NEW RELEASE FROM MY MOM!!!
THE MISSING ALPHABET
A GREGORY GREEN ADVENTURE
The paper alphabet letters in Gregory Green’s classroom have gone missing, and it’s up to him and his friends to find those missing letters. They go on a hunt through the school, hoping to find them. They spot letters next to things that start with those letters, like B for Bananas in the cafeteria. But will they be able to find the entire alphabet?The Missing Alphabet is a great story for children learning to associate letters with objects, and four activities throughout the book will further help children to get familiar with the alphabet.
General Age Range - Kids 5-8 (Story Picture Book)
PRINT: Amazon
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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
More Tips to Help You START Reversing Writer’s Burnout:
If you’re worried that
you may never write again, you’re actually in a good place.
Because it means you’re
a true writer; dedicated, passionate. Writing is in your blood. You’ll do what
you need to do to get back to it, such as morning pages and writer’s meetings,
but are you doing the most important thing of all? Are you being patient?
When you’re dealing
with burnout, you have to be patient with yourself. I know that’s not exactly
advice many writers in this situation want to hear. Believe me. I’m an Aries.
We’re notorious for being impatient, but it’s important to give yourself this.
BACTINE #22: Be patient with yourself.
BACTINE #22: Be patient with yourself.
Don't stare at your computer, unable to form a sentence and beat yourself
up for it. Or sit on your couch, wrapped in guilt and frustration because you
can’t even get to your desk and turn on your preferred writing device.
MY STORY:
MY STORY:
When I was deep in my
burnout, I had to learn to be patient. I read books, watched movies and TV
shows, and looked to express my creativity in other ways, such as through
photography and exploring nature. And I never gave up knowing that I would
write again someday. I just had to be patient.
Then, one day, I got an
idea for a novella inspired by an event that shook up the romance writing world
last year. And I wrote that novella in two weeks. Another idea came while
watching reruns of a Disney show I had enjoyed when I was younger. Suddenly, I
was writing again and feeling like a writer. At the time, I still wasn’t
writing the final book of the Disaster Crimes series, but that no longer mattered.
(For too long I kept telling myself that I should be writing Frozen Crimes, and
that weighed on me too much, disabling me even more.)
BACTINE #23: Relax.
TIP #24: Explore.
If you start to feel
impatient, go for a walk, write in your journal, visit your local library and
stroll the aisles admiring the book titles you read, the covers you see, and
the blurbs of the novels that intrigue you with their titles and covers. Re-immerse
yourself in the smaller things you love that have to do with being an author.
But don’t tune out.
Something will spark an idea in you again and reinvigorate your desire to
write. You just have to be open to it.
You know those Open
Heart necklaces designed by Jane Seymour? “An open heart will let love in.”
It’s like that. You have to open your mind to the possibility of story ideas and writing passion by
being present and aware of the world around you.
Patience is key. You will write again, when you’re meant to.
Believe that and be open.
Another post for Writer’s Burnout coming soon!
QUESTION: Are you an impatient person or does patience come easily?
I agree so much with you about having patience when you are in burn out. I had no desire to write for a number of years after my husband died and just focused on reading and critiquing for my critique partners. I also got a contract writing job which is a totally different type of writing. But finally like you, I got inspired again and am writing for myself. I'm so happy I am and stuck it out.
ReplyDeleteThat's good news. Writing something different can help a lot. I did some non-fiction writing when I was burned out.
DeleteMe, impatient? Nah :). Actually, I think that when I get in a rut it is often after having been productive and needing to have a break. But I never stop researching and reading things that might inform future writings.
ReplyDeleteBurnout and being in a rut because you need a break are two different things, though.
DeleteCongrats to your mom on her latest release! Her Gregory covers are so cute :)
ReplyDeleteImpatience is something I can struggle with as well. Great food for thought on how to deal with it as a writer. Loving your Bactine series. Great resource for writers.
Thank you!
DeleteAnd thank you so much for tweeting this out. :)
When we focus on what we should write rather than what we want to write, it's easy to get frustrated.
