Navigating the Journey of Writing and Publishing

Writing a book is a masochistic marathon—why settle for simple suffering when you can drag it out over hundreds of pages? This ambitious endeavor blends excitement, trepidation, and intense dedication. It is just the right mix for your soul to suffocate on its ambitions. For Denise Brosseau, CEO of Thought Leadership Lab and author of "Ready to Be a Thought Leader," the process was as much about the community she built around her as it was about the words she crafted on the page. In an interview with "Telling Stories That Matter," Denise shared her experience writing and publishing her first book, offering valuable insights for prospective authors. Her journey, filled with excitement and dedication, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of involving others in the creative process, inspiring and motivating those who aspire to write their own books.

Denise began with a clear advantage—she had already amassed a collection of blog posts, articles, and teaching materials about thought leadership. These pieces, accumulated over years of working in the field, formed the backbone of her book. However, as she quickly discovered, writing a book should never be done in isolation. Despite her independent nature, Denise learned that seeking help from others was crucial to her success.

"Don't go about this alone. Writing a book is not for the faint of heart, and the more people you involve, the better the process will be."
— Denise Brosseau

One of the most important lessons Denise shares with aspiring authors is the value of building a support network. "Don't go about this alone," she advises. Writing a book, she explains, is not for the faint of heart, and the more people she involved in the process, the better it went. From attending conferences, webinars, and classes to seeking advice from friends who had already published books, Denise immersed herself in the world of publishing. She reached out to anyone she knew who had written a book, often finding that authors were more than willing to share their experiences and knowledge. This emphasis on community and collaboration reassures aspiring authors that they are not alone in their writing journey, fostering a sense of connection and support.

Denise's approach involved significant research and preparation. Before she even began writing the bulk of her manuscript, she spent eight months developing her book proposal, deciding on her publishing path, and gathering as much information as possible. This groundwork allowed her to approach the writing phase with a clear direction and purpose.

Once she secured a book contract, Denise's writing process became highly disciplined. With a February 15th deadline, she set a personal goal to complete the manuscript by the first week of January, giving herself ample time for editing and revisions. Her daily routine during this period was intense: she would start writing between six and seven in the morning, break only for lunch, and continue until the early afternoon. This strict schedule, maintained six days a week for eight to ten weeks, was essential to completing the book on time. Denise's disciplined approach and clear schedule serve as a model for aspiring authors, helping them feel more organized and prepared for their own writing journey.

A unique aspect of Denise's process was the "editing parties" she hosted toward the end of her writing journey. Guided by advice from her book coach, she finished her manuscript well ahead of the publisher's deadline and invited friends and members of her long-standing book clubs to read and provide feedback on different chapters. These gatherings, which included gourmet dinners and wine, were not just social events—they were critical to refining her manuscript. Each guest received two or three chapters to review; their feedback was invaluable. One particular friend, armed with a red pen and a discerning eye, spent hours meticulously editing Denise's work, ultimately offering insights that significantly improved the final product.

Denise's experience highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the writing process. She emphasizes that authors should not hesitate to seek help through informal discussions with other writers or involving friends and colleagues in the editing process. The feedback and support she received from her network were instrumental in shaping her book into a successful and polished work.

For prospective authors, Denise's story serves as both a guide and a source of encouragement. Writing a book is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right preparation, a strong support network, and a disciplined approach, it is achievable. Denise's journey from concept to publication is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of involving others in the creative process.