What is writer’s burnout?
Burnout is very different from writer’s block. It’s worse. Many years ago, I experienced a bad case of writer’s block that stopped my writing for 2 or 3 months. I’ve also experienced the normal day-to-day writer’s block, as well as weeks of writer’s block. And, yes, writer’s block can last a year.
But writer’s burnout is not writer’s block. Writer’s burnout is something you feel deep down…bone-deep. It’s just like when athletes burnout from working themselves too hard and too much for too long. They can lose their love of the sport, physically and mentally.
To read my story and all my burnout tips check out:
Writer’s Burnout Part 1 (Speak) Tips 1 - 3
Writer’s Burnout Part 2 (Write YOU) Tips 4 - 8
Writer's Burnout Part 3 (Writer's Meetings) Tips 9 - 11
Writer's Burnout Part 3 (Writer's Meetings) Tips 9 - 11
Writer’s Burnout Part 4 (Morning Pages) Tips 12 - 13
Writer's Burnout Part 5 (Free Your Mind with Walking) Tips 14 - 15
Writer's Burnout Part 6 (One Day at a Time) Tips 16 - 17
Writer's Burnout Part 7 (Don't Force Yourself) Tips 18 - 19
Writer's Burnout Part 8 (Alternative Hobby) Tips 20 - 21
Writer's Burnout Part 6 (One Day at a Time) Tips 16 - 17
Writer's Burnout Part 7 (Don't Force Yourself) Tips 18 - 19
Writer's Burnout Part 8 (Alternative Hobby) Tips 20 - 21
Writer's Burnout Part 9 (Patience) - Tips 22 - 24
Writer's Burnout Part 10 (No stress) - Tips 25 - 26
My Story:
I had been writing since I was twelve, and I mean seriously writing with the goal of publication. I wrote nearly every single day. Of course, as I got older and started publishing, I couldn’t write every day, but I still wrote most of the time.
September 2016, I fell headfirst into a spiraling abyss of depression. This depression went on for nine months. I couldn’t write. I struggled to even want to blog. In the beginning, I could hardly eat. April 2017, I finally felt like my old self, but something was still wrong…I wasn’t writing.
I did experience one week of great writing in August. And I did write during the last few days of 2017 and the first two days of 2018, but then…nothing. I tried. I did everything I could possibly do, but I couldn’t focus on a single project longer than a day or two. Writing a paragraph was a mental and physical challenge. For months I had a scary thought but didn’t want to admit it. And then, one night, I knew it was true…I was burned out as a writer.
The next day, I took to Facebook to confess the struggle I’ve had for so long. I got lovely support from many writer friends.
I ended up having to add an update to my post saying I wasn’t looking for advice. I just wanted to be honest and to share my problem with writers who may also be facing burnout. And all the advice I was getting, I had tried. Several times. I did all the things I tell others who suffer from writer’s block to do, but again…I didn’t have writer’s block. The normal tricks were falling. Although the advice was given out of love, they were given by writers who didn’t quite understand, which is not their fault. It was their support that really boosted me, and I did get messages from a couple of writers who did know just what I was talking about and also dealt with extreme depression. It was nice to know I wasn't alone.
3 Tips to START Reversing Burnout:
It was thanks to all of the comments I got that I realized a big step to hopefully reversing my burnout was what I had just done and didn’t realize…
I spoke my truth.
I shared my personal struggle.
I let others in.
TIP #1: If you are afraid you’re facing writer’s burnout, or if you have writer’s block, or even if you’re not sure…share your struggle with others.
A light bulb went off in my head. From then on, I shared my journey back to writing on my author Facebook page.
Why?
1. Accountability
Sharing each and every day how I did was a great way to be accountable, to at least try so I had share something with my supporters. And knowing that made me want to try harder.
2. It’s a journey.
I may be doing the journey alone, but by sharing it I am including others…I’m not alone anymore.
3. Daily Log/Progress Meter
I posted in the evening to share how I did that day, like a daily log. It was an update for the people who wanted to know how I was fairing, but it was also a journal for me, something I could look back on to see my progress. That in itself was motivating.
TIP #2: Post daily progress reports on a social media platform of your choice. In my updates, I shared my word count, if I wrote that day, or what I did that was writing related that was a step out of my comfort zone or was new and inspiring. I also shared how I reward myself each day, even on the days I didn't write.
