What is writer’s burnout?
Burnout is very different from writer’s block. It’s worse. 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. You can get writer's burnout from doing anything related to being an author.
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
When we’re burned out, blocked, or otherwise struggling to write, the best thing may not be to force ourselves to sit at our desks and stare at the blank page. That can be paralyzing. Sometimes, the best thing can be to get away from our desk and escape the pressure to fill that page by seeking company with individuals who understand.
Writers do the initial work of writing alone. But we do have critique partners, beta readers, editors, proofreaders, publishers…the list goes on and on. And yet, writers are the ones sitting at the desk (or wherever you prefer), putting down words, day in and day out. Occasionally, it can be a lonely job, especially if you don’t have someone close to you to share it with.
That’s where writers groups and meetings come in.
MY STORY:
At the peak of my burnout, when I finally admitted to myself I was indeed burned out, I took the first step by voicing my problem on social media. I received wonderful support from many writers and even some people who don’t write. But I craved a deeper connection.
A dear friend and fellow IWSGer (yes, I’m talking about you again, M.J. Fifield) had been giving me monthly emails for a local writers group that meets at a library right down the road from where I live. For months, I had wanted to go but something always fell on the same day as the meeting. Then on the first Saturday, after I spoke my truth they were having a gathering and I didn’t have another commitment. The topic that would be presented that day was about storyboarding, which sounded like just the topic for a writer in my position. Better yet, I found out the day before that M.J. herself was the presenter.
The meeting was great. Everyone was so kind, and I felt right at home. I also loved the layout of the meeting: writing-related presentation, critiques, and a writing exercise at the end. Just the perfect balance for me.
As an introvert, it is tough for me to get out and speak up, but I got out and I forced myself to speak up, give advice, add to the conversation, and I’m glad I did.
I left rejuvenated.
Being around other writers inspired me. It was just what I needed after feeling disconnected from writing and the world for so long.
TIP #9: Check your local libraries.
Go to the reference desk of your local library or give them a call and ask if a group of writers get together there once a month for a meeting. If the closest library doesn’t have a meeting, go further. There are several libraries within a thirty-minute driving distance from where I live, so try them all.
TIP #10: Facebook Groups and Meetup.com
Maybe your local libraries don’t host writers meetings. Don’t worry! Do a search on Facebook for groups in your area for writers, join them, and see if they meet.
Meetup.com is another great source. Groups who meet weekly or monthly and are open to new additions are listed on Meetup.com. Search for a writing group in your area, check out the listing and information provided on when the next meet up will be. If it sounds good to you, join it. You never know what’ll happen.
TIP #11: Create your own group.
If you can’t find a group to join, create your own. Announce it on Meetup.com. Create a flyer and ask your local libraries if you can pin it up somewhere. Heck, leave a flyer on some tables when no one is looking. Set up a Facebook Group, share your intentions to all of your social media and blog followers and see if people want to join.
Even if you get just one writer attending your meetings, that’s one writer you can connect with, learn from, and one day lean on.
TIP: Make sure to have a way they can signup so you can receive their email address and send out notices for the next meeting. If you have fliers, provide your email address for interested people to contact you.
Take a chance.
Join.
Participate.
Offer.
Connect.
Connect.
More posts for Writer’s Burnout coming soon!
QUESTIONS: Have you ever gone to a writers meeting? What was your experience?
How wonderful it was MJ doing the presentation and you got to meet her. After talking to several writing group these past few months, it's inspired me.
ReplyDeleteMJ actually runs the group now because the two leaders moved to another state. I plan to do presentations next year to help her out. :)
DeleteBeing around other writers helps tremendously! Belonging to a critique group whether online or in person is a must for us writers.
ReplyDeleteI don't take part in the critique segment of the group...not sure it's for me, but it can certainly make a difference for many writers.
DeleteI feel like that about life at the moment, so much to adjust to, just takes times I guess as with writer's burnout and writer's block.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this Novemeber Chrys, hope all is well.
Yvonne.
Thank you, Yvonne. I hope you enjoy November as well.
DeleteI've gone to various groups/meetings over the years. It's always hard for me to do and when it doesn't work out, it sets me back. But if I hadn't tried, I wouldn't have found some of the wonderful people I did. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yeh for getting to hang out with MJ!
I'm glad you found wonderful people at the groups/meetings you were able to go to.
DeleteMJ is a lot of fun. :)
Thanks for sharing, Chrys.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Thanks for commenting, Sherry!
