"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

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

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

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

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

visit https://pages.tcburr.com to create a writing rhythm that works with your busy life and full schedule! Think you're too busy to write a book? You're not alone, but you're also not stuck. Every author has wrestled with the same challenge: finding time that doesn’t seem to exist.In this video, I’ll share 3 powerful principles that will help you transform your writing life, even if your schedule feels impossible:1️⃣ Shift Your MindsetStop believing you need giant chunks of time. Small consistent reps beat occasional marathons.➡️ visit https://tcburr.com to get my Mindset Reset Guide for Authors2️⃣ Protect Your TimeLearn simple, intentional strategies to carve out writing space (yes, even with a busy life).3️⃣ Write in CommunityAccountability and encouragement accelerate progress and keep you going when motivation fades.You don’t need more hours in the day.You need a new perspective, and I want to help you finally start (and finish) your book. Because the world deserves to read it.

Subscribe on YouTube @tcburr

Which principle are you implementing this week?#WritingHabits #BusyWriters #WriteYourBook #NoTimeToWrite #AspiringAuthors #AuthorMindset #WritingTips #WritingRoutine #WritingMotivation #WritersCommunity #BookWritingJourney

visit https://pages.tcburr.com to set a goal, make progress, and see big results on your book while still building in time for rest!

Writing a book is one of the hardest (and most meaningful) things you’ll ever do.But if I could go back and talk to myself before I started writing, these are the three things I wish I knew:1️⃣ It’s much harder and takes far longer than you think.This ISN'T because you’re “doing it wrong,” but because writing a book is a big, beautiful challenge.2️⃣ You grow more than you expect.The writing process reshapes your confidence, your creativity, and your clarity as an author.3️⃣ It’s unbelievably rewarding.Finishing your book (the book that only you can write) is worth every minute you invest. Every. Single. Minute. If you’re a new or aspiring writer, I hope this encourages you to keep going.Your story is worth the work, even if it takes longer than you'd hoped. Keep going! You've got this, writer.

subscribe on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@tcburr.#WritingTips #HowToWriteABook #NewWriters #AmWriting #WritingAdvice #WritingMotivation #AuthorTube #AspiringAuthors #WritingCommunity #WritersLife #CreativeProcess #WriteYourBook #BookWritingTips #WritingJourney #WritingMindset

AI tools are everywhere right now...but should you use them to write your book?

Watch the video episode on YouTube @tcburr

My take: You have enough REAL intelligence and creativity inside of you, so you don't need artificial intelligence to help you. I also don't think that's what readers want, anyway. In this video episode, I share my honest take on where AI belongs (and where it doesn’t) in your writing process. I’ll break down why I believe you are the only one who can write your story, and how relying on AI can rob you of the creative growth that turns you into a real author.We’ll cover:- Why using AI for writing can limit your creativity- The difference between productivity AI tools and generative AI- How to build confidence and skill the right way (through writing)AI is an incredibly powerful tool, but needs to be kept in its place and in my opinion, that place is out of the creative process. Agree? Disagree? Let me know in a YouTube comment!To create a writing routine (without the use of AI) that sees you:- Writing consistently- Making big progress on your book and- Still building in time for intentional rest, visit pages.tcburr.com to grab my free, 4-week, self-guided writing challenge. You've got this, writer. 🫶🏻#WritingTips #WritersLife #AIWriting #AIvsWriters #CreativeProcess #WritingAdvice #AuthorMindset #WritingMotivation #AmWriting #WritersOnYouTube #SelfPublishing #BookWriting #AIinWriting #WritingCoach