TIP #3: Reward yourself, too. Whatever you accomplish that day, whatever you do, reward yourself.
Did you write? Reward!
Did you go to a writer’s meeting? Reward!
Did you start reading a writing book? Reward!
Did you do things on your to-do list that prevented you from writing? Reward!
I’ve talked about rewarding yourself in two other blog posts (for submitting stories/queries and seeing rejections as badges of honor), so I really do believe in this practice.
I’ve rewarded myself with hot baths, chocolate, and binge-watching Charmed. It can be anything, and it helps me to relax, which is a big reason why I burned out in the first place. I was working myself too hard and not rewarding myself enough. Don’t make my mistake.
More posts for Writer’s Burnout coming soon!
QUESTIONS: Have you ever been burned out? How'd you get over it?
I was a little burned out this past year. I almost didn't finish the book I was writing. Boy, am I glad I did!! Got some exciting news on the old blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you were able to persevere and finish your book!
DeleteWhat I do as a publisher burns me out a bit. I see both great work and bad work and then I consider my own and it makes me not even want to write.
ReplyDeleteI can see how being a publisher would burn someone out. Editing does that to me, too.
DeleteBurnout is a real thing. I talked a few months about having the writer blahs. Not a full burnout, but still enough that the idea of getting words on a WIP was a struggle. Luckily the ladies in my CP group were there to keep giving me words of encouragement so I didn't slip too far into it. Still working to come out of it 100% but I am on the upswing.
ReplyDeleteBurnout is definitely real. Three cheers for the ladies in your CP group!
DeleteI sometimes get lost at to what to write about as life here at present is none too good owing to family health concerns and my not being able to travel like I once did...... but am working on it.
ReplyDeleteHave a good month Chrys.
Yvonne.
i wish you all the best, Yvonne!
DeleteI've been in the abyss of depression. So scary. Right now, I have compassion fatigue (my job). Writing has always been my therapy. I'm glad for that.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
It's great when you can turn to writing when your down and need help. :)
DeleteI don’t think I’ve precisely been burned out, but I have often let life overwhelm me to the point of pushing out the writing. When that happens, the only thing I can think to do is try to control the chaos and knock off some of the big things that prevent writing. Then I have to stop and think about what I can do, writing-wise, even in the midst o the chaos. Right now, all that I can manage is a journal, and not too well at that. But at least that involves picking up a pen.
ReplyDeleteI talking about journaling in a later post. It really does help. For a while, all I could do was write in a journal, too. But the important thing was that I was writing, and that felt good.
DeleteI'd say I had burnout after finishing some of my very long books and trying to immediately start the next book. I needed time to wind down from that intense experience and take stock of it, just as I've found it hard to read anything after finishing a long book like War and Peace or watching a long, epic film. Attempting to write, read, or watch anything else, let another another epic journey, too soon after that results in exhaustion and lack of motivation.
ReplyDeleteNot taking a little break between such big projections can definitely lead to exhaustion and burnout.
DeleteI don't think I've been burned out from writing. Stuck for ideas - you bet!
ReplyDeleteGood advice for those facing burnout.
The right ideas will come when they are meant to. :)
DeleteThat's hard. I'm glad you found some things to help.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz!
DeleteGood for you! It's hard to struggle back from it. I've suffered twice from burnout - once due to a nasty person and it took me almost a year. Currently I'm working my way back (so very slowly). Life has thrown a few huge and daunting curve balls our way and I've lost energy and confidence with the writing. Hoping it's on the upswing soon!
ReplyDeleteI hope your writing will be on the upswing soon, too. Maybe tomorrow! :D
DeleteHi Chrys - I think the most difficult thing at any challenging time ... is what we need to do next and then act on it ... this you've done - and I'm sure helped the many who will be reading this. Good for you ... and it's great you're here with us - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI hope this does help many writers. I know that I'm not alone in my struggles. :)
DeleteI've seen people never come back to writing after a burnout. This is wonderful advice. It's not huge, but these little things do help.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is such a scary thought.
DeleteThe little things count. When dealing with burnout, you have to do the small things first.
