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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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