It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's the posting day for the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Click here to learn more and sign up!
I didn't really know what to write about for this month, probably because I've been feeling the same way that I have for months. I just don't really have the desire to write at all. I was keeping up with the editing for a while (got 400 'then's down to 125!), but now I haven't been doing much of anything, except watching the occasional Youtube video and writing down a few notes when ideas come to me.
I think there are a lot of factors making me feel so burnt out, and not all of them are actually about writing. My job has been really stressful and busy lately and I'm just exhausted all of the time. I used to get up early on my days off to get things done, but now I sleep in. I haven't been going to the gym that much anymore and I've found pretty much every excuse to cheat on my diet (I like to eat my feelings, ok?). My energy level has just been so low lately, so it's hard to come home and want to do anything but relax and watch TV.
I do feel burnt out when it comes to writing, though. There is still SO MUCH I want to fix in UL, not to mention the fact that I still don't quite know how to end it. Sometimes I feel like giving up on it, but I know that I can't. I've put so much work into it already and I just can't give up, but sometimes it's hard to keep going when it's already been so long and there's still so much to do.
I've thought about working on something different for a while. I'd like to get back to my NaNo book from 2019 (currently titled Sexy Fluff #1), but part of me wants to start over instead of just finishing the first draft. I feel like my rivals to lovers concept wasn't strong enough, like my characters weren't strong enough rivals. But I digress. I think I should finish the first draft and then go back and fix things in the second draft.
It's probably a good idea to work on SF #1 because I actually feel a little bit excited about it? I just need to find the motivation. I started reading a book that's in the same genre, and I chose one by an author I'd read before and I really liked that book, but the one I'm trying to read right now is just...not good. So I thought it would inspire me to get to writing, and it's just not. But maybe trying to write a better book than this one will motivate me!
Anyway, I've written way more than I thought I would, but the good news is that after work this Friday, I'm off for 6 days! I don't want to push myself too hard to work on writing unless I really want to, but either way, I think it will be good to have some time off work and relax, do a few fun things, and just unwind. Maybe by the end of my mini vacation, I'll have some of my energy back, and then hopefully the motivation will follow.
Life and work can take up our time and energy sometimes, and that's okay. You can always come back to your writing. I hope you take time to relax and have fun when you're on vacation. And maybe go back to the new project. After working on my first manuscript for 10 years, I put it away for now and started something else that is going more smoothly and is almost drafted. It might get you inspired, and then you can get back to the story you're struggling with.
ReplyDeleteWork on SF#1 if that's what calls to you.
ReplyDeleteAnd being an adult is so exhausting, I don't know how any of us get anything done.
I know the struggles of not getting much done and fighting to find the motivation to do it. I hope you find yours, that something sparks passion and ignites that fiery writing within you again. Or maybe just some cool salve to help with the burnout. Either way, I hope things improve!
ReplyDeleteI know I am terrible at taking this advice for myself, but time away and distance from UL would probably be a good thing. If you're feeling some desire to work on SF #1, then work on that, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself to produce. When real life is emotionally and/or physically exhausting, then we need to set other things aside so we can rest, recover, recharge—all that good self-care stuff—and come back to it later. Burning the candle at both ends often leads to no more candle, or something like that. Take care of you, and the writing will follow in time.
ReplyDeleteAll that said, enjoy your six days off!
So much not even related to writing can impact our writing and burn us out, in many areas of our life. Take it easy on yourself. Take some time (those six days) and take a deep breath. I hope things become less stressful for you.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your slump, Sarah. TGIF will make all the difference as you slide into vacay - have fun!
ReplyDeleteYou've taken full advantage of this group - to spout off and seek support. Good on you! See you next month -
Hopefully just admitting it will help. You need some time to recharge.
ReplyDeleteIf SF is speaking to you-- go for it! We sometimes just need to play with our writing to get back into it. Take care and good luck!
ReplyDeleteBurn out is tough - emotionally and physically. It takes a while to feel like yourself again and that energy level back up. Take care of you - the rest will follow! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time off Sarah! I've found that taking time off from writing is still effective in future writing. We have to find other ways to fill the creative well--and that includes TV, films, books ,etc. Don't be too hard on yourself. Find the joy in creating again--if that means starting something new, so be it!
ReplyDeleteBe kind and gentle with yourself, Sarah! All of us have been through so much since the beginning of 2020. Kudos to you for getting an IWSG post up! You'll get your writing urge back, but meanwhile know that lots of us are here for you. Take those six days off and focus on you and relaxing!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain so much with struggling to get creative work done and feeling inspired. Have you tried channeling another creative outlet? My friend Phoebe Darqueling strngly recommends this. For me, I just have so much to do with re-releasing my older stuff that I feel blocked until I can get that all done. Slowly but surely it is getting there but it is frustrating how slowly :(
ReplyDeleteHey, you can rant on your blog if you want and IWSG is the most perfect time to do it! It seemes that many of us are struggling with writing. You have my heart!
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
Enjoy the break.
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Sarah, I'm right with you. Covid and Hubs' health issues gave me no time to write, rather no energy to write. Hang in there. Read as much as you can to refill the well.
ReplyDeleteI think feeling excited about that other story is a good start!
ReplyDelete