The Write Mindset with T.C. Burr Change your mind. Write your book.

T.C. Burr
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Self-Improvement

You say you want to write a book—but fear keeps running the show. Push past comparison, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt and get your words on the page. Your book deserves to be written, and nobody can write it but you. It's not that you haven't done it. It's just that you haven't done it yet.

  1. 4d ago

    The writing tool that made me quit Scrivener (introducing Deckle)

    Check out this weeks video demo at https://youtu.be/hL6zF5W6v1s?is=Rr5aYbBgiT3OgShq I've been recommending Scrivener for years. It's a fantastic tool and it taught me how to write my book. But recently something changed. A company called Deckle reached out and asked me to try their writing software, and I honestly didn't expect much. But a month later, I've mostly stopped opening Scrivener, and I’ve found this tool to be a great alternative. Try Deckle Studio & get 10% using my affiliate link (use coupon code STORY at checkout): https://deckle.studio/?coupon=STORY In this video I walk through what I found: the UI, the import process from Scrivener, the analytics, the export, and the honest tradeoffs of switching to a newer tool that's still in early access. I also share what it's been like working directly with the founder, including features he's shipped based on feedback from me and from my own community. This isn't a sponsored video. I have an affiliate relationship with Deckle (same as I do with Scrivener), which you can read more about below. Try Deckle and get 10% off with my coupon code STORY: https://deckle.studio/?coupon=STORY (use code STORY at checkout) If you make a purchase with my code, I'll earn a small commission, and you'll save 10%. Want help building your story? Grab the STORY Framework (free): https://framework.tcburr.com Want to go deeper? The on-demand workshop: https://tcburr.com/products/the-story-framework-ondemand #deckle #deckleapp #scrivener #scrivenervsdeckle #writingsoftware #noveloutline #howtowriteanovel #writingtips #novelwriting #writerscommunity #amwriting #debutnovel #writingapp #bookwriting #alreadyawriter

  2. Jul 12

    Every Writing Podcast You've Listened to Is Solving the Wrong Problem

    Every week, thousands of aspiring writers watch video after video, listen to podcast after podcast about craft, tools, and systems...and still don't write their books. I used to be one of them.In this video, I share what my own YouTube analytics revealed about why some writing content gets clicks but doesn't move the needle, and what the real gap is between wanting to write a book and actually writing one.If you've been circling this dream for years and can't figure out why you're still stuck, this might be the most useful 6 minutes you spend this week.Chapters:0:00 — The question you probably don't want to answer0:35 — What my YouTube analytics actually showed me1:15 — The two types of writing content (and what they do differently)2:10 — Want vs. need: why this distinction explains everything3:30 — The real reason your book isn't getting written4:25 — What this means for you right now5:10 — The one thing to do before you watch another videoGet the free framework that helped me finally build the backbone of my novel:→ https://framework.tcburr.com#writingadvice #howtowriteanovel #firstnovel #writingmotivation #novelwriting #aspiring writer #writingtips #writeyourbook #bookcommunity #writersofyoutube

    Every Writing Podcast You've Listened to Is Solving the Wrong Problem

  3. Jul 5

    I Told People I Was Writing a Book. Here's what happened next

    I was on a video call with my whole team of 20 or 30 people when I said it out loud for the first time: "The fun fact about me is that I'm writing a novel." Then I ducked for cover.What happened next surprised me. And I think it might change the way you think about the book you've been sitting on.Grab the FREE Early Writer's Blueprint — the exact system I use to write my book before my family wakes up:→ https://early.tcburr.comIn this video I talk about the false dichotomy I believed for years (quit everything OR give up your dream), the language progression that actually worked for me, and the 3 things that happened the moment I stopped keeping my book a secret.If you've been keeping your book a secret because part of you doesn't feel like a real writer yet, this one's for you.If you're writing a book with a full life in the way, subscribe  @tcburr  . New videos weekly.Chapters0:00 — The Zoom call0:36 — Why I kept my book a secret1:12 — The false dichotomy I believed2:09 — You can have both2:44 — The language ladder: how I eased into calling myself a writer4:23 — What I expected to happen (and what actually did)5:34 — 3 things that happen when you say it out loud7:29 — What I know now that I didn't know then8:05 — My challenge to you this week#WritingCommunity #WritingABook #AlreadyAWriter #FirstNovel #WritingMotivation

