A book, a podcast, and a challenge with T.C. Burr
Over a basket of buffalo wings, I had just casually announced to my friend Caleb that I had been thinking of writing a book.
He, the published author many times over, the ultimate creative with a quick wit, stylish glasses, and cuffed jeans, didn’t flinch or cringe.
I think I expected him to, to be honest. To offer some type of pushback. To tell me that writing a book was, in fact, incredibly difficult. Perhaps to advise me, kindly but firmly, to stay in my lane as a corporate employee.
But that’s not what he did.
Without missing a beat, my friend looked me in the eye and said to me, “You should.”
“Sure,” I said, trying to offer him an out. “But I feel like this book’s already been written.”
Suddenly, he became intensely serious. He looked me in the eye, placed a hand on my shoulder, and said to me, “No. No one can write your book but you.”
I didn’t start writing until several years after that, but that moment - those words - found their way down deep, and still reverberate in the depths of my heart even today.
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The story I felt compelled to write first is a story about friendship, and about growing up. It follows the lives of a group of young men, in that transitional period after high school and before the rest of your life begins.
It’s set in a river valley in Central Virginia, where I grew up spending countless hours knee-deep in the cold, flowing water of the upper James River, surrounded on all sides by nature, catching smallmouth bass in a seemingly endless supply alongside the best friends I’ve ever known.
My memories of those days on the water feel as fresh and vivid as though they happened yesterday, and at the same time those days feel like they were a million years ago.
After finishing the first draft in a matter of months, I’m taking my time with the next round. Learning more about myself and about the craft of writing, giving my story space to breathe, to find itself.
I can’t wait to one day share it with the world.
In the meantime, I’ve created The Yet Podcast to share stories, encouragement, tips and ideas with other would-be writers, entrepreneurs, and creatives, in the hopes that they might be inspired to chase their dreams and create something amazing.
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I’m also hosting a four-week writing challenge in March, designed to help new and seasoned writers alike remove common obstacles, set a goal, and create a customized plan to get there. Selfishly, I am using this challenge to provide myself a little accountability and community to make some serious headway on my next draft.
I hope you’ll consider joining!
Learn more and register at tcburr.com
