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. Is Scrivener Worth It in 2026? The 30 day secret for writers on a budget

    5D AGO

    Is Scrivener Worth It in 2026? The 30 day secret for writers on a budget

    Try Scrivener ➡️ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/sc... Scrivener Quickstart Guide ➡️ https://start.tcburr.com Is Scrivener worth it for writers in 2026? In this honest Scrivener review, I break down key features, as well as the pricing differentiators that make Scrivener the best writing software for fiction authors and novelists. If you're just starting out as a writer or wondering whether to switch from Google Docs, Word, or another writing tool, this video will help you decide. 0:00 Scrivener's one time (read: NOT a subscription) fee0:37 The major selling points that drew me in with Scrivener1:03 Full-time husband, dad, corporate employee finds the perfect writing tool1:44 Why Scrivener had me at hello2:40 Scrivener's incredible 30 day trial (days of actual use) 6:00 Don't lock yourself into a long term commitment (& try before you buy!) 6:29 Scrivener is an investment in yourself as an author6:40 Scrivener saves me so much time & frustration7:16 Next-level organization with the Scrivener binder9:20 Scrivener's primary modes: drafting, corkboard, outliner10:05 Free Scrivener quickstart guide10:29 From a pantsing mess to clean organization & drafting in Scrivener10:48 Block out distractions with Scrivener's composition mode12:05 Character & Setting Sketches anchor your story's details12:42 Split screen viewing / editing in Scrivener13:15 Is Scrivener right for you?14:09 Do you have to invest in a writing software? 14:31 Irrespective of tool, you need a system15:10 How to write an ENTIRE book with a busy life If you're a fiction writer, novelist, or serious author trying to finish your first draft, this breakdown will help you choose the right writing software. to see other books and resources I love, visit ➡️ https://books.tcburr.comSome 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.subscribe ‪@tcburr‬ on YouTube#scrivener #writingsoftware #fictionwriting #novelwriter #writingtips

    16 min

  2. FEB 22

    How to Write a Book for Beginners: My 8-Step Framework for Busy Authors

    https://story.tcburr.com ⬆️ Get the free scene card template Do you feel called to write a book but struggle to find the margin in a life full of responsibilities? You don't need more time; you need a better system. In this episode, I’m breaking down my systematic 8-step framework for writing a book, the same one I use as a full-time husband and dad with a corporate job. We’re moving past the "burnout" model of writing and toward a peaceful, sustainable process of manuscript development. We’ll walk through the entire journey, including: 0:00 Accomplishing the impossible task of writing an ENTIRE book 1:12 Capture & consolidate your book ideas into one digital place 4:10 Get your ideas out on paper (brain dump / mind map) 6:59 Organize your idea with a framework like Save the Cat! or the STORY framework 10:14 Flesh out scenes using Story Genius Scene Cards 13:09 Writing your first draft 16:53 When you finish the draft - celebrate & let it sit 18:11 Read it back (no heavy editing!) 19:05 Close the loop by sharing with a few trusted readers Writing a book is a responsibility, not a rebellion against your other callings. You CAN do this, and this framework will show you how to start today. Mentioned in this episode: Scrivener Writing software - https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70 Story Genius - https://amzn.to/4aSyvmA Save the Cat! Writes a Novel - https://amzn.to/4ajBft1 Scene Card Template - https://story.tcburr.com 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. Related videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db3Y5_1Q3nI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOZBSieGZm8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOUnDufz4g #WritingProcess #HowToWriteABook #BusyWriter #Stewardship #CreativeWriting #ChristianWriter #WritingFramework #NovelWriting #SaveTheCat

    20 min
  3. Story Genius Scene Card Template (Google Sheets) - Free + Beginner Friendly

    FEB 15

    Story Genius Scene Card Template (Google Sheets) - Free + Beginner Friendly

    https://story.tcburr.com grab this template for free If you want to write a book, but have limited time in the midst of work, relationships, responsibilities...I've found that the very BEST way to make it happen is to have a plan. Your story needs cohesion. It needs a cause-and-effect trajectory. It needs a compelling plot, but it also needs a powerful third rail that drives the story forward. Enter Story Genius by Lisa Cron. This book has helped me perhaps more than any other when it comes to writing my novel, and I think it will help you, too. And this scene card template pairs perfectly with Cron's book! 0:00 How to plan the next scene in your book - Story Genius Scene Cards 0:47 New Writers Welcome! My writing journey & content focus 1:25 Writing a cohesive, cause and effect story (What scene comes next) 3:10 Live Demo: Story Genius Scene Card template (Google Sheets) 3:48 Scene Number, Alpha Point, Subplots 4:21 The Plot | What happens and the consequence 5:19 The Third Rail | why it matters and the realization 6:47 What to do (detailed prescription to build your story) 7:40 Creating your story, scene by scene 8:36 Try Story Genius Scene Cards in Scrivener 9:09 Your turn: Get the Google Sheets Scene Card Template Related videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOZBSieGZm8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db3Y5_1Q3nI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOUnDufz4g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1MQfSdo5hk Get Story Genius https://amzn.to/4cetvd4 Get the Scene Card https://story.tcburr.com Get Scrivener https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70 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. #writer #writingabook #scenecards #writingmotivation #aspiringauthor