    I Told People I Was Writing a Book. Here's what happened next

  4. Jun 28

    Writing your book in seasons

    In the special, unscripted, just for the podcast episode, I describe writing your book in seasons. Some seasons of life are hectic and busy without a lot of extra time, bandwidth, or energy. Others may be more laid-back, relaxed, and move at a slower pace. Why should our writing rhythms look the same, regardless of what else is going on in our lives? An interview I heard recently with author John Grisham really challenged my thinking on this Grisham was talking about when he typically writes and said “that’s a good time to write.” I wondered why he thought this. And I wonder what it might look like if we gave ourselves permission to write in seasons The way Grisham does. If you love this episode, subscribe to the show and leave a rating or review. Those really do matter.. And to follow along with more video based content, subscribe at youtube.com/@tcburr

  5. Jun 21

    John Grisham's Writing Routine Works for Busy People. Here's What I Took From It.

    I expected John Grisham's writing routine to feel out of reach. He's John Grisham. He's written 40+ novels. I haven't finished one. But when I heard him describe how he actually works, something hit me, because the underlying principles are more accessible than I expected. Get the Early Writer's Blueprint (free) This is the system I use to write my novel in the margins of a full life:👉 https://early.tcburr.comThis video breaks down what Grisham does, why it works, and — more importantly — how to apply the same principles even if you have a full-time job, three kids, and 45 minutes on a good day.📥 Get the Early Writer's Blueprint (free) This is the system I use to write my novel in the margins of a full life:👉 https://early.tcburr.com📖 Get the free STORY Framework. The 5 questions that become the backbone of your novel:👉 https://framework.tcburr.com▶️ Watch the John Grisham interview I reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2XKhWRnR9A&list=WL&index=4⏱ CHAPTERS0:00 You've told yourself it's for someone with a different life0:37 What I expected from Grisham's routine1:10 Principle 1: Set an intention with a start date and deadline2:02 Principle 2: Write 5 days a week (not 7)2:53 Principle 3: Same place, same ritual, no variables3:49 Principle 4: Word count matters less than consistency4:12 Principle 5: Know your ending before you write your beginning4:36 The STORY Framework, how I apply this principle5:32 The Early Writer's Blueprint (my full system)#WritingTips #WriteYourBook #AlreadyAWriter #NovelsForBeginners #WritingRoutine #JohnGrisham #BusyWriter #FirstNovel #WritingMotivation #BookWriting

    John Grisham's Writing Routine Works for Busy People. Here's What I Took From It.

  6. Jun 14

    80% of People Want to Write a Book. I Was One of Them for 20 Years.

    80% of people say they want to write a book. Less than 1% ever actually do.For most of my adult life, I was in the 80%. I had the idea. I had the dream. I just kept putting it on the shelf...telling myself I was too busy, not in the right season, waiting for "someday."The problem wasn't discipline. It wasn't talent. It was that I was waiting for permission that was never going to come, and a system that actually worked in my real life.I'm 43 years old. I have a full-time corporate job, three kids, and a very full life. And I'm writing my book. Not because my life got easier. Because I stopped waiting for it to.If you've been carrying a book idea for years and can't figure out why you haven't started, this video is for you.—⬇️ FREE: Download the STORY Framework PDF → The 5-question foundation that helps you build your novel without overwhelm.https://framework.tcburr.com—CHAPTERS0:00 The statistic that stopped me cold0:08 I didn't start writing until I was 410:15 80% want to write a book...less than 1% do0:29 Why it's not about discipline or talent0:38 The real reason dreams stay on the shelf1:18 The fear nobody says out loud1:40 Who I am — and why I'm talking about this1:56 The one decision that changes everything2:12 What this channel is actually about2:20 Barrier 1: Waiting for permission2:48 Let me give you that permission right now3:05 You're not too late3:22 Barrier 2: Waiting for the right season3:46 The truth about finding time4:03 Writing in the margins of a full life4:28 Barrier 3: Not knowing where to begin5:01 Why busy people don't have a discipline problem5:08 The STORY Framework — 5 questions, not 25 plot points5:27 Where to get the free resource5:48 What the STORY Framework solved for me6:14 You need a system, not more willpower6:22 If you've been carrying this dream for years6:36 Dreams only have three destinations7:03 You are already a writer—Related videoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08fMBfREsNA&t=1shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg4uskKs6qQ&t=387s#writingadvice #howtowriteabook #firstnovel #alreadyawriter #aspiring writer#writingmotivation #novelwriting #busywriters #writingcommunity #bookcreation

    80% of People Want to Write a Book. I Was One of Them for 20 Years.