DeleteCongrats on your newsletter spotlight.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice on burnout. It's a serious issue I think too many of us push to the side or try to deny. Acceptance is important. Finding a good meeting seems helpful, but it has to be the right fit. I've had both good and bad experiences with writer's groups, but with my current work schedule I can't really make them. Still, when I can find a good weekend one, I take it.
Thank you! That was a pleasant surprise.
DeleteAcceptance is really important. Only after I accepted my situation and came to terms with what was really going on did I begin to heal.
I admire your courage, Chrys. I've toyed with going to a writers group but have yet to do it. Same as you, never seem to have the time, talk myself out of it, blah blah blah. Maybe one day? I'm so glad you went!
ReplyDeleteElsie
Yes, maybe one day. I'm glad I pushed myself to get out. Now I try to get whenever I can.
DeleteI still miss my writers' group back home in NY, but I've finally found a good new one in the place I'm temporarily in. I only wish this new group met every week like my home group, and that we had weekly write-ins along with regular meetings! That always provided so much motivation and accountability.
ReplyDeleteWeekly write-ins would be great. The group I go to gets together once a month. I fear if it happened more often I'd be absent most of the time.
DeleteIt's tough for me to join groups in real life. Uncomfortable, but highly necessary to keep us rounded and connected.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
I was nervous, not knowing what to expect. I went to another that wasn't a good fit for me, but I like this one. And it definitely helps that MJ is there, so I know someone. lol
DeleteI did create a group! I prefer online to the real world though.
ReplyDeleteCool you met MJ.
That's true...I guess you did create a writers group.
DeleteI met MJ before then. We go to many of the same book events now. :)
Solid tips. I had to take a break from my writing groups because of life, but now that life is calming down, they've invited me back. Timing couldn't be better. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Enjoy your time back with your group. :)
DeleteI belonged to a fantastic writers group in New Hampshire before I moved—and go back to visit whenever I have the chance—and more often than not, I would leave meetings feeling rejuvenated and excited to write. So when I got down to Florida, I used Meetup and library websites to find local groups in hopes of being able to have that same experience here.
ReplyDeleteRunning a group is just...slightly more stressful, but I hope I can figure it out and do it justice.
Bottom line is, I just really love hanging out with other writers, even when we're not talking about writing.
I think you're doing great. If you ever want help, let me know. I am trying to come up with presentation ideas. I've never done a presentation before, and never have created a presentation on my computer, but I want to do it. :)
DeleteIf you haven't already, try contacting the FWA, Florida Writer's Association. They are a great bunch and have chapters all over the state. Their website is: https://floridawriters.net/
DeleteGood luck!
Hi Lisa! I was a member of FWA many years ago and would like to join again. :)
DeleteLove the title of today's blog. I love writers' meetings. I may grouse (privately) about the time it takes to go (esp. when it takes 1.5 hours or longer to get to them) but I'm always rejuvenated afterward. I totally agree that they are essential. Good luck to you, Chrys.
ReplyDeleteHaving to travel far to attend a meeting would be tough.
DeleteThanks, Diane! Good luck to you, too!
I am looking right now for a writer's group to meet with. I write every Friday morning with a Meetup group, "Shut up and Write" and it is great for writing. However, I want something more as well. I want exactly what you're talking about here, a place to meet, talk, critique, and just BE around/with other writers. So far I haven't found what I'd like, but I'm still looking! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you're still looking. You'll find the right group.
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
You are so right. Tapping into, reading, or hearing other's work really inspires me. And when I fell inspired, my cup runneth over. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
We all need our cups to runneth over. <3
DeleteI've not really had any formal groups, but I'm missing my grad school/writer buddies I used to hang out with before we moved, so I know what you mean. Talking through the plot or the problem is a great way to move on to fixing it, and talking to other writers is best.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting a fair bit of energy from NaNo, too (as usual), and this time I've even gone to one meet-up, and may go try for a write-in this evening.
I wish the meet-ups and write-ins for NaNo for my area were closer. Right now, they are too far away.
DeleteGreat advice - but EEK! So scary to do that the first time. I haven't met a Real Life critic buddy or joined a group yet, but I think it's great advice. I'm not doing NaNo but I know the NaNo group meets in my city a couple of times. Maybe I'll be brave... :)
ReplyDeleteAll it takes is going that one time. :)
DeleteThe writers group with MJ sounds awesome! I've never been to a writers group. I think I'm too much of an introvert. But maybe I'll look and see what's around near me and give it a shot sometime.
ReplyDeleteI am very introverted, but I thought it was necessary for me, and it really helps me to be around other writers...makes me feel more like a writer. lol
DeleteI prefer the online, as people can annoy me in real life lol but you never know.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I usually prefer online, too, but after a while craved real interaction with writers.