For me, burn out usually only comes with the stress of marketing. I had writer burn out once while working on a project that didn't love me. Truth, I just needed to take a break and move on to something I was passionate about. The reality is, no matter what part of life we're facing, there's always going to be burn out. I think those are the times we pull back and focus on what really matters.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. Every part of life can bring burnout, but not all of them as extreme or devastating. I'd never experienced the kind of burnout that plagued me earlier this year.
DeleteI think I've been in a case of burnout since September of last year. I haven't written a thing, had no desire to. Haven't look at any of my manuscripts that are finished but need those final touches. Haven't been interested in doing any kind of research. Haven't had a desire to explore new ideas... Even cut my blog back to once a month...
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a case of burnout to me. From one writer to another, burnout can look different. But it's the lack of desire that says it. I hope you get that desire back. As for blogging, I hear you. Next year, I'll be doing the same.
DeleteThe other week, a youtuber hubby and I like made a video about burnout and hubby mentioned he thought I was trying to do too much and heading toward burnout. I took his words seriously and gave a hard look at what I was doing. I've ended up cutting a bunch of things and changing direction on a few. I also let myself veg out and watch some TV and movies. I kept putting those relaxing activities off because I wanted to write, but then I'd be too tired to write. I've been feeling much better now (oh and some allergy medicine has helped on that front.)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're feeling better. I also had to give myself permission for a while to just veg out and watch TV and movies. I had really needed it. I work to much to the point of physical and mental exhaustion. And it usually ended up with my getting a cold at the end. I've been doing that a lot lately and haven't been able to write (too tired), but I hope it'll change this month.
DeleteWhen I feel burned out, I push myself a little more everyday to achieve my goals.
ReplyDeleteThat's good! Just don't push yourself too much or you may push yourself into burnout. As I had.
DeleteI've been burned out this year, not on writing, but from work. I've made a change this week and I'll have more time to write but also to find a better work situation that'll allow me to breathe a bit. I haven't been able to sustain a longer project idea for a while, but that's not unusual for me.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find a better work situation! When you are stuck in a work environment that's toxic or doing something you no longer enjoy, it can be really draining.
DeleteOh yes, I have experienced the burnout before. I forced myself to take an entire summer off from writing, which ended up being the hardest summer ever, but I think it was a good decision because I came back much more able to focus and just get the words on the page.
ReplyDeleteI never really do rewards for myself for achieving a goal, but maybe I should. Any excuse to eat cookies, right?
Taking time off can definitely bring back the energy and motivation we need.
DeleteThe more cookies the better! lol
I don't know if I'm burned out, but not writing and depression tend to fuel each other in a vicious cycle for me. I don't write because I'm depressed, but then I'm depressed because I don't write. I actually really want to write but it's difficult to motivate myself. I like the reward idea and making daily progress reports. Maybe I'll start doing something like that.
ReplyDeleteI know just what vicious cycle you mean. It's an extremely hard one to escape. I hope these strategies motivate you!
DeleteI've definitely experienced burn out. Sometimes a few days away help. But I've had occasions of needing to hibernate and regroup. I'm blessed to be surrounded by a few trusted people who know this about me. It would help a lot if I didn't put so much pressure on myself. :-)
ReplyDeleteI also put a lot of pressure on myself. I think those of us who do are more susceptible to burnout. *sigh*
DeleteI've face burnout (passed by the next day) that some call decision fatigue. Lucky for me a good nights sleep and its over. My son also suggested sugar pills for those times when stopping isn't an option. Luckily for me, that doesn't happen often.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
Burnout over in just a day? Hmm...I'd call that exhaustion. Burnout is different for everyone, but I feel that it usually lasts much longer and is distinguishable from writer's block.
DeleteChrys - Thank you, thank you, thank you. Not just for sharing your journey about burnout but also for talking so openly about depression. You're right, you need to be heard. You've got to have your voice and you need to celebrate your victories! Awesome post!
ReplyDeleteElsie
Thank you for such a sweet and supportive comment, Elsie!
DeleteIt's encouraging to read your story and what helped you through it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Loni!
DeleteAllowing rewards can sure keep one going. Can't say I've ever had burn out. Plenty of times where I just didn't want to though as life got in the way.
ReplyDeleteBetter question for you...Have you ever not wanted to rhyme? lol
DeleteI definitely have, Chrys! I don't suffer from depression, but anxiety. I run everyday to keep my gamma receptors in line. Luckily, and unluckily, I have tight deadlines to keep me in check. Sometimes it's a true struggle where each step forward is like walking across broken glass. Other times it's elating and an ego boost. It depends on the month I'm having.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thanks for sharing.