ReplyDeleteVery.
DeleteI'm an insanely impatient person. Relaxing is something at which I definitely do not excel. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your mom on her newest release!!
We are a like with that. lol
DeleteThank you!
Patience is not one of my virtues, but I’m working on it. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the part about getting back to writing when we’re meant to.
I'm working on it, too. :)
DeleteThanks!
Congratulations to your mom!
ReplyDeleteExploring and going for a walk work for me. I'm usually patient though. Except when I get behind the wheel of a car.
Thank you!
DeleteWalks are a wonderful remedy for so much.
Congratulations to your mom on her latest book!
ReplyDeleteOn one level, I'm not very patient, but that might be belied by how I'm often late and take my time on things. I was born two weeks late, which set the portent for my entire life.
Thank you!
DeleteI couldn't help but giggle about that. I was born early. And I'm never late. lol
The Missing Alphabet sounds like my kind of a book. Congratulations to your mom.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
DeleteI tried to get my mother to write a memoir of her life, but she said readers wanted a happy ending, and her only happy ending was me.
ReplyDeletePerseverance and patience are the key things in becoming a successful writer I think. Highest of sales for your mother! :-)
Aw. That's sad. And yet...sweet.
DeleteI believe so, too.
Thank you!
I've learned to be very patient with the current draft of my novel. Forcing it out was part of what led to me hating it and not touching it for over a year. So this time I've been going with the flow and I think it's coming out much better. It's taking forever, which drives me nuts, but it still feels right.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your mom on her book!
Forcing it is a no-no, I've learned. I had the same experience with you when I was forcing myself to work on book 5 of the Disaster Crimes series.
DeleteThanks!
I'm so pumped about finishing another MG murder mystery. I've been unable to dive deep into writing this past year (new job!) but I'm ready to write. No burnout for me. Just not enough hours in the day. But it's summer and I'm freeeeeee...
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! That's great news!
DeleteFirst, congratulations to your mom! These tips are perfect, Chrys. I've been art journaling a lot lately and that's helped me to open up my mind. Changing my process and experimenting visually is helping me experiment with words. I love that you revisited old tv shows that you love and found inspiration there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa!
DeleteI really need to try art journaling. I love what you've shared that you've done.
Thanks, Chrys! It's really fun and freeing. <3
DeletePatience is important, but also so hard at times. I've been battling the blahs for the last few months and I didn't write during that time. Instead I went back to playing The Sims (my hobby) and chatting with friends. I'm an emotional writer, so if my head isn't in it, words aren't going to happen. Accepting that you can't force things isn't an easy pill to swallow, but knowing and understanding that fact does help take *some* of the pressure we put on ourselves off.
ReplyDeleteOh, definitely. Patience never comes easy. When I had burn out, though, I came to realize it was necessary. Knowing and understanding are forms of acceptance. At first, I was devastated when I realized I was burned out. I was shocked and even ashamed. On Facebook, I posted a confession to share with everyone that I was burned out. It helped.
DeleteThe Missing Alphabet sounds like a cute read!
ReplyDeleteI've been slowly learning patience with myself when it comes to writing. I've found that when I'm not and I start stressing about how I should be writing, I wear myself out and am unable to write even more.
Patience is tough to learn, but possible. Even smidgens of patience helps a lot.
DeleteGreat advice, Chrys. Thanks again for being brilliant. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I'm glad you liked this post, Anna. :)
DeleteOMG! Congrats to your mom. How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love the Bactine for Writer’s Burnout series.
Thank you!
DeleteExcellent post, Chrys. How cool that you and your mom write.
ReplyDeletePatience is often elusive to me. I'm trying to be more open to life experience instead of planning and scripting it out so much.
My mom was first. I picked up her writing gene. :)
DeleteLove your poster - patience truly is key!! Working our way back from burnout is a huge challenge - one step, one day at a time
ReplyDeleteLove the cover for your mom's book - sounds terrific!