DeleteI'm lucky to have a terrific local chapter of RWA. We have around 50 members and meet once a month with usually about 30 in attendance. It always gets my motivation up and rolling. Sounds like a great meeting you attended. So glad you found it.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to join RWA and get together with the local chapter that meets at a library close to me. They invite other authors to come for a couple of visits, but after that you have to join RWA and their chapter...both are expenses I don't have at the moment.
DeleteGreat advice, Chrys. I don't belong to a writing group in my neighborhood, haven't found any that fit so far, but I'll keep looking. Perhaps, creating one myself is a way to go.
ReplyDeleteIf you keep looking, you may find a good one for you. Starting one could be just what you need...you can do it your way. ;)
DeleteGreat advice, Chrys.
ReplyDeleteI had a wonderful writer friend who is no longer with us. We met once every few weeks for five plus hours over coffee it was amazing! I miss her all the time. Never connected with another writer here in Chicago. I reached out a few times and they never responded, so I gave up. Maybe when I finally move to Florida, I will look there. Time will tell.
There are a lot of groups here in Florida. :)
DeleteWriter's burn-out is awful and hard to overcome. So glad that trip to the group helped, and an extra bonus for having M.J. there. I'm going to try to hit my first, real life writer's group in 2 weeks. I'm so curious how it will turn out (I have to drive over an hour to get there. )
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear how it turns out for you! But the driving over an hour is tough.
DeleteI went through some burnout myself earlier this year. Connecting with other writers often helps me, too. They can be inspiring and reinvigorating. There's something about just being in the room with other people who create, too. @mirymom1 from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
It was really nice to be around other writers. It made me feel more like a writer and connected. Plus, I was with people you got it.
DeleteI've been contemplating going to a writer's group meeting. Good Advice!! I definitely need some inspiration. So glad you found a great group and MJ!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do go to a meeting. :) MJ is awesome. I met her at an event we both went to and then at local author gatherings. We go to a lot of the same events now. :)
DeleteFeeling burnt out is why I semi took last month. I only wrote drabbles and didn't let myself worry much about my WIPs. It was refreshing to say the least and definitely helped.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad stepping back help you. For me, stepping back made it worse, but every writer and every case of burn out is different. :)
DeleteGreat advice :-) I'm glad you found the support you needed.
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting on IWSG day Lessons in Writing from Sewing
Thanks, Ronel!
DeleteAwesome post, Chrys!! I'm right (write) there with you. Introvert extreme working full time. It takes kidnapping to get me out in public once I get home at five. I'm trying to force myself to get more social but it's difficult even knowing the benefits are wonderful once that first step is taken. Courage to both of us as we venture forth . . .
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for me to get out and be social, too. And afterward I'm drained for days.
DeleteThese are great tips. I've had creative burnout since my client base has grown. It's hard to juggle. Great post! As always, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHaving more clients can definitely put a lot of pressure and strain on us and cause burnout. I wish you the best of luck!
DeleteThat's great that going to the writer's group helped. I'm in a critique group and for a few years I just critiqued and didn't submit. Now I'm finally submitting again.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually not critiquing any work that's submitted right now in this group because I do so much of that as an edit and I don't really know these writers enough to make me comfortable in critiquing them.
DeleteSharing is the way to see we're not going through things alone. It also gives us a chance to unwind and socialize.
ReplyDeleteSharing is so freeing. I felt so connected, which is what I needed. :)
DeleteYou always have such great advice. Thanks. Our small library recently started a writer's group. We average 10 to 12 people at a meeting. It's taking awhile to get organized, but we're finally doing some critiquing of each other's work. WE will get better.
ReplyDelete10 to 12 people? Wow! Sometimes the group I go to has 5 or 7. It doesn't help that the two leaders moved out of state, so we lost two people.
DeleteYou know, maybe I should start searching for another critique group near me. I already have two, but the number of people in one of them is slowly dropping, and the other one doesn't meet as regularly as I'd like. It'd be especially great if I could find a group devoted to science fiction/fantasy. Thanks for the suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThat would be wonderful! Good luck!
DeleteSuch solid advice, Chrys. As usual! Thanks so much for these suggestions. All best to you, my dear!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Victoria!
DeleteI found my current writing group through Meetup.com. We may have to look for more members soon. And, a great way to keep a group like that in touch is groups.io. It's like Yahoo groups (which was how we did things before), but better technically (Yahoo groups is buggy).
