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

T.C. Burr
  • 5.0 (17)
  • 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. 12h ago

    Stop saying you're "trying" to write a book

    If you've started writing your book, but still find yourself saying things like “I'm trying to write a book” or “I'm an aspiring author,” I want to challenge you to stop.Not because words magically make you a successful author—but because the way we talk about our work can shape how seriously we take it, and how seriously other people take it too.If you're writing the book, you're not trying to write it.You're writing it.Chapters:00:00 Stop minimizing your writing00:50 “I'm trying to write a book”02:24 “I'm an aspiring author”03:16 Why this language matters04:43 Stop using “trying” as your default05:07 How other people hear you05:54 Writer vs. author06:40 Own the identity07:02 Stop waiting for permissionAnd if you're writing, you're a writer.In this video, I talk about the language I think many aspiring writers use to unintentionally minimize what they're doing, and why I think it's time to own the identity.If you're a busy parent, professional, or otherwise full-time human being who's finally making room for the book you've wanted to write, I hope this gives you a little encouragement to take your work seriously.You're already doing it.If you want help building the foundation of your story, I created something that will help, and I want you to have it as my gift for hanging out with me today. https://framework.tcburr.com Work with meI help writers make real progress on their books while navigating the messy reality of work, family, doubt, and everything else. If you'd like to explore working together, tell me a little about your book and where you're stuck:https://forms.gle/DLqgG7GbqRQR1TPS7The tool I use to write my book:https://deckle.studio/?coupon=STORY⬆️ This is my affiliate link. If you purchase through this link, I'll get a small commission for referring you, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel! PS: I borrowed the idea of "Soundtracks" from Jon Acuff's book. It's one of my favorites. Get it and other books, tools and resources I use and love here: https://books.tcburr.com#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WritersOfYouTube #WritingMotivation #AspiringAuthor #FirstTimeAuthor

    Stop saying you're "trying" to write a book

  2. 3d ago

    How many words per day to write a novel (the math will surprise you)

    200 words. That's less than most text messages you sent today. Here's what happens when you do that every weekday for a year.If you've been waiting for a 4-hour Saturday to finally write your book, this video is going to change how you think about that. The math is simpler than you think, and the number is smaller than you've been told.Download the Early Writer's Blueprint FREE → https://early.tcburr.comThe system I use to write my book, even with a busy, full life. Start here.CHAPTERS──────────────────────────0:00 The number nobody believes0:42 Why you need a system first1:21 The baseline math (200 words × 5 days)2:12 What happens when you push the variables2:56 What if you can only write 3 days a week?3:18 The seasonal writer approach3:26 Why I stopped waiting for Saturdays3:55 Get the Early Writer's Blueprint──────────────────────────MORE FREE RESOURCES──────────────────────────📖 STORY Framework (free PDF) → https://framework.tcburr.com🎓 STORY Framework Workshop → https://tcburr.com/products/the-story-framework-ondemandMentioned in this video: Atomic Habits by James Clearhttps://amzn.to/4eIeHTISome 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 for weekly videos: youtube.com/@tcburr #WritingTips #WriteABook #WritingMotivation #AmWriting #BusyWriters #FirstDraft #NaNoWriMo #WritingCommunity #HowToWriteANovel #WordCount

    How many words per day to write a novel (the math will surprise you)

  3. Aug 9

    I Waited 41 Years to Write My Novel. Then I Almost Quit.

    I waited 41 years to write my novel.And within the first few months — after burning out, pantsing 70,000 words, and getting feedback that devastated me — I almost quit entirely.This is what happened. And what I wish someone had told me before I spent a year learning it the hard way.If you've been sitting on a book idea and wondering whether you have what it takes — this one's for you.📥 Early Writer's Blueprint (free) → The 30-day system I use to write my novel before my family wakes up.https://early.tcburr.com📖 STORY Framework (free PDF) → The five-element backbone that saved my manuscript.https://framework.tcburr.com🎓 STORY Framework Workshop → Go deeper with guided activities for your own story. https://tcburr.com/products/the-story-framework-ondemandCHAPTERS──────────────────────────0:00 I almost quit within a few months0:15 Approaching 41 — taking stock0:38 Atomic Habits changed my perspective1:21 I dove in and wrote everything I could1:54 The burnout nobody warned me about2:35 The guilt spiral and throwing in the towel3:08 The death spiral — back and forth for months3:22 The first unlock: intentional rest4:26 Rest isn't quitting — it's part of the system4:45 Finding my stride (but still pantsing)5:22 A tree with fragmented branches5:52 I hit 70,000 words and celebrated6:15 I took it to a writing coach6:37 What she actually said7:08 Impostor syndrome and almost hanging it up7:43 I swung to the opposite extreme7:52 The books I bought trying to fix it8:12 Too much structure — the story stopped being mine8:28 The Goldilocks problem9:06 What does every story have in common?9:15 The STORY Framework — my biggest unlock9:50 Five elements. One page. The backbone.10:20 The on-demand workshop10:36 Where I am now and what's next11:06 Why I'm telling you this11:41 Why I'm more useful than Stephen King right now11:55 Where are you in the process?12:16 Get the Early Writer's Blueprint freeGet Atomic Habitshttps://amzn.to/43X5nGJOther book & resources I lovehttps://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 → youtube.com/@tcburr #WritingABook #AmWriting #WritingMotivation #FirstDraft#NaNoWriMo #WritingCommunity #HowToWriteANovel#WritingTips #BusyWriters #AuthorLife

    I Waited 41 Years to Write My Novel. Then I Almost Quit.