Thank you! I am having fun creating large images for my posts. :)
DeleteOkay, I really need to go back and look into your burnout series. I've come to grips that I've been dealing with burnout in general due to this and that, but thankfully have been given enough space to make room for what I love to do again. Thank you for these! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope my posts help you, and I wish you all the best. Take care of yourself!
DeleteGreat advice. I'm often impatient because I don't have enough time to do everything I want to do. But the truth is I can't do anymore without burning out. Thanks, Chrys. And congratulations to your mom. Her books sounds so fun!
ReplyDeleteThat is important to realize. I was always doing a lot, too much. Don't burn out! Take time to relax and rest and have fun.
DeleteThank you!
Kudos to your mom on her new book! And thanks for another excellent installment in your series. We, as writers, really do share the same trials and tribulations and it's so great to reach out and share experiences and solutions this way.
ReplyDeleteInteresting question about patience. Internally, I have little patience with a lot of every day irritations, but have learned that responding in an impatient way seldoms gets me the results I seek. So outwardly, I moderate my behavior. On the other hand, when I set long term plans, I find that meeting goals and working steadily toward the desired result to be quite satisfying and I am patient as I enjoy the journey. To be sure, this attitude has evolved over time. I truly believe that in order to have patience with others, we must have patience with ourselves.
Thank you, Lee!
DeleteWhen I was in the middle of my burn out, I felt it was my "job" to help other writers who may be experiencing burn out, too, especially those who may not even realize it.
My level of patience in life has changed as well. In some areas, such as writing, it has gotten better. In others, not so much. lol
You always share such good advice, Chrys. Patience. What a concept. In today's world, we want things NOW. Most people don't want to wait. Instant gratification and all that. Being patient, relaxing, and exploring can really help.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Those three things (patience, relaxation, exploration) really help with stress and burn out.
DeleteThank you!
Great advise! Fortunately, I've always been an extremely patient person, which may explain why I'm not in the least upset about the fact that I don't feel like writing right now. As you said, the urge will return.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your mom! I hope her books are doing well.
That's great! I wish I had your patience. ;)
DeleteThank you!
Congrats on another Gregory story. Happy IWSG.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Juneta!
DeleteHow cool that you get to promo books for your mother! Happy IWSG day!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy it. :)
DeleteI agree. Work on whatever you feel like working on at the moment. There's no rule that says you have to work on projects in a certain order. Selling books is a long term process, and ten years from now, it won't matter in what order you finished your stories. Thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Well put!
DeleteHey Chrys,
ReplyDeleteI can very much relate to your thoughtful post. I have had writer's or blogger's burnout for over two years now. Ah, the stories are whirling in my head but that's as far as it goes lately. It's a variety of factors that I've been challenging, without putting pressure on myself. For, I have chronic fatigue, a number of physical and emotional issues that, eventually through the therapy of the written word, I shall most assuredly work through.
Kudos to your mother and to you, my kind friend.
Gary
Blogger's burnout. Yup. I know that, too. I am still trying to get out of it. It first started after my second year in a row doing A to Z (in 2015) and got worse when I got hit with my worst depression to date, which actually got triggered by something that happened in the blogging world. Ever since, I've struggled to blog. I keep doing IWSG posts, but otherwise, I keep hoping something will excite me back into blogging again.
DeleteI hope things get better for you!
Many congrats to your mom. Looks like a keeper.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you came out on the other side of burnout. You have to much creativity in you not to be able to take advantage of it.
Thank you! <3
DeleteI should have added in the writing arena, sounds like you have several other creative outlets.
ReplyDeleteI like to write in many genres. I can't help it. :)
DeleteCongrats to your mom.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how it's easier to write something you don't have a deadline on? Even a self-imposed one. Glad you found some stories that spoke to you.
Thank you!
DeleteA lot easier! I am still struggling to write Frozen Crimes, because I keep thinking I really should publish it next year.
I'm a pretty patient person, but I had to learn that the hard way, by living with things I can't control and finally learning to make peace with it (at least in some measure). I was having a hard time writing after the death of my husband in April. While it's still difficult, I don't fight against it. Instead, as you said, I wait for inspiration as I go through each day. I write a few notes if I can't spend much time on it and then later, I approach it. It's been working. Happy IWSG Day!
