Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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You're a writer who's put in hours on your story manuscript. You've shown up at the page again and again. And somewhere in the back of your mind, a voice keeps asking: what if none of this actually goes anywhere?
That doubt doesn't mean you're failing as a writer. It means you're deep enough in the writing life to feel its full weight, and that's exactly where this video starts.
I'm walking you through two stages every writer moves through: writing as a ladder and writing as a lifeline. Which stage are you in now? Watch to find out!
If you've ever asked yourself why you're still doing this when the results aren't coming, this one's for you.
What we cover:
• Why the "ladder" stage is natural — and exactly where it breaks down for writers
• How to protect yourself from burnout and discouragement while you're still climbing
• The one question every writer needs to start asking about their craft

➡️ Want more support navigating the real psychological challenges of the writing life? Join Writer's Brain Studio:
writersbrainstudio.com/join

✍️ Not sure whether you should be writing? Check out my award-winning book, "Your Writing Matters":
masterwritermindset.com/books/your-writing-matters

Tom Jones Interview: youtube.com/watch?v=6SOpYEwgdUc

#writinglife #writingmotivation #writerdiscouragement #writingmindset

0:00 What Tom Jones taught me about music/art/writing
0:54 Our early goals as writers
3:26 How do writers support themselves on the ladder path?
7:00 The MOST important thing writers can do for themselves
8:06 The best stage for writers
12:15 What writing stage are you in?
13:07 How do you protect the writing lifeline?
14:07 Mission of the week