I experience anxiety in certain situations. Not fun at all.
DeleteA deadline can sure motivate or hinder.
A really great post. You're so honest which might help others facing the same situations. I've never felt burned out. Sometimes I take a break, but then I'm ready to go back to work.
ReplyDeleteI find it's good to be honest. For others and for me. :)
DeletePeriodically I'll experience burn-out in one realm of my life or another. I tend to go to escapism to alleviate and distract me. In recent months I've experienced a bit of depression as well as a lack of initiative. I'm not sure that I'd completely call it burn-out since a lot of what I'm dealing with is just external life stuff. But I've haven't felt particularly inspired to write too much of late. And I've been more focused on songwriting.
ReplyDeleteI used to love Bactine when I was a kid. Do they still make that stuff?
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
You could be going through a specific level of burnout when it comes to writing. At lest you have songwriting. That's great!
DeleteI think they do still make Bactine. lol
I've experienced burn out, and sometimes think I'm still in that phase. Writing flash fiction has helped rekindle the spark.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found something to rekindle your writing spark, Dolorah!
DeleteLoved your post. I lost a lot of my drive when my husband died and haven't got it or my joy in life yet. I'm trying to own it more and be honest about it too. It's a day to day journey. Thanks for sharing what is helping you.
ReplyDeleteIt is a day to day journey. I can't even imagine how hard it is to get back to joy and life after losing a loved one. I'm sending you hugs and prayers.
DeleteThanks for sharing your bactine. I've been burnt, too. Last year in fact. 2018 has largely been about healing and finding my passion again. It's hard to trust that it will come back when you're in the middle of it.
ReplyDeleteIt's weird, because it seems that many writers got burned out or struggled with writer's block last year and are trying to get back to writing this year.
DeleteI love the suggestions. For me, it's a soul-crushing job and my Missus' reality TV habit. I retreat to my world of thieves and bad men.
ReplyDeleteWhatever works, right?
DeleteI've never been burned out with my writing, but I've definitely felt a different kind of burn-out. I held an amateur radio-based statewide elected position for nearly a decade, and it involved a lot of relentless responsibility. Traveling, giving speeches and various presentations, hundreds of emails every day, a loooong monthly newsletter to write, personally contacting every single new amateur radio operator in the state, appointing (and firing) countless people for various positions, working with emergency management officials with Homeland Security, FEMA, GEMA and county EMAs, blah blah blah. Multiple meetings and nets every week. It was fulfilling, but it was also exhausting. I chose not to run again, and I've never regretted making that difficult decision. Without a doubt, I was burned out. So was my poor hubby, because he accompanied me to those meetings, conferences, etc. Sometimes, our burn-out tells us it's time to make a change to preserve our sanity. Hopefully, for you, writing is such an ingrained part of who you are, the burn-out will... burn itself out. :)
ReplyDeleteI had experienced a burnout like this last year as well. As a matter of fact it was with the IWSG and all I was doing for the group, such as the newsletter. It just burned me out. I had way too much on my plate.
DeleteThanks, Susan! I think the burnout is slowly burning itself out. :)
I believe most writer's get burned-out. Life has a way of shifting and taking the wind out of our sails. A good break helps. Sometimes it takes longer to get the muse working again, but a writer has that inner voice that might get you thinking about a new story.
ReplyDeletePerhaps burned out to different degrees. Writer's block is more common and can be mistaken for...or be very similar to burnout. I tried breaks. And I had new story ideas that I tried, but would fail after a day or two of excitement. It was rough.
DeleteI've never faced burnout or writer's block, but I know a few writers who quit because of burnout. They both were successfully published by the big 5. I do always reward myself. Usually by taking a few days off from my writing to just read.
ReplyDeleteBurnout is so brutal that I almost thought I should quit, but writing is so much a part of who I am that I couldn't. However, not writing, since it is such a big part of me, fueled my depression. And that can be dangerous.
