Author burnout -- Know the signs
You usually think of writers burning out after a long career, or at least after they get half a dozen books out -- and then it's not burnout, it's just a slump.
If you really want to be a published author, it goes without saying that you're driven, goal-oriented, and your own worst critic, right? Take a person like that and sign them to a publishing contract. Their dream is achieved, so they can relax, bask in the glow, and enjoy their success, right?
Wrong. (See above for "driven, goal-oriented, and their own worst critic.")
They want each book to be better than the last, they're constantly striving to become a better writer, and if they have a day job (and the vast majority of authors do), they're essentially holding down two full-time jobs. Add to that trying to juggle family, and guess how much time that leaves for some "alone time" -- those precious minutes when you get to read, rest, and recharge. And if you're truly driven (meaning a workaholic), you feel guilty when you're not writing. A deadline is always looming, so your butt needs to be in a chair, your eyeballs on a laptop screen, and your brain in gear and on fire.
Guess what? That's an author setting themselves up for burnout.
And guess what? That's me.
After I turned in The Trouble With Demons, I realized (and admitted) a lot about myself. I'd always known that I was driven and goal-oriented. That and sheer stubbornness is what got me published (and perhaps a wee bit of talent). I was proud that I was that way, and I still am. But I've realized that if I'm going to have a long writing career (which I'm determined to have), I have got to be equally driven, determined, and oriented on the goal of having a life.
Writing isn't everything. There, I've said it. ; )
In the words of Tam Nathrach in MLTF: "You need to make time. Play is important." And in response, Raine actually said: "Play is your business, Tam, not mine." Dang, when they say an author puts themselves into their books, they weren't kidding. And if you want longevity in this business -- play isn't just important, it's critical.
We get so intensely focused on having achieved the dream and working so hard to keep the dream going, that we're blind to the signs that if we keep going down that road at that pace, that dream could turn into a nightmare. It's called burnout. Nothing strikes more terror into the heart of an author than the fear that their creative well might run dry. And it can happen, unless you take steps to prevent it.
I caught myself in time, and knew I had to change. Now. And for a workaholic like me, someone who lives for writing, balancing my life with my work isn't easy, but I'm getting there.
Right now I'm working on the edits for TTWD, and I'm at the most challenging part (meaning ball-busting hard work), and guess what? I'm making the time time to read, relax (a little), go out with friends, and in another two weeks, I'm going to an author friend's book release party. Doing that will cost me an evening of working, but supporting my friend is more important. And next month, one of my favorite mystery authors (Margaret Maron) is having a signing at the B&N where I'll be signing in September. I'm going to her signing. That'll be another evening when I won't be writing. I wouldn't have done any of those things (rest, read, leave the house unless it was on fire) before I saw the writing on the wall and took steps to take my life back.
And for the ultimate in rest & relaxation (BTW -- I always take my laptop on vacation with me), Derek and I are going to a lodge/spa in the mountains for a long romantic weekend. This Sunday (July 20th) we'll be married 17 years, so we're considering the mountain vacation as our anniversary present to ourselves. When we take that trip, I'll be two weeks from my deadline to get the edits of TTWD done and back to my editor -- and guess what? I'm not taking my laptop! (huge, happy, grin)
That weekend is for my husband and myself, and I can't wait! And the work can wait.
Remember that when you sign your name to that publishing contract. Dreams were meant to be savored and enjoyed. You do have to work hard, but sometimes, the work can wait. ; )
Coming up tomorrow: I'll continue the "what I didn't know until I got published" series and talk about buying gifts for your publishing team. Then on Saturday, I'll have the usual Saturday Fun Pic along with some REALLY COOL AND EXCITING NEWS! Then next week, I'll continue my series with Amazon rankings (ignore them), advertising, and more.
Lisa
If you really want to be a published author, it goes without saying that you're driven, goal-oriented, and your own worst critic, right? Take a person like that and sign them to a publishing contract. Their dream is achieved, so they can relax, bask in the glow, and enjoy their success, right?
Wrong. (See above for "driven, goal-oriented, and their own worst critic.")
They want each book to be better than the last, they're constantly striving to become a better writer, and if they have a day job (and the vast majority of authors do), they're essentially holding down two full-time jobs. Add to that trying to juggle family, and guess how much time that leaves for some "alone time" -- those precious minutes when you get to read, rest, and recharge. And if you're truly driven (meaning a workaholic), you feel guilty when you're not writing. A deadline is always looming, so your butt needs to be in a chair, your eyeballs on a laptop screen, and your brain in gear and on fire.
Guess what? That's an author setting themselves up for burnout.
And guess what? That's me.