    10 min
  4. Is It Too Late to Write a Book? Why Now Might Be the Perfect Time

    FEB 8

    Is It Too Late to Write a Book? Why Now Might Be the Perfect Time

    Have you ever wondered if you’re too old to write a book, or if you've missed your chance somewhere along the way?This is a question I hear all the time. And honestly, it's one I've wrestled with myself, too.In this week's video, I talk about why writing later in life isn’t a disadvantage, and why it may actually be the perfect time to start. With more life experience, deeper empathy, and a clearer sense of who you are, you may be more prepared to write than you realize.This isn’t about chasing a dream recklessly or rearranging your entire life. It’s about writing honestly, faithfully, and in a way that fits the season you’re actually in. If you’ve ever thought:“I should’ve started years ago”“I’m too busy now”“Who am I to call myself a writer?”This conversation is for you. You haven’t missed your chance. You might just be right on time. 0:00 The quiet fear facing many writers 0:29 Too Late to write? Maybe the perfect time 1:33 A new perspective on regret 1:44 The early-or-never writing myth 3:07 How to deal with comparison to other writers 3:55 Life doesn't delay writers, it creates them 5:04 Why now may be the perfect time to write your book 5:14 The desire to write a book isn't random 5:42 Run YOUR writing race 6:05 What will you do in this moment? 6:21 Time to start paying attention to the desire to write 6:57 You're not too lateIf you’re new here, welcome. I make videos for people with full lives who still feel called to write. subscribe  @tcburr  And if you're ready to take that calling seriously, I created a gentle on-ramp to help you get started. https://time.tcburr.com Other videos:https://youtu.be/5sOUnDufz4g?si=grMfFyRBj-4IE8bbhttps://youtu.be/m9APF0wj9mw?si=6R8BkIsL1myJ33nuhttps://youtu.be/db3Y5_1Q3nI?si=NlZ_diZLXupjqokdhttps://youtu.be/XOZBSieGZm8?si=11yyXc25u6hINQ3bhttps://youtu.be/sRNTvmmmqgU?si=GJH08zhQ-mfjjgDP #WritingAdvice#AspiringWriter#WritingLaterInLife#CalledToWrite#WriteYourBook#WritingJourney

    7 min
  5. Never Wonder What to Write Next (Scene Cards in Scrivener)

    FEB 1

    Never Wonder What to Write Next (Scene Cards in Scrivener)

    One of the hardest parts of writing a book with a full life is not discipline. It’s deciding what to work on when you finally sit down to write.In this video, I share how I’ve taken the guesswork out of my writing process by using scene cards in Scrivener, informed by two craft frameworks that deeply shaped my thinking:Save the Cat Writes a NovelStory GeniusI used to write based on mood and inspiration. Now I write based on clarity and momentum.By thinking in scenes and mapping cause-and-effect ahead of time, I never spend 19 of my 20 available minutes wondering what I’m supposed to write. I open Scrivener, look at the next scene, and get to work.0:00 Stop Guessing What to Write Next in Your Book0:56 The Biggest Hurdle for New Authors1:41 My Journey As a Debut Author2:07 The Problem with Pantsing a Novel3:23 Making the Best Use of Your Writing Time4:12 Using Scrivener to Build Your Story5:05 My Favorite Craft Writing Books: Save the Cat and Story Genius5:27 Story Genius Scene Cards Help Immensely 6:47 Take the Guesswork Out of Writing Your Book7:25 A Simple Writing System that WorksThis is not about writing faster.It’s about writing with peace and intention.I’ll share more about the specific frameworks behind this approach in future videos. Related videos:    • How to Create Story Genius Scene Cards in ...      • Why I use (and love) Scrivener. Best Writi...      • Is It Too Late to Write Your First Novel a...   Mentioned in this video: Scene Card Template https://story.tcburr.comScrivener https://www.literatureandlatte.com/sc...Save the Cat! Writes a Novel https://amzn.to/4q2LuqhStory Genius https://amzn.to/3YX9ikh Get these and other great resourceshttps://books.tcburr.com 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.​#writingprocess#scrivener#novelwriting#writingtips#writerslife#storystructure#amwriting