DeleteI love the advice you offer to help get back on track. I write for my day job, and average about a million words a year. This year, though, my count started to slip and I just couldn't get back to where I was. It was incredibly frustrating, especially since I'd been one of the top producing writers at my company. What made it worse is that I couldn't simply not write, since I couldn't afford to quit my job. It's taken me more than half a year to get myself recovered to three-quarters capacity, and I believe now that talking about it is one of the biggest "band-aids" to help me heal from the burnout. Now I make sure to talk to our new writers about the early signs of burn out, so hopefully they can start treating it early. I'm so glad you shared your story!
ReplyDeleteA million words a year. Wow. I don't know how much I used to write (when I was really on a roll) if I added the word counts for stories and blog posts, but I'm sure I never got close to a million words. lol
DeleteWhen writing is part of your day job and how you earn money, it makes it even harder. I edit, too, and I see editing is taking hits on me and my writing stamina.
Talking about it really does help. Sometimes, we just have to let it out.
Not experienced writers burn out, but I do notice I get writing fatigue if I try to write for too long at a time. I try to set myself small enough goals to be manageable while still seeing good progress, and mix it up with lots of writing-related stuff like worldbuilding, and drawings for my website.
ReplyDeleteWriting fatigue can sure be a bummer. I get that, too. When I'm actually able to write. lol If I write for several days, I experience fatigue and have to rest for at least a day or two before I get back to it.
DeleteSounds like you’re well able to gauge how you’re feeling at any given time and then come up with a plan. You’re doing great, Chrys. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t had burnout, probably because I don’t get enough writing time to begin with. But plenty of time for that after retirement I guess!
I'm a planner, what can I say? lol After dealing with depression, I know that it's up to me to pay attention and do something about it.
DeleteInteresting post, I hadn't really thought about writer's block (which I've experienced) compared to a burnout. I am glad that you are able to find a way forward, thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't ever consider burnout until I experienced it and knew...just knew it was burnout. I wasn't blocked. I had ideas and knew what I should be working on. I even got new ideas that fascinated me for a day or two, but I just...couldn't.
DeleteI haven't had burnout, but this is a great post to reassure people, whether they've got burnout, writer's block, or other issues going on. I've definitely dealt with the depression, and am working to cope with it now. It keeps me from writing as much as I'd like, but I'm forcing it here and there, and still working. That mental fatigue is hard to get past. I'm glad you got past your burnout! We definitely need to be kinder to ourselves as authors and humans.
ReplyDeleteI hoped this post would help people going through burnout, writer's block, depression, etc. Those things are tough, and it's easy to think you're alone.
DeleteI wish you all the best Shannon!
Yeah, I hear you. I've been there, too. And it's incredibly frustrating for a creative type! :)
ReplyDeleteIt truly is.
DeleteWriting can be such a solitary endeavor, and while writer friends can help, finding ways of rewarding yourself can be the strongest way to keep going. I haven't suffered from writers block or burnout much myself, but there have been periods when I didn't feel like writing (such as after the passing of a pet), but eventually it kind of just comes back. But in the meantime, there was no way to force the issue. If the mind doesn't feel like writing, you can't write, it's as simple as that. I'm glad that you seem to have found a way out of that dark place. Keep climbing and you'll get back eventually.
ReplyDeleteIt is so solitary. We may have people in our corner, like here with IWSG, but day to day we are doing it all on our own. Rewards and talking to others, especially other writers, can really help with this.
DeleteYou're right. If the mind (and heart and soul) doesn't want to write, you won't. Sometimes we have to ride it out or gently prod ourselves to get back to that place.
I think this happened to me in the past 5 months or so. I was trying to start a novel and not happy with the first draft while submitting queries to agents for a finished novel. Between the so-so writing and the inevitable rejections, I started dreading sitting down in front of my computer. So I took the summer off and went wild completing a couple of large gardening projects. The physical exhaustion matched with a visible product of success was just what I needed. Now that the kids are back in school, it's time to face the computer again. I'm worried if I'll be able to get back into the swing of things, but it's time to try.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you're going to try, and know it's time to try. That's part of the battle you've won. I wish you all the best, Tamara! I hope words and ideas flow and your motivation returns.
DeleteI keep saying I'm going to celebrate my successes, reward myself when I accomplish tasks, both big and small, yet I don't. Not sure why, really, but I'm going to get going on improving that.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's easy to let those accomplishes roll by as we move on to the next thing. I can forget at times, too. But it's important to take a step back and pat ourselves on the back.
