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Writing Through Burn Out

I'm suffering from a bad case of Spring Fever, folks.  I only have seven more chapters left to conclude my novel, but for the life of me can't muster up the inspiration to write them.  With such beautiful weather, my attention and energy has been devoted to gardening and biking.

 I haven't written in at least three weeks.  Every time I walk into the office my computer sits there, staring at me accusingly, bidding me to finish what I started three years ago.  My responsible side wants to comply, but the  more carefree side, won't allow it.  Perhaps I'm suffering from burn out, I don't know, but whatever the case, it doesn't seem like this phase is going to pass anytime soon. 

Professionals like Stephen king and Truman Capote recommend that authors write every day.  Although I've never agreed with this approach, after all my down time I am rethinking it.  In the past, whenever I tried to write without being inspired, I turned out nothing but drivel. I then decided if this was the best I could do, it was a waste of my time to write.

 Now, however, I realize that it's better to get something down than have weeks go by with an empty page.  I can always edit it later, at least my ideas are there.I'm unsure if what I'm experiencing is normal, but I have to do something, so I have dedicated my day to writing.   I also made a personal commitment to write at least two hours a day, every day. Hopefully I will write through my burn out.   How about you--has anyone had a similar experience?  If so, I'd be interested to know how you resolved it?  Until next time, happy writing.         
  

Comments

  1. Yes, spring fever! I've found that's when my burn-out usually hits too. So I just go with it. Get it all out of my system. Garden, clean the house, wash windows. And by the time I'm done cleaning everything there is to clean, do all the things I've put off, gotten my head back on straight, the writing comes back with a flourish.

    It's been my experience to dance to the beat of your own drummer. Yes, we SHOULD write everyday, but if what comes out is drivel, then is it really worth it?

    You do what you need to do. You'll finish your book in your own way in your own time.

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    1. Hi Anne, thanks for stopping by. Although I agree with everything you said here, I just want to finish my book. It's been a long three years. (: Unfortunately, writing is like making a fine wine, it can't be rushed, takes lots of time for all the ingredients to come together. Guess I'll have to take it as it comes.

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  2. You are definitely not alone. I have nine chapters to go. What am I doing? Reading A-Z posts while watching Team Umizoomi with my little guy. I think we should both tell ourselves we must write for 30 minutes and then garden and play outside as a reward for our minimum effort - starting tomorrow. :)

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    1. LOL, Tonja. I can soooo relate. Great idea, I will definitely try it. Since it's raining here today I'll have to start tomorrow. Good luck on completing your chapters. Let me know if you plan works.

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  3. BTW, I follow. Is blogger malfunctioning today, or is it just me?

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  4. Yes, you came up as a follower. Thanks for joining my site. Looking forward to getting to know you better.

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  5. Sometimes I make myself write THROUGH that burn-out feeling. It might not be the best writing, but at least I eventualy come through on the other side!

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    1. Yes, I think you're right, Paula. I can always edit it later, after my muse returns from her long beach vacation.(:

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  6. I think what you're experiencing is entirely normal. I agree you should just write and edit later. I have trouble writing when the weather outside is lovely also.

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    1. It's good to know I'm not alone, Susan. Guess it's best to gut out, burn out by writing through it(:

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  8. Hi Andrea, long time no hear!

    Your lucky its been only three years.

    Sometimes you just have to let go completely.

    You'll see, it will return all by itself naturally, just like the tide.

    Someone I knew wanted to have a baby so badly, but couldn't have one. She was always on her own case about it.

    Just let it go, I said, forget about having babies. Live, enjoy life. But really, you have to forget completely if you want to have a baby. She wanted that baby so much, so she tried it.

    Once the pressure was off, and loosened up a bit she had a baby without thinking.

    Everything comes in its own sweet time!

    So how does one hang loose? Simply be and know that too is okay.

    When one puts a book in a drawer for a time, some magical growth happens. New perpectives happen, and all at once, without realizing it, you're just writing away.


    Are your feelings normal. Yes, this subconscious state is all part of being a writer.

    Now all I have to do is practice what I preach!
    Gone to the beach!
    Have a super weekend!

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    1. Jacqueline, thanks for stopping by, and for the great advice. You're right. I probably took the break because I unconsciously needed it. Unfortunately, I can't rush progress.(; Take care.

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  9. When the weather is awesome, I have to force myself to stay inside. Sometimes I can do it. Most times, I'm out the door.

    You'll be fine :)

    Happy Weekend!

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    1. Hi Carol, great to hear from you. I can relate to what you said here. We may as well enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.(:

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  10. I feel your pain... try driving out to the woods, or field or park and write there. If the weather is too good to enjoy, get out and enjoy it doing what you love.

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    1. Jeff, long time no hear from. Hope life is treating you well. I will have to try writing in the wilderness. Perhaps a change of scenery would get those creative juices going again.

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  11. I hope you get your writing mojo back soon :)

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    1. Thanks, Michael, it's coming along. I got some writing done today. Hopefully, it will grow from there.

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  12. writing is always the cure for not-writing. always. write through it and around it, over and under it. Just keep writing even if you think it is shite or futile. keep on writing.

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  13. I really agree with the point that you have shared in this article. An interesting and useful article always makes me benefit and get a lot thinking.Bookmark it and recommend to my friends.

    ReplyDelete

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