This is an entirely un-book-news-related post, so those who care not a whit for personal details on an author blog, look away. I’m a little ‘down’ at the moment, just lacking in energy I suppose but the net result is that I’m battling the old black dog… I suspect it has something to do with having worked hard, released three books then found myself (oh surprise) running on empty! This happens a great deal, I’m told, and to those far worthier than I. Shall we say author burn-out, anyone? Yes, we shall. Just a touch of it.
So what do you do when you have the author blues? Why, you write some more, pardi. You keep writing like your life depends on it. But here’s the catch – no more schedules. No more contracts, not until the book is finished… One. Thing. At. A time.
Otherwise, I have serious plans to put my feet up in the coming weeks… possibly even hit the movie theatre with a bucket of popcorn. I know -heresy. 🙂
About time.
About time that I get the heebie jeebies, or that I go to the movies? 😉
About time you committed a few heresies, after writing so much about them…
Deb Biancotti did a whole series on writerly burn out. Most people seem to agree – take time off. Read stuff some one else wrote, watch stuff someone else made, have picnics with the kid(s), relax, go to the spa, go for a swim, do stuff that feels good and will refill the cultural stash.
Deb asked a whole bunch of authors what they did. The wrap up post is here:
http://deborahbiancotti.net/blog/2011/10/blog-briefs-on-burnout-the-wrap-party/
Sounds good to me… thanks for the link, Callisto! 🙂
Mary, I need models for the Gel Nails course I’m doing – If you’d like a little pampering let me know. (No cost to you of course as I’m still practicing 😉 but I’m not doing too badly) TXT me on 0211 126 528 if you’re interested.
Thanks so much Terry – I don’t tend to do much to my nails (apart from the occasional manicure) but you’re very kind to offer. If you want models for gels, maybe I can ask some daughters of friends for you…?
*hugs* Mary. Writer burn out is one of those things everyone has to figure out in their own way, but it sounds like you’re going the right way about it to me! Casting off expectations and just writing because I want to always makes me feel better 🙂 Hope you get your writers bounce back soon
Thanks Cassie! Kind words much appreciated… bounce on its way back imminently, I’m sure. 🙂
Mmmmmmmmmmmm, popcorn…..
You realize now that you’ve made me crave it, and that will be my dinner tonight.
LOL. So far I’ve been defeated in my movie-going ambitions by the lack of watchable flicks in town. ‘In Time’ apparently falls flat on its face, or I’d go to that.
I have certainly never written a trilogy, but when I’m burned out from doing one sort of writing for too long, I turn to another – for instance, when I have had enough of fiction, I turn to poetry for a while. And I happen to know you are a rather good poet … not that I am dropping hints or anything …
That’s excellent advice, and I’m actually following it to the letter. 😉 Wrote you a note…