DeleteI appreciate your honesty. I've felt the burnout. It is totally different from the block. My issue is guilt, so listening to your words was good "bactine" for me. I realize my guilt at not writing, for whatever reason, is only producing more depression and bad self talk. No relaxing, no rewards, no honoring the reasons writing had to take a back seat for the last almost two years. The time I've been happiest is when I did get to write at the beginning of this year. Thank you Chrys, so much for writing this post. I am going to stop the negative self talk and start rewarding!
ReplyDeleteBurnout and writer's block are very different. It's not until you experience both of them that you can feel the difference. Even writers fatigue is different. Gosh, it just stinks that creatives can go through so many forms of this. And depression on top of it all.
DeleteI hope you do reward yourself and that you can keep that bad talk at bay.
Thankfully I've been granted sabbaticals at times of burnout. Good ideas and I hope you are recovering and preparing for a more productive fall.
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
Sabbaticals would certainly come in handy during those times, so you can really focus on healing.
DeleteThank you!
Excellent post! I usually pout and clean. Your way is much wiser!
ReplyDeleteCleaning is a good distraction, though. :)
DeleteYou are SOOOO not alone in this. Most of our "burn out" does come from depression. It is a dark force that enters almost every creative person's mind at one point or another and is always on the verge of coming back.
ReplyDeleteThe trick is TRYING to keep one step ahead of it.
Yes, talking it out is so helpful especially to other writers who are experiencing similar situations. I went for almost two years without writing something new... FINALLY a project fell on my lap and it motivated me to write again.... YAY for motivation and the write story!
Take care of yourself Chrys and remember to keep one step ahead of it. You are a very strong woman and I know you can keep moving forward!
My depression first came into my life from another area of life, but it quickly found it's way into my writing life, especially while submitting queries.
DeleteI'm so glad you found a project that ignited a spark in you. I hope that spark keeps on burning. I know you said you're struggling since you moved and are no longer close to the person you're writing about. I hope that passes as you settle and get used to that new place.
Take care, Michael! And thank you!
It's a horrible feeling isn't it. So glad it's in the rearview mirror.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandra!
DeleteYes, it does happen. But the way you handled it sounds good.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteAny time I've felt burnout I've needed to take time to step away, and tell myself it OKAY to take that time. It's okay to take a break. You're not a failure because you need to ask for help. You don't need to feel ashamed to take time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteOf course, all of those things are easier said that done, and I'm not necessarily good at them myself.
For me, all the time I took away didn't help. Unfortunately. That's when you have to take drastic measures.
DeleteBurnout is difficult to recognize and hard to recover from. I'm glad you've found your path. Stepping away is never a bad thing. I decided to take a new path to reach the same goals and feel much less stressed because of it. We all have to do what we have to do.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best!
I'm glad you found a new path to reach the same goals. Sometimes, that is the best things to do. Re-evaluate.
DeleteEvery month during IWSG I post a list of my accomplishments and goals, so I don't get burned out or stressed out, or whatever. I have definitely experienced a time when I just felt like I absolutely could not write and my list of goals/accomplishments has kept me going. It's the realization that, even if I'm not writing, I'm still getting things done. I'm still working toward goals. I used to have more writing goals on my list, but my life has changed a lot since I began making my lists. Other things have taken priority. And writing, unfortunately, has fallen on the wayside. But every month that I accomplish something, maybe I'm getting closer to returning to my writing goals? Maybe? Hopefully? … At the very least, it's a reminder of where I want to go. I just have to work out how to be kind to myself (not stress out) and keep where I want to go (in writing, in life) in my line of sight.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thank you for your words on encouragement!
A list of goals and accomplishments is great. I use a bullet journal to keep track of all of my completed tasks for the day...every day. I like to see the things I accomplish at the end of the day. It does make me feel better.
DeleteGoals are much harder. It's better to have easy goals or to break them much into much smaller goals as stepping stones. But it's those big goals that weigh me down...the ones I wish for.
Congrats on the release. Got my copy. I wonder if that is not what I am actually struggling with--lord knows I go thru the motions but the love and joy -- well it has been a long time since I experience it. I have been thinking really hard about just allowing myself to quit and then I do something else. I don't know maybe that is a good thing. Expressing my emotions in words is a real obstacle for me.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated IWSG Day.
