editing them, and we’ve lost our creative spark.

Or worse, we don’t even start putting our ideas on paper because we just get so stuck trying to get the words right in our heads that we don’t even try to write something.

What am I talking about exactly?

I’m talking about the fears that keep us from just writing what comes to mind – unfiltered – for fear of getting it wrong.

This happens day in and day out for so many aspiring authors, and ultimately means that years go by for a writer with no book and an unfulfilled longing that is deeper than ever.

It took me many years to have the courage to write something that I thought was share-worthy.

Frankly I think it’s devastating to think about the many authors who are yet to be published and are creatively unfulfilled because they won’t dare to finish a first and probably very ugly draft of their book.

It’s especially disappointing for me as I’ve personally been able to learn some great strategies for getting past my own inner editor long enough to get a book or two written. So I know it can be done.

If you are struggling to get past your inner editor, here is one strategy you can implement right now that will help you tame her.

Schedule some regular writing time that is edit free.

By edit free, I mean writing whatever comes to mind as quickly and as messily as you can, without any thought for what you are writing or how you are writing it or how it even looks as you are writing it.

Have a chat with your inner editor and ask her to take a step back for just 5 minutes.

It could be daily exercise or you could schedule it in for a few times a week but the more often you do it the better it will work for you.

Invest in a timer and start off with 5 minutes a day. You can keep going if you are on a roll, and you can build it up to longer sessions over time, but the main thing is to regularly write for at least 5 minutes without any thought for what you are writing.

Side note: If you have read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron you would know that the author calls these sessions morning pages where you just dump whatever is in your mind onto paper. If you haven’t read it, I recommend you do.

It’s amazing what happens when you get past that first 5 minutes. It’s like a door opens and the creative juices start flowing rapidly. And that is when you really start enjoying the process of writing.

It’s also when you start to believe in yourself and in your ability to be the author you know you were meant to be.

I have other strategies, of course, but this one is a goodie and it will quickly make a big difference to the amount of writing you do and to your experience of writing.

Hands up if you struggle with getting things written. Or are you one of the luckly ones for whom it flows effortlessly?

Audiobook, ebook or print book?

What is the best way to go for your book?

This is going to sound funny, coming from a book coach, but I don’t read books.

I used to.

It was not unusual for me to absorb at least one book a week, but I now prefer to listen to books, and I know I am not alone.

My 2nd favourite way to consume books is on my kindle app.

I love, love, love the idea of being able to take my entire library with me everywhere I go. That thought alone fills me with great joy.

And I love having a visual of what I am listenning to.

Side note: Did you know that listenning and reading at the same time actually helps you to absorb more content? I heard that from Alex Hermozi. (If you are in business and you don’t know who he is, look him up. You can thank me later.)

Since the introduction of ebooks, I have only bought print books if I have really loved one that I had listenned to and read on Kindle, and I’ve done that so that I can keep it and hold it and look lovingly at it whenever I want to. (Ha ha. I’m definitely a book nerd.)

Now, though, with 5 adults and 2 children living in our humble 4 bed home, space has become the most sought after commodity, so I have chosen to let go of many of my print books, boo hoo, and I am learning to resist buying new print books simply because I don’t have anywhere to put them.

Another side note: We are extending our home so I am happy to say that may change again 😊

The evolution of books has been liberating on so many levels, but for those who are thinking about writing a book, you need to know that print book sales still outweigh ebook sales and audiobook sales by a country mile.

And, as an author, there is nothing more satisfying than holding the physical copy of your book in your hands when it is published. It’s a moment I wish for every aspiring author to experience.

So to answer my own question, audiobook, ebook or print book, my advice is to do all 3, starting with print, then ebook, then record an audiobook.

Our readers are all different and will have different preferences, so it makes a lot of sense to give them options.

I’d love to know, what’s your preferred way to consume books?

The Power of Possibility: When People Put Their Minds to Change

Have you ever stopped to marvel at what extraordinary humans can achieve when they set their minds to something?

Throughout history—and in quiet corners of our modern world—people are solving impossible problems, rising from heartbreak and hardship, and creating movements that ripple far beyond their original intention.

From grassroots campaigns that transform communities, to everyday individuals who turn pain into purpose, the common thread is this: they decide they want to make a difference.

They choose to speak up.
They choose to take action.
They choose to believe that their voice, their story, and their ideas will matter to someone.

And when they make that choice, lives change.

At Disruptive Publishing, I get to witness this power firsthand.

I work with women—many in midlife and beyond—who are no longer willing to stay silent or sit on their dreams. They’re ready to tell their story, build their legacy, and turn their life experience into something that moves others.

Some are healing through their writing.
Some are leading with it.
All are creating impact.

