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

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

A note to podcast listeners: this episode contains live video demo and is best consumed on Youtube.com/@tcburr

⬇️ Get the Scrivener Quickstart Guide for free!https://start.tcburr.com

⬇️ Try Scrivener Free for 30 Days (of use) https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70

⬇️ Get Story Geniushttps://amzn.to/4kKQmPO

⬇️ Get Save the Cat! Writes a Novelhttps://amzn.to/4rXtBKS

⬇️ Other books & resources I love

https://https://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.Want to create custom metadata in Scrivener? In this step-by-step Scrivener custom metadata tutorial, I show you exactly how to create custom fields for outlining, story structure, and scene cards.If you’re using frameworks like Story Genius, Save the Cat, or your own plot grid, custom metadata fields in Scrivener can transform how you organize your novel.In this video:0:00 How to Create Custom Metadata in Scrivener

0:12 How a Full-Time Husband, Dad, Corporate Employee writes a novel

0:29 WHY I USE AND LOVE SCRIVENER

1:08 Getting Oriented with Scrivener

2:44 Scrivener Custom Metadata Tutorial

4:52 Rearranging Metadata Columns in Scrivener

5:47 Scrivener Custom Metadata for Outlining

6:06 Scrivener Custom Metadata Use Cases (Scene Cards, Plot Grid)

6:36 How Scrivener Custom Metadata Saves busy authors time

6:58 Scrivener Custom Metadata Translates to other modes

8:00 Invitation to check out Scrivener’s free trial

This tutorial is perfect for:Fiction writersNovelistsAuthors using story structure frameworksScrivener beginners who want more control

#Scrivener#WritingSoftware#NovelWriting#StoryStructure#FictionWriting

Scrivener Quickstart Guide ➡️ https://start.tcburr.com

Try Scrivener today ➡️ https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70

Get The Early Writer's Blueprint ➡️ https://early.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.

This week's episode offers a step-by-step tutorial on Scrivener's Composition mode (best consumed via video on Youtube @tcburr )

Composition mode allows you to block out all the noise, and just focus on your writing project.

0:00 Scrivener Composition Mode0:14 The Challenge of Writing Distractions0:43 Distraction-free writing in Scrivener1:35 Writer, you need a system!2:03 Pricing differentiators for Scrivener2:27 Offline writing with Scrivener2:42 Scrivener Composition mode (step by step tutorial) 3:18 My Top productivity tip for writers3:36 Just you, a flashing cursor, and a blank document4:00 Customization options in Scrivener’s composition mode6:09 Focus & Typewriter in Scrivener Composition mode7:49 An old school writing experience in Scrivener

Related videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db3Y5_1Q3nIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRNTvmmmqgUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOZBSieGZm8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1MQfSdo5hkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOUnDufz4g

#Scrivener #WritingTips #NovelWriting #EarlyWriters #WritingSystems #ProductivityForWriters

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

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

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