After years of writing professionally, I hit a wall. For the past two years, I’ve done little writing. Between battling with my own health problems and walking with my husband through cancer treatments, my creativity was depleted. I shifted my focus to marketing my first children’s book, but guilt clawed at me. I should be writing. Why can’t I write?
Burnout is real. We can only do so much before our energy (and our creativity) runs dry. When health problems consume our time and focus, we might experience burnout more often than we like.
I was becoming frustrated when I saw a post on Instagram from one of my former creative writing students about her experience with burnout. Even though chronic illness was not the culprit, her words encouraged me as a writer, and I hope they will encourage you today:
Things I’ve learned from experiencing burnout:
1) It’s okay to take it slow or change your deadline. You’re not a failure if you have to postpone or extend a deadline. Writing a novel is a HUGE undertaking and no one’s progress or process is the same. Your pace is not something you have to compare to someone else’s.
Your pace is not something you have to compare to someone else’s.
2) It’s okay to switch projects or take a break from your current WIP. Working on [my manuscript] for so long drained my creative energy and working on fun little side projects helped me to gain back so much of my motivation. It all depends on what works for you.
3) Take the pressure off yourself. Your novel will get done when it gets done. Your work is still relevant and powerful no matter how long it takes you to write it. Your voice is unique and has value not matter when you finish it or how old you are when you finish your first manuscript.
4) Rest is healthy. One of the best things I ever did for myself was take a year off from working on big projects. I wrote little scenes here and there and only wrote when I felt inspired. This helped me to remember that I write for fun and that it isn’t meant to be a chore.
One of the best things I ever did for myself was take a year off from working on big projects.
So for the writer experiencing burnout know that it’s okay to take a break and listen to your needs. It’s okay to put down the pen for a bit until you gain back your motivation. Your novel will always be waiting for you when you come back. What’s important is that you take care of yourself and your mental health the rest will come later 🙂
What’s your advice for burnout?
Emma Heagney is an aspiring author who has always had a passion for the written word. Her work consists of compelling narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships, emotions, and important themes such as hope, redemption, and forgiveness. Outside of writing Emma enjoys reading books of all genres, spending time outdoors, and trying out new recipes. Connect with Emma on social media.
Photo credits: Jaclyn May and Adi Goldstein on Unsplash
CAROLYN BENNETT FRAISER 
Great take-aways. Learning to give ourselves grace is a process.
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