Your Story Is Part of the Solution

Whether you’ve overcome illness, built a business from scratch, raised a family while holding a vision in your heart, or turned a difficult chapter into a new mission—you have something of value to say, and the world needs to hear it.

Books don’t just inform or entertain—they have the power to activate.
They connect people, they spark ideas, and they change conversations.

Movements Start With One Brave Step

The amazing people who change lives don’t always start out with confidence or clarity, but they get started anyway, and if you’re reading this, maybe that’s where you are too—on the edge of something meaningful.

If you feel you’re ready to turn your experience into a story that matters…
If you feel you’re ready to lead with your wisdom and write the book that only you can write, then why not make the choice to get started.

Because when people set the intention and put their minds (and hearts) to change, magic happens

Your story just might be the spark that lights someone else’s way.

How I Support Changemakers

As a book coach and publisher, I help everyday visionaries become published authors—without overwhelm, confusion, or compromise. My role is to walk beside you as you shape your message, tell your truth, and share it with the people who need it most.

Whether you’re writing a memoir, a self-help guide, or a book that launches a movement, I’m here to:

Help you find your voice and own your story
Develop a publishing strategy aligned with your goals
Ensure your book is professionally crafted and powerfully positioned
Make sure your message reaches hearts—not just bookshelves.

Reach out if you want some guidance. I offer a free one-to-one call to new authors where I give them a roadmap designed to help them on their author journey.

Book here: https://calendly.com/disruptivepublishing/bookchats

Want to write a book that transforms lives?

The WRITE Formula: How to Give Your Book Purpose and Power in a Busy Market

When asked, almost every author will tell you that they want to write a book that’s transformational—not just informational.

Great. It helps to be clear on that. But how do you ensure your book has what it takes to acheive that?

Every day approximately 6,000 new books are published worldwide, including both print and digital formats like ebooks and audiobooks. That’s 42,000 per week and more than 2 million books in a year.

It makes sense then, that if an author wants to stand out in such a busy crowd, they need a powerful edge.

So I created the WRITE formula.

How do you stand out in the crowd?

How do you get noticed?

And how do you cut through so you can have the sort of impact you long to have?

You need to have a clear understanding of the following:

W – Wisdom: What do you know that others need to know?

R – Reader: Who are you writing to? What do they need to hear from you?

I – Intention: Exactly what change do you want to facilitate and inspire?

T – Transformational Edge: What makes your story uniquely powerful?

E – Execution: What do you need to do to get your book written and published?

If you are one of those aspiring authors who wants to make a difference, I encourage you to grab a journal and work through these questions.

You’ll be amazed at the clarity that comes and the difference it will make to the way you write your book.

It will also make a difference to the way you think about yourself and what you have to offer.

And if you need help developing your Transformational Edge, talk to me. I have a formula for that too.

What Makes a Book Coach Worth Their Weight in Gold?

Here are 3 things to look for when you are looking for someone to help you get your book written:

Clarity + Structure

When you know where the goal posts are, and you have a plan to reach them, it is so much easier to score.

A good book coach helps you organise your thoughts into a compelling book plan so that you have a clear goal and an easy-to-follow formula for organising your knowledge and expertise in a way your readers will love.

Honest Feedback

When you are writing nonfiction, your voice is an important part of your book.

A good book coach guides your writing without changing your voice so that your reader hears you, gets to know you better, and feels more connected to you with every word they read.

Accountability

How long have you been wanting to write your book?

A good book coach will help you actually finish. They have a system for getting you from where you are now to where you want to be. No more wishing and hoping and endless attempts to get it done.

Pro Tip: If you are interviewing book coaches, ask about their process.

I use the WRITE Method to guide every book. It’s something I created to ensure my authors don’t just write a book, they write a transformational book.

Want to know more about how I work with authors? Message me and I’ll give you some more information.

How Writing a Book Changes You and Your Life

Something most people don’t realise (until they do it) is that writing a book isn’t just about the end product. It’s about who you become in the process of writing it.

Writing a book is a transformational experience and you absolutely do change and in powerful ways.

Here’s 3 Ways Writing A Book Will Change You.

You get really clear on who you are and what you stand for.

Writing forces you to make sense of your story and what you’ve lived.

You’ll reclaim your voice.

You get to say what you want to say, in your own way. No permission needed from anyone else.

And you’ll grow enormously in confidence.

Writing your truth is an act of courage and every day I am so priveleged to work with authors who are choosing to stand up and use their voices in powerful ways.

These things alone are reason enough to go through the process of writing a book.

However, writing, knowing that someone else will read your story and benefit from it, makes it an even more compelling exercise.

If you’re ready for a powerful, internal shift and you want help turning your life experiences into a legacy, then consider book coaching as your next brave step.

Ask me how I can help you.