    8 min
  6. Why the Desire to Write a Book Never Goes Away

    JAN 25

    Why the Desire to Write a Book Never Goes Away

    https://time.tcburr.com If you’re ready to take seriously this gift you’ve been given, the link above is a great place to start If you’ve wanted to write a book for years and that desire hasn’t gone away, you’re not alone. A lot of people carry this quietly through work, family, and full seasons of life. The desire tends to go quiet when you’re in survival mode and resurface when things slow down. Late at night. During transitions. In moments of reflection. That pattern is meaningful. Most wants fade, but this one really doesn’t. Whether you think of writing as a calling, a creative impulse, or simply part of how you’re wired, it matters. You’re not just drawn to writing in general. You’re drawn to this book, shaped by your life and your perspective. And the good news is, you are the only person who can write your book. If this desire is still with you, it’s not because you’ve been irresponsible or unrealistic. It’s because the work still matters, and you may finally be in a season that can hold it. Subscribe ‪@tcburr‬ and drop a comment to let me know about the book you want to write 0:00 If the Desire to Write Never Goes Away 0:51 Are You Called to Write a Book? 1:02 What's Your "Why" for Writing a Book? 1:28 We Were Created to Create 2:06 The Desire to Write is Deeply Human 2:11 What Does it Mean to be "Called" to Write? 3:19 You Owe it to Yourself to Write That Book 3:40 Only You Can Write Your Story 4:02 Someone Needs the Book You Haven't Written Yet 4:23 How to Pursue the Calling to Write...Just Begin 5:28 Taking the First Step Toward Writing Your Book #writeyourbook#writingmotivation#aspiringauthor#writingmindset#calling#creativelife#authorlife#writersofyoutube#faithandwork#midlifecreativity#writingencouragement

    6 min

  7. JAN 18

    How's Your Book Coming Along? Here's the Honest Answer

    "How’s your book coming along?"It’s a well-meaning question (and I love when people ask it!) but...it’s also one of the hardest ones to answer.In this video, I share an honest update on my novel, along with a few reflections I’ve picked up along the journey. tl;dr: Writing is hard. It takes a long time. And most of us are trying to do it in lives that are already full.This episode isn't a polished lesson or a productivity hack. Think of it more like a conversation around a fire pit or over a cup of coffee. Unscripted. Lightly edited. A little raw on purpose.0:00 - How's your book coming along? Why I hate and love this question0:30 - About me, my book0:59 - Writing a book is hard1:12 - My writing journey & background2:46 - How my story and my writing has changed4:30 - Craft writing resources6:01 - The biggest challenge writing multiple points of view (POV) 6:31 - Finding a consistent time to write6:53 - Prioritize Writing Your Book8:10 - My Writing Routine9:25 - Why I don't "write every day" 9:57 - Consistency in writing (not burnout) 10:32 - Making a plan to write your book10:42 - Atomic Habits for Writers12:22 - No time to write your book?12:43 - Why I quit social media14:22 - Conclusion - Let's stay connected If you're just starting out OR if you’re feeling stuck, behind, discouraged, or unsure whether you’re doing this “right,” you’re not alone. Most writers feel this way at some point. Probably more often than they admit.My hope is that this video feels like an introduction. Or maybe a reminder that we’re in this together. And that the work you're doing truly matters. Let me know what you're working on, and how it's going! Some of the things I mention here could easily become deeper conversations in future episodes, and I’m happy to follow the threads that matter most to you.Thanks for being here.— T.C.Mentioned in this video: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel https://amzn.to/4qVU8aRStory Genius https://amzn.to/4pD1rDfAtomic Habits https://amzn.to/3Z40AktScrivener https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70Some 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.#writingjourney#writinglife#amwriting#aspiringauthor#writingstruggles#authorlife#writingcommunity#writingwithalife

    17 min
  8. I'm Writing My First Novel in My 40s (As a Busy Dad With No Time)

    JAN 5

    I'm Writing My First Novel in My 40s (As a Busy Dad With No Time)

    check out https://early.tcburr.com to create a writing rhythm that works with your busy life Most dads don’t quit on their dream of writing a book because they stopped caring. They quit because life got loud. With full time work, marriage, and kids, exhaustion is natural and free time feels like a myth. Our calendars and lives are so full, the idea of adding something new...especially something BIG...feels like a pipe dream. I always wanted to write a book but somewhere along the way, the idea started to feel… unrealistic. In this video, I share what it’s actually been like writing my debut novel in my 40s as a busy dad with limited time, inconsistent energy, and a very full life. I talk about: 00:00 My Writing Journey Begins 01:00 The Early Writing Blueprint - my writing system 03:00 Writer or Career Dad? The binary fallacy 03:52 Overcoming identity blocks to write your book 04:35 Atomic Habits for Authors 06:35 Building a Writing System 08:59 Learning as You Go 10:05 It's Not Too Late 11:30 Your Writing Action PlanThis is NOT hustle culture. It's not "grind or die." It’s about writing in the margins of real life, and trusting that small, consistent effort adds up. If you’re a dad (or a mom!) who’s always wanted to write a book but feels behind, exhausted, or unsure where to start, I made this video for people like us. You’re not too late. You’re not lazy. And your story still matters. Links: (Some are affiliates, which means if you purchase using the link I get a small commission at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Early Writer's Blueprint: https://early.tcburr.com Scrivener QuickStart Guide: https://start.tcburr.com Try Scrivener Now: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=t-c37 Get Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/3MNy1og subscribe on YouTube @tcburr #WritingInYour40s#BusyDadLife#AspiringAuthor#DadWriter#WritingMotivation#LateBloomer#WriteYourBook#CreativeDad#WritingJourney#ItsNotTooLate

    14 min
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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.

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