  4. Aug 2

    How to write a book with a full time job

    If you've got a full time job, a full life, and a dream of writing a book, you've probably told yourself some version of this lie: I'll write when I find the time. The problem is, that time isn't going to present itself. But it's there if you're willing to look for it. Here's the formula I use to write my debut novel before my family wakes up — and how you can apply it to your own life, whatever your schedule looks like. Get The Early Writer's Blueprint (free)https://early.tcburr.com Chapters:0:00 — The lie every busy writer tells themselves0:47 — Why you need a system (not just motivation)1:45 — Step 1: Choose your time3:12 — The case for early mornings3:53 — "But I'm not a morning person"4:05 — The formula: how to calculate your alarm time6:28 — Why I reject "write every day" advice7:09 — The variables you can adjust7:42 — The summer steal (seasonal writing math)8:29 — The Early Writer's Blueprint (free download) Get The Early Writer's Blueprint https://early.tcburr.com Build your STORY without overwhelm https://framework.tcburr.com#WritingTips #BusyWriter #WriteABook #WritingRoutine #DebutNovelist #WritingCommunity #WritingMotivation

    How to write a book with a full time job

  5. Jul 28

    Should You Switch to Deckle to Write Your Book? 5 Questions to Ask First

    I switched from Scrivener to Deckle as a busy dad writing my book in the middle of a busy, full life, and the response to my first video about it was overwhelming. So today I'm not making the case for Deckle again, but instead I'm giving you the framework I'd want if I were deciding for myself.Five honest questions for writers considering a new tool, including the one I wish someone had asked me before I ever touched a piece of writing software. Whatever you decide, I want it to be the right call for you.Watch the first video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL6zF5W6v1s&t=45sIf you're leaning toward trying Deckle, code STORY gets you 10% off (early access pricing ends August 8th, 2026). This is an affiliate link, so I'll earn a small commission if you buy, and you'll get 10% off the purchase. https://deckle.studio/discount code STORY for 10% offIf you still need to figure out the story before the software, you need The (free) STORY Framework: https://framework.tcburr.comChapters0:00 Why I made this framework for writers0:22 The one rule that matters more than any tool0:54 Does your writing workflow already work?1:31 Why I switched from Scrivener to Deckle2:51 Is the comfort of the known worth something to you?5:01 What's your stance on AI and data privacy?6:48 Are you willing to invest in a premium writing tool?9:58 Is this just procrastination in disguise?11:35 What did you decide?#deckle #scrivener #scrivenervsdeckle #writingsoftware #howtowriteanovel #noveloutline #writingtips #novelwriting #writerscommunity #amwriting #debutnovel #alreadyawriter

    Should You Switch to Deckle to Write Your Book? 5 Questions to Ask First

  6. Jul 26

    Every Good Story Follows the Same 5 Questions (Toy Story 5 Proves It)

    If you've ever sat down to write and thought "my story just isn't working," you're not alone. And it's usually not a talent, time, or tool problem. Every unforgettable story answers the same five questions, whether the writer knows it or not.I took my kids to see Toy Story 5 recently and couldn't stop noticing how precisely it follows the same framework I teach my own students. The STORY Framework is 5 questions that create the backbone of your story, and I see it everywhere now, in books, movies, and even songs on the radio. In this video I break down all five elements using Toy Story 5 as the example (light on spoilers, I promise) and show you how to apply the same questions to the backbone of your own novel.Follow along and grab The STORY Framework for free: https://framework.tcburr.comWant to go deeper? Join my on-demand workshop: https://tcburr.com/products/the-story-framework-ondemandChapters:0:00 Why your story "isn't working" (and it's not talent)0:39 What Toy Story 5 gets right1:02 Why I created the STORY Framework1:35 The Goldilocks problem — too little structure, too much structure2:15 S — Specific Person2:32 Starting with "who," not "why"3:21 T — The Thing (want vs. need)5:03 O — The Opportunity6:05 R — The Real Struggle6:53 Y — Yearning Fulfilled7:34 Why great stories don't happen by accident8:36 Grab the STORY Framework (free)8:41 Go deeper with the on-demand workshopMentioned in this video:Story Genius by Lisa Cronhttps://amzn.to/4pvI8NSSave the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brodyhttps://amzn.to/4pqvLT4Other books and resources I love: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.Thanks for watching - Subscribe  @tcburr  for weekly writing tips and encouragement. You CAN finally write that book. And you should - even in the middle of a busy, full life.

    Every Good Story Follows the Same 5 Questions (Toy Story 5 Proves It)

  7. Jul 20

    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

  8. 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
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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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