3 Reasons Lots of Writers Don’t Finish Their Books

All writers get stuck at times, but here are 3 areas where aspiring authors get stuck—and how you can get unstuck:

You don’t have a clear plan.

Try outlining 10 key turning points or lessons you want to teach your reader first.

You are editing while you write.

Try scheduling separate your writing time from your editing time.

You are isolating yourself.

Find a writing community or consider working with a coach to stay motivated and accountable.

Writing and publishing your first book is part creativity, part structure, and a whole lot of support.

You really don’t have to do it all alone.

If you’ve been struggling to finish your book, feel free to reach out for a chat and together we can get your book finished.

How good would that be?

How do you start writing your book when you don’t know where to begin?

It’s a challenge for many aspiring authors and it’s so frustrating when you go and open a new word doc but you don’t know what the hell to put on it.

So I thought it might be helpful to share some tips that will liberate your inner author and get the creative juices going. Give these a go and see if they work for you.

1. Give yourself permission to write freely for 10-20 minutes.

2. Write about why you want to write a book.

3. Don’t edit. Don’t overthink. Just let it flow.

4. Write about what message is burning inside you that you want to get across to readers.

5. Write about moments that changed you forever and how.

6. Write about who you want to help with your book and why.

7. Write for your eyes only.

8. Don’t try to get it perfect. Just get it out.

I like to tell clients: Don’t get it right, get it written. There are very special people in this world who help you polish your message when you are done and they are called editors.

Ultimately, having a road map and structure for your book is the thing that will help you get started and keep you going, so if you would like help to shape your story and create a book you can be proud of, reach out. A brief chat with me might be a significant turning point for you.

Do you have any other tips you can share that have helped you overcome writer’s block in the past? I would love to hear them.

What Does a Book Coach Actually Do? (And Why You Might Need One)

If you are reading this, then you probably know what it feels like to have that persistent nudge — the one that says, “You should write a book”?

Maybe it’s a story that won’t leave you alone. A lived experience that others could learn from. Or wisdom you’ve gained that you know could change lives. The intention is there… but the how can feel so overwhelming.

That’s where a book coach comes in.

So… What Is a Book Coach?

I get asked all the time what a Book Coach does? Think of a book coach as your creative midwife, strategic guide, and personal cheerleader — all rolled into one.

I walk alongside you through the messy parts of writing, helping you move from idea in your head to finished manuscript in your hand — with heart, clarity, and direction.

Here’s What I Actually Do:

✅ I help you clarify your message and your audience
You may know what you want to say, but not how to say it — or who it’s truly for. I help you refine your idea so it speaks directly to the people who need it most.

✅ I help you turn your ideas into a solid, workable structure
Structure gives your book strength. I help you organize your thoughts into chapters, themes, or a journey your reader can follow with ease.

✅ I support you through resistance, doubt, and blocks
Fear, perfectionism, and procrastination are part of the writing process. I help you get clarity on where you are going so you can move through any doubts with compassion and momentum.

✅ I keep you on track with gentle but firm accountability
I’m here to encourage you, celebrate your wins, and help you keep going — even when life gets busy or doubts creep in — and I do that with a structured coaching program designed to get you on track and keep you there until you are finished.

✅ I help you protect your voice and vision
This is your book. I don’t rewrite your words — I help you say what you really mean in a way that sounds like you.

✅ I guide you toward publishing with purpose
If you want to publish — whether through self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional routes — I’ll help you find the right path, avoid costly mistakes, and share your book with confidence.

Why Do I Do What I Do?

Because too many incredible women stay stuck in the “someday” of writing their book. They live too long with what can only be described as the ache of longing to be a published author.

But your story? Your lessons? Your voice? They matter — and someone out there is waiting for them. Have you ever considered that?

The main reason I do it though is because I love doing it. I love being a part of the creative process and the growth that authors inevitably go through to finish their books.

I love helping them see the full potential of their experience and their knowledge, and I love seeing them transition from someone who is uncertain and lacking in confidence, to someone who knows exactly what they have to offer and what a difference they can potentially make through their book.

The bottom line is that you don’t have to do it alone. You can write your book — and feel the pride, the power and the deep sense of completion that comes with that.

🖋️ If you are curious about working with a book coach? Let’s have a conversation. No pressure. Just a warm, supportive chat about your book dreams and how we could bring them to life.

Click below to book in for a free call. It might just open up a whole new experience of life for you.

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It’s Christmas Time

What a year it has been!!

I want to say a sincere thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you who have been opening our emails, reading our blog, watching our videos and listenning to our podcast each week.

I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our community of 200+ authors who chose to put their trust in us by allowing us to bring their stories to life. We do love our Disruptive Authors and not only do we value their trust, we appreciate the referrals they continue to send to us. Thanks.