I lost the joy of writing a while ago because of publishing and marketing, but I kept on going. I do think that was a major factor in my burnout. Not only was I pushing myself too much, but I had lost the joy. Those two things do not mix. I would have moments of saying, "I quit. I'm not going to publish anymore." But I just can't do it. That's me, though. Everyone has to look deep within and hear the answer for what he/she should do next.
DeleteThis is a very good post!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever been burnt out, but I have been lost for ideas on what to paint. I always say, never force anything, so when this happens to me, it's time for a break! Big Hugs!
Never forcing yourself is good. Recognizing when you need a break is also good. The right ideas will come when they are meant to. :)
DeleteHappy Belated IWSG Day!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your burnout, but glad to know you are working through it. I can only imagine what it feels like to struggle with depression and burnout for something you love. I deal with depression but have been blessed enough not to have experienced writer's burnout. I few years back I begin to feel that I might have blogger burnout; that's when I started blogging less and would even take blog vacations. It really helped. I love your thoughts and tips on reversing burnout. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Should I ever feel burnout from writing, I'll know it's not just me. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Toi! I hope you don't experience writer's burnout.
DeleteOh. Blogger burnout. Yeah. I had that last year, too. I felt it after the 2015 A to Z, to start, but I thought it would fade, so I kept blogging three days a week. I think that just made it worse over time. This year I've cut back. And next year, I'll only be blogging once a month.
It sounds like you have been on a journey that, although devastating, has taught a valuable lesson, which has got to be a comfort. I think a big part is realising you're only human and it's important to be realistic about what can be achieved. Dreaming big is important, but you've shown there's such a thing as pushing yourself too hard. It sounds like you're in a much better place now and I hope that continues!
ReplyDeleteI definitely have learned a valuable lesson or two...about writing, about my dreams/goals, about myself and depression. It has been a learning experience.
DeleteYou have been through a trying time, but you are finding a way out. I admire you for having the courage to share this tough journey in order to help others who are in the same situation. Sounds like you are getting stronger every day. You go, GRRL!
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose
Thank you so much, Janet!
DeleteI'm glad that sharing your struggles helped. You're a very talented writer, and I hope that you continue your creativity!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherry!
DeleteI believe that sharing struggles is the first step to make them real. Once they are real, we can find help, heal, and move forward. I'm here for you, Chrys. You are the best. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, my dear. All best to you.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Victoria. We all need help at one time or another, and speaking up is a big part of that. Thank you!
DeleteSharing our struggles is very therapeutic, as I found out last February. IWSG is great place, where we can share our difficulties and receive so much support. You offer many great suggestions. Wish I'd been able to read them last winter. I commend you for reaching out. Good luck to you. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteIWSG is a wonderful place when we need a supportive word or two.
DeleteI wish I could've shared this post last winter, too, only I was deep in writer's burnout then. And still feeling the remnants of my depression that had knocked me out for 7 months. :(
I'm glad that you were able to overcome your burnout and get back to writing, though I can definitely relate to the idea of being burned out. Since I have a full-time job and a part-time job, I have little time left for writing, and after I get all my other work done, it's hard for me to motivate myself to write what I want to write instead of write what I have to write for work. But once I bought a daily planner and started scheduling writing time for myself on a regular basis, it made me more motivated to write more often.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like your point about the support from an online community of writers. That's one of the benefits of social media: it can make you feel less alone in your work/struggle/process because you have other people there who are going through similar situations and can encourage you as you move forward.
I'm slowly getting back to my writing. Every day I try. Just last week actually I finally started to work on Frozen Crimes, a project I couldn't even begin.
DeleteI get what you mean about it being harder to motivate yourself to write what you want to write than to write what you have to write for work. For me, I could easily write a blog post but not a story.
This is amazing advise, Chrys! I think I need to actually utilize my writer Facebook page for something like this because I have definitely been experiencing some depression and burnout for a while now.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. What a journey you've been on. Though I don't feel I've had burn out, I have had not being able to write because of life events. I felt bad every day, guilty, depressed, unhappy, so I started creating scenes in my head. That helped and now I've had time to actually put those scenes on paper so I feel good I did what I did when I couldn't write. I like your idea of rewards and have read about that on your blog before. It is a great idea. I think I too, will start posting daily on my FB author page and getting what I do out there. Thanks, Chrys, for sharing with us...
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