ReplyDeleteI never heard of groups.io. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteI'm so glad you found the writing group near you. It sounds like just the thing to keep your enthusiasm high and that nasty burn-out at bay. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI went to one writers' meeting. I was so excited, but a little nervous about going, so my hubby and I took a "dry run" the day before so I'd be able to find the meeting place easily. I got my stuff together and went at the appointed hour. When I got home, I told my hubby, "Would you believe everybody at the meeting knew me?" He raised his eyebrows in surprise. Then I added, "And they were all married to you." Yep. I was the only one who showed.
Aw. Shucks! I'm so sorry no one else attended that meeting. Don't give up. You may yet find one where no one knows you and all aren't married to your husband. lol
DeleteI'm glad you've come through, Chrys. Great tips.
ReplyDeleteI meet regularly with two writers, my critters. Both published authors. And there is the Queensland Writers Centre in the building where i work. I often attend meetings.
That's great that you've found two priceless critters. ;)
DeleteBeing with other people helps a lot of things, including depression. It helps you not focus on your own problems and gets you thinking about other things. Yes, I do attend writers' group meetings. I've learned a lot from other authors by doing that.
ReplyDeleteVery true. Depression often wants us to be alone, but being with loved ones and like-minded individuals can help defeat it.
DeleteGreat suggestions! I live in an area rich with writer's groups, but so many don't. I'm betting there are people hungry for connection in those areas without.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! I think it's really unfortunate that many areas don't have writer's groups. I'd try to create one if I was in an area lacking groups/meetings.
DeleteA truly wonderful post!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI did belong to a local writer's group for a few years, but it fell apart after a couple of key people moved away. I miss it and know I should search for a new one.
ReplyDeleteMy local group's leaders are moving. Now MJ is running it, and I've volunteered to give her a hand. I'm sorry that your group broke apart.
DeleteI've not done it myself but I can see how it would be helpful. Online groups are great but there's something inspiring about personal interaction. Glad it helped you!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Actually meeting people face to face makes it real, makes me feel like a real writer, and gives me a boost that I don't get anymore from online groups, though I still love online groups like the IWSG.
DeleteIt sounds like your library offers some great learning experiences with writer's meetings. I went to one at my local library, and it was more like a poetry reading. It was nice to hear others' works, but I sort of felt like an outsider because they had been meeting together for a long time and I didn't really know if I could fit in. I guess I am looking more for a class or workshop than a critique group. Maybe I should check out Meetup.com.
ReplyDeleteWhat's neat about the one I attend is that new members come all the time. They check it out and most leave or continue to come for a while, but there are those that have been attending for a long time.
DeleteI don't like to participate in the critiques either. I go for the presentations, which I'm going to start doing next year with this group I attend. Eek. lol
Its great that you reached out and received so much support. Isn't our readers and writers community simply fabulous?
ReplyDeleteIt truly is. :)
DeleteSo wonderful that you find went and liked it! I belong to a local writers group called S.C.I.F.I. (South Central Indiana Fiction Interface). I joined about 8 years ago and was terribly nervous the first several months. But now I love it. We critique each other's stories in round table form. I've learned so much from them.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful that you've been a member of your local group for 8 years. I hope to be that way with the group I've started going to.
DeleteEngaging as ever, Lady Chrys! And, as luck has it, perfectly timed for extricating creativity from the brambles of despair - thanks ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found this post at the perfect time, Diedre. :)
DeleteI have been a part of a couple of writer's group--two here in the Savannah area--both have something to offer but I really like the one that meets in Flannery O'Conner's childhood home :)
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
A location like that would be inspiring to meet at.
DeleteGreat tips, Chrys!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteWhat a wonderful list of tips and I love the title! The one that really struck a chord with me was going to the library. which is within walking distance. I never thought about connecting with local writers there before, and it couldn’t possibly be more convenient! Thanks so much, Chrys!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I'm glad one of my tips sparked an idea in you, Julie. I hope you venture to your library and see if they have writers meetings.
DeleteHi, Chrys! I hope all is well, my dear. Always love keeping up with all you do. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletehttp://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com
Now I'm in panic mode re the changes to Google. I'm so totally computer illiterate! How do I find out which google I'm using?
ReplyDeleteHi Chrys!
ReplyDeleteHow strange. My earlier comment was not for this post...
Anyway, I've belonged to several local groups, all of which had upwards of 20 members. It can be a bit pricey, but was always interesting. I'm currently looking for a smaller group, hopefully closer to my area. Being around other writers has a wonderful way of instilling confidence, as well as boosting creativity ;-)