  7. May 6

    I Wrote 70,000 Words and Had to Start Over (Here's What I Learned)

    I stood at the printer at my local Office Max watching the pages of my first draft come off one by one. 70,000 words. The warmth of the pages in my hands. I told myself I actually did it.Then I started reading it.The writing was good. But there was no real story. No arc, no destination, no sense of where any of it was going. I had 70,000 words and nothing to hang them on.If you've ever felt like you're writing a lot but building nothing, this video is for you. I walk through the four phases of my writing journey, what went wrong at each one, and the foundational shift that finally changed everything. I'm still writing this novel. This is what I know so far.Chapters:0:00 The Office Max moment0:54 Phase 0: The Dreamer1:45 Phase 1: The Pantser (writing without a plan)3:14 Phase 2: The Overwhelmed Plotter6:33 What every great story has in common7:08 The character transformation (what drives your novel forward)8:08 Phase 3: The Intentional Writer8:23 The way out of stuck (writing with a foundation)Resources Mentioned:The STORY Framework (free PDF) the five-question foundation I wish I had before I wrote a single word: https://framework.tcburr.comThe Early Writer's Blueprint (the system I use to write consistently in a full, busy life) https://early.tcburr.comSave the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody (a great framework once you have your foundation in place)https://amzn.to/3QvvzoeStory Genius by Lisa Cron (where the "third rail" concept comes from. One of the best books on story structure I've read and love)https://amzn.to/4tjrZMuScrivener (the writing tool I use every day. If you're serious about writing your novel, this is worth every penny)https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70Atomic Habits by James Clear (the book that helped me finally start. If you're still in the dreamer phase, read this first.)https://amzn.to/4tWI3UpWhich phase are you in right now?Drop it in the comments. Phase 0, 1, 2, or 3. I read every one.If this video resonated, watch these next:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRNTvmmmqgU&t=2shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOUnDufz4g&t=16shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD7QTFQ6GvQ&t=6sSome of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.#novelwriting #howtowriteanovel #writingadvice #scrivener #firstnovel #writingtips #busywriter #storyframework #plotyournovel #writeyourbook

    I Wrote 70,000 Words and Had to Start Over (Here's What I Learned)

  8. Mar 22

    Why Successful Professionals Struggle to Finish Their Book

    If you’re successful in your career but can’t seem to finish your book, this video is for you. You don’t have a discipline problem. You don’t have a talent problem. You likely have a structure problem. In this video, I break down why high-achieving professionals struggle to finish their first draft, and what actually works instead. We’ll talk about: - Why writing rewards reps, not strategy - The high achiever trap that leads to inaction - How to build writing momentum in 20–30 minute sessions - Why consistency matters more than intensity - How identity shapes output - A simple 30-day plan to move toward a completed manuscript If you’re a busy professional trying to write a book while managing a career, family, and real life this is a practical, sustainable approach to finishing your first draft. Chapters:0:00 Finding Writing Discipline in the Middle of Life 0:35 My Journey as an Author 0:50 To the High Achievers Who Want to Write a Book 1:11 Why is it So Hard to Write That Book? 1:53 Identifying the Problem: The High Achiever Trap 2:36 Don't Overcomplicate It 3:03 Over-optimizing Leads to Inaction 3:29 Writing Rewards Reps, Not Strategy 4:19 Find Writing Momentum, Build Mastery 4:49 Write Consistently, Not Every Day 5:47 The Math of Writing Just a Few Minutes Consistently 7:00 Letting Go of Perfection 7:18 What Needs to Change? 8:35 Wanting to Write or Deciding to Write? 9:29 You Are a Writer; Identity Informs Activity 10:04 20-30 Regular, Focused Minutes to a Completed Manuscript 10:42 Making a 30 Day Plan - The Early Writer's BlueprintMentioned in this video Get The Early Writer’s Blueprint → https://early.tcburr.com Try Scrivener → https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70 Soundtracks by Jon Acuff → https://amzn.to/401CVl7 Reframe Your Brain by Scott Adams → https://amzn.to/476k1NI Related videoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOUnDufz4g&t=2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9APF0wj9mw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRNTvmmmqgU Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.#WriteYourBook#FirstDraft#WritingDiscipline#BusyProfessionals#HighAchievers

    Why Successful Professionals Struggle to Finish Their Book
See All (110)

Trailers

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

You say you want to write a book—but fear keeps running the show. Push past comparison, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt and get your words on the page. Your book deserves to be written, and nobody can write it but you. It's not that you haven't done it. It's just that you haven't done it yet.

Information

You Might Also Like