After I turned in The Trouble With Demons, I realized (and admitted) a lot about myself. I'd always known that I was driven and goal-oriented. That and sheer stubbornness is what got me published (and perhaps a wee bit of talent). I was proud that I was that way, and I still am. But I've realized that if I'm going to have a long writing career (which I'm determined to have), I have got to be equally driven, determined, and oriented on the goal of having a life.
Writing isn't everything. There, I've said it. ; )
In the words of Tam Nathrach in MLTF: "You need to make time. Play is important." And in response, Raine actually said: "Play is your business, Tam, not mine." Dang, when they say an author puts themselves into their books, they weren't kidding. And if you want longevity in this business -- play isn't just important, it's critical.
We get so intensely focused on having achieved the dream and working so hard to keep the dream going, that we're blind to the signs that if we keep going down that road at that pace, that dream could turn into a nightmare. It's called burnout. Nothing strikes more terror into the heart of an author than the fear that their creative well might run dry. And it can happen, unless you take steps to prevent it.
I caught myself in time, and knew I had to change. Now. And for a workaholic like me, someone who lives for writing, balancing my life with my work isn't easy, but I'm getting there.
Right now I'm working on the edits for TTWD, and I'm at the most challenging part (meaning ball-busting hard work), and guess what? I'm making the time time to read, relax (a little), go out with friends, and in another two weeks, I'm going to an author friend's book release party. Doing that will cost me an evening of working, but supporting my friend is more important. And next month, one of my favorite mystery authors (Margaret Maron) is having a signing at the B&N where I'll be signing in September. I'm going to her signing. That'll be another evening when I won't be writing. I wouldn't have done any of those things (rest, read, leave the house unless it was on fire) before I saw the writing on the wall and took steps to take my life back.
And for the ultimate in rest & relaxation (BTW -- I always take my laptop on vacation with me), Derek and I are going to a lodge/spa in the mountains for a long romantic weekend. This Sunday (July 20th) we'll be married 17 years, so we're considering the mountain vacation as our anniversary present to ourselves. When we take that trip, I'll be two weeks from my deadline to get the edits of TTWD done and back to my editor -- and guess what? I'm not taking my laptop! (huge, happy, grin)
That weekend is for my husband and myself, and I can't wait! And the work can wait.
Remember that when you sign your name to that publishing contract. Dreams were meant to be savored and enjoyed. You do have to work hard, but sometimes, the work can wait. ; )
Coming up tomorrow: I'll continue the "what I didn't know until I got published" series and talk about buying gifts for your publishing team. Then on Saturday, I'll have the usual Saturday Fun Pic along with some REALLY COOL AND EXCITING NEWS! Then next week, I'll continue my series with Amazon rankings (ignore them), advertising, and more.
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
7:54 AM
8 Comments:
Good post, Lisa. Hope you survive the edits.
Cheers,
Tracy
Thanks, Tracy!
I'm working on the toughest part of it now. Since I'm an editor in my day job, I guess I'm just sick this way -- I love taking written things apart, making them better, and then putting the whole thing back together. ; ) I'm pleased with the way things are going, but like most writers, I'll be glad to have it done.
Tracy, I just popped over to your website -- Wow! Thank you for visiting!
Everyone,
Tracy's site is called Anchored Authors -- Strategies and survival skills for authors with day jobs.
http://anchoredauthors.com/
It's a great resource.
Some great advice, Lisa.
Even though I'm not dealing with the pressure of deadlines or being under contract yet, I tend to get so focused on my writing that I let everything else slide. After a couple of meltdowns, I got better about taking "time outs" to enjoy life and do fun things unrelated to writing, too. Like a vacation from work, it can be very energizing.
Excellent post! I burnt out at uni, suspended my course, then retook a year. It did me the world of good.
More for health reasons than sanity, I force myself to have 2 hours of rest every day (during the day). That is my time for video gaming, dvd watching, just having fun. I've been a little slack lately....and i notice the difference when I ignore those 2 hours. Playtime helps me think of new ideas! (go listen to Raine Lisa!!!) Hope you enjoy your weekend away :)
Time outs and time off is critical. As a matter of fact, I took last night off. Derek and I went to our favorite romantic Italian restaurant, had a lovely meal, then went home and hit the Jacuzzi for a little R&R -- now that's what I call a night off. ; )
My children keep this at bay. If I'm feeling burned out, it's a sure-fire sign my life is out of balance. Since my family takes priority, it's never the writing I'm burned out on. And it's always a Red Flag that I'm slipping into depression. Besides all the stuff I juggle in my life, it's environmental factors which tend to push me over the edge. Mostly, it's the long, dark Alaskan winters. Right now, we have almost 24 hours of sunshine, so it's only my tendency for Tendinitis holding me back now!
I know I couldn't take dark all the time, and it happens in the middle of winter. You're one tough lady for being able to stand it. Kudos to you!! (and hugs for the tendonitis)
Lisa
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