ReplyDeleteI've been learning it the hard way, too, and have gotten better with my patience.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Sending you prayers and hugs.
thank you for useful tips
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteThis is such a fantastic post, Chrys! It's so true, we need to find patience for ourselves...with so many things, including our writing. Congrats to your mom! I love your relationship with her! So awesome!
ReplyDeleteElsie
Thank you so much!
DeleteMy mom and I are two peas in a pod. :)
I think I am patient about a lot of things. I can wait for movies, books, and TV shows to be released or dropped as they say, because there is always other things to entertain. I can wait to hear back from an agent because who needs a "Nope". I'm in no hurry for that!
ReplyDeleteBut I do lack patience when it comes to my children. If I ask a question, I want an answer, like now! I hate repeating myself 10 times because they can't tear their eyes from their electronic devices. Sheeshkabobs.
I love the premise behind your mom's book. What a great idea to hunt for missing letters.
When it comes to agents, I'm very impatience for the one who will say "yes."
DeleteOh, patience in children. *nods* I don't have my own, but my nephews try my pateince all the time, and I lose it...all the time. lol
Thank you!
Congrats on your mom's new release! I could really use a bit more patience myself. ;) Happy IWSG!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteCongrats to your mom! Patience is a tough one. I have great patience when it comes to other people, but I'm horrible with myself. I'm trying to be better about it. The writing comes when it comes, but I have those moments when I throw a toddler fit about wanting it NOW! *LOL*
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeletePatience with ourselves is the hardest to acquire. Funny, but it takes patience. HAHAHA! Realizing it is the first step and slowly working to make it better is the next. With that said, I have thrown a fit or two when not writing. LOL
What a neat idea for a children's book. They're having fun reading while they're also learning. Congratulations to your mom. And patience is a word I need to practice. It's not easy. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Mixing learning with fun is the best way to go. :)
Deletemissing alphabet sound interesting book, stimulate kids to learn...
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend
# I follow you
Thank you, Tanza!
DeleteI love your mom's Gregory Green adventures. All the luck with the new release! You always offer such solid advice here for writers, Chrys. Thanks! All best to both you and your mom.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Victoria!
DeleteCongrats to your mom. I look forward to reading the latest Gregory Green adventure.
ReplyDeleteIn my younger days, no one would have ever called me patient. After 10 years in a special education classroom and 10 years of being self-taught in the world of self-publishing (so many more tools and resources avaibable now), I can safely say that I am patient. At this moment, I am patiently waiting to see which of my current projects will get completed before the end of the year. As long as I'm creating, I don't worry about deadlines anymore.
Thank you! My mom appreciates your support. <3
DeleteOh boy. I can relate. I was FAR from patient as a child and teen. Actually, I am still pretty impatient. Especially with myself.
Great suggestions for dealing with burnout. For me, it was finding the fun and play again, which meant letting myself write whatever I felt like writing instead of what I "should" be writing. I'm back on track now, but I'm keeping myself there by balancing play-time writing with workday writing, so I make progress where I want for my career, but keep the joy in the work. @mirymom1 from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
Oh yes. That "should" can be a creativity killer.
DeletePatience is the key for a lot of things!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your mom on her new release!
Patience certainly is.
DeleteThank you!
Congrats to your mum! Looks like such a fun book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had much time to write because I've been doing a lot of freelance work. It can be easy for it to slip away when we're really busy, so I totally agree that it can work wonders to take just a little bit of time out to breathe, as it were. Great post!
Yeah, I’ve been doing a lot of the whole sitting in front of and starting at the computer thing. Sometimes I switch up by playing solitaire, jahjong, jewel block or Stranger Things computer game. FYI, I’m still stuck on level one. An idea been swirling around inside my head all weekend. Though I’m late in visiting your blog I’m glad for the tips you shared. Thanks.
ReplyDelete