Let’s say it plainly.

A lot of people say they want to write a book.

Very few actually do it.

Even fewer do it more than once.

So when you hear someone say they’ve written seven or eight books, you need to stop and ask a better question.

Not “how?”

But why do they keep going?

That’s where this conversation with Monique Duell really sits.

The Real Problem

A lot of authors are sitting on real stories but don’t think they’re “ready” or “worthy” enough to put them out.

They overthink it.

They wait for the perfect plan.

They wait for permission.

And in the meantime, nothing gets published.

Why This Happens

Because most people think authorship starts with strategy.

They think:

“I need a plan”

“I need a platform”

“I need everything figured out first”

But that’s not how this actually works.

Monique didn’t start with a strategy.

She started with something that didn’t go as planned and material that was already created.

Instead of letting it sit, she turned it into a book.

And then she kept going.

What Most Authors Get Wrong

They think:

Every book has to fit into one genre

Every move has to be perfectly mapped out

Every opportunity has to be big to matter

None of that is true.

Monique writes across multiple lanes.

She shows up in smaller spaces.

She builds connection where people actually pay attention.

And that’s why her work moves.

What To Do Instead (Step-by-Step)

Use what you already have

If you’ve written something, said something, lived something — start there. Don’t wait for a new idea.

Stop trying to fit into one lane

You don’t need a genre label to start. You need a message.

Get in real spaces

Not just online. Go where people are actually paying attention.

Decide how personal your work is

If it’s your story, own it. Your voice matters.

Keep going after the first one

The first book isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting point.

What To Do Next

If you’ve been sitting on something, stop overthinking it.

Take what you already have and shape it into something real.

And if you don’t know how to move it into the right spaces, that’s where structure comes in.

The Author’s Mic™ Be a Guest

If you’re an author, editor, publisher, or creative doing meaningful work in the literary space and you want to share your story, apply to be a guest on The Author’s Mic™ here:https://brightheadedpublishing.com/be-a-guest 

TrustBridge™

TrustBridge™ connects indie authors with bookstores, book clubs, and podcasts through curated introductions and real relationship-building.

For authors — TrustBridge™ Author Services

https://brightheadedpublishing.com/trustbridgetm-author-services 

For bookstores, podcasts, and book clubs — TrustBridge™ Partner Networks

https://brightheadedpublishing.com/partner-with-us 

The Indie Author Toolkit

https://brightheadedpublishing.com/products/digital-product-10197841 

Books from Bright Headed Publishing

https://brightheadedpublishing.com/products