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

    6D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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

  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. You Didn’t Fail 2025 (A Better Way to Think About the New Year)

    12/29/2025

    You Didn’t Fail 2025 (A Better Way to Think About the New Year)

    The week after Christmas is strange.The year is basically over, the new one hasn’t started yet, and the pressure to “figure everything out” starts creeping in.If you’re feeling behind… if you’re wondering why you didn’t make more progress… or if you’re already disappointed in yourself before the new year even begins...this video is for you.In this walk-and-talk reflection, I share a grace-centered way to look at the past year and a healthier, more sustainable way to think about goals, growth, and New Year’s resolutions.00:00 Introduction and Year Reflection00:46 Navigating the In-Between01:27 Rethinking Goals and Expectations02:23 Embracing Grace and Progress04:01 Intentional Steps ForwardYou didn’t fail 2025.You’re not behind.And you don’t need to blow up your life to move forward.Maybe this isn’t the year everything changes.Maybe it’s just the year you begin.If you’re an aspiring writer, creative, or busy parent who wants to make progress without burning out, stick around. This is a conversation we’re going to keep having.#NewYearReflection #GraceOverHustle #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #CreativeLife #AspiringWriter #WritingLife #CreativeProcess #FaithAndWork #PurposeDriven #SlowGrowth #IntentionalLiving #FindTimeToWrite

    5 min
  7. Scrivener vs Google Docs (From a Busy Dad Writing a Novel)

    12/22/2025

    Scrivener vs Google Docs (From a Busy Dad Writing a Novel)

    visit https://early.tcburr.com to create a writing rhythm that works with your busy life check out https://start.tcburr.com to get my Scrivener QuickStart GuideIf you’re a busy dad who wants to write a book but can’t afford to waste time on the wrong setup, this video is for you. One of the first questions most aspiring authors ask is simple and practical: What tool should I use? And two that come up often in this discussion are Google Docs and Scrivener. I’ve written in both while working, raising a family, and trying to make steady progress on my debut novel. In this episode, I walk through how each tool actually feels to use when your energy is limited and your writing time is unpredictable. Here’s my honest takeaway. Both tools work. One of them is built specifically for long-form writing like books. In this video, I cover:- Why so many writers start in Google Docs and where it shines - Where Google Docs starts to feel limiting for book-length projects- Why Scrivener is designed for novels and long-form writing- How each tool fits into a tired, distracted writing schedule- What matters more than software when your goal is to finish a book This is not a hype video or a hard sell. It’s a practical comparison for people who want to write a book alongside real life. If you’re an overworked dad with a full calendar and a story you still want to tell, this should help you choose a writing tool that makes it easier to keep going. Check out Scrivener https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=t-c37 This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 Scrivener vs Google Docs for Writing a Book00:35 My writing journey and why tools matter01:32 Why writers need a system03:00 Do you need to invest in writing software?03:34 Getting started in Scrivener04:01 Where Google Docs works better07:16 Where Scrivener works better10:48 Scrivener or Google Docs: which is better?11:56 Final verdict12:14 When Scrivener and Google Docs both make sense #Scrivener#GoogleDocs#WritingTools#AspiringAuthor#BusyDadLife#WritingABook#DadWriter#AuthorLife#WritingInYour40s#FinishYourBook

    13 min
  8. Write Your Book in 2026 - This is The Year (here's how)

    12/15/2025

    Write Your Book in 2026 - This is The Year (here's how)

    If you want to finally write that book, you need a system! Get the early writer's blueprint at ➡️ https://early.tcburr.comIs this the year you finally write the book you’ve always dreamed of?If you’ve ever said “I want to write a book someday” but struggle with time, motivation, or consistency, this video is for you.AI is everywhere. Technology is moving fast. But real stories, lived experience, and human connection can never be replaced. The world doesn’t need more content. It needs your story. WE need your story. In this video, I break down what actually gets books written (and why big January pushes aren't enough), including:• Why motivation fades, and what works instead• A simple system most aspiring writers are missing• How consistent writing habits are built over time• Why writing alone is harder than it needs to beIf you’re tired of starting and stopping, waiting for inspiration, or telling yourself you’ll “get serious someday,” it’s time for a better approach. Let this be the year you finally take action. 👉 Get the Early Writer’s Blueprint (my gift to you):https://early.tcburr.comhttps://early.tcburr.comIt’s a 30-day progressive system designed to help you build real momentum, without burnout, perfectionism, or all-or-nothing thinking.And follow along with my journey  @tcburr  for more writing encouragement. You've got this, writer. PS - Go read Atomic Habits - https://amzn.to/4oTWR34 (this is an affiliate link, which means I'll get a small commission if you purchase, at no extra cost to you) #WriteYourBook #AspiringAuthor #WritingMotivation #NewWriter #WritingHabit #AuthorMindset #WriteEveryDay #CreativeProcess #BookWriting #WriterLife

    19 min
See All (97)

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