I often extol the many virtues of writing. One such virtue is that it helps with processing emotions and experiences. Therefore, I tend to write about whatever I’m experiencing at a given moment. Especially so here, where I’ve amassed a catalogue of entries that would all fit in a diary as well as a writing handbook. Thus, as with all the articles I write, this one is as much for me as for anyone who might read it, if not more so.
Lately, I’ve been in a funk.
Passion comes and goes, fickle as the wind. This is true in all things, so when passion departs, one must rely on other practices. In the case of writing, habit makes up for a lack of motivation. If one has already formed a consistent writing habit, one doesn’t need to wake up inspired in order to get words on the page.
Nonetheless, a consistent absence of passion can lead to dull, uninspired writing. And so, when passion does not return for an extended period of time, one must address the problem by a means other than simply “powering through.” I’ve not faced this problem frequently since I began my writing journey, but I am facing it now. When life factors work in tandem with a lack of inspiration, giving up on the dream altogether can seem appealing.
Luckily, I’ve discovered a number of strategies that may work to remedy this situation. For example, I’ve lately been working on the sequel to A BOY FROM NORRU. The manuscript currently sits at about 25k words. But in the past weeks, I’ve reached a point where the work feels tired. I’m sitting at the computer and writing this story because I feel like I have to. And I know that, after taking a step away from the story, I’ll find more excitement there when I return.
So, I’ve moved to other projects. I don’t typically write short stories, but there’s one idea that’s lurked in my brain for some time now, so I cranked out a first draft. It’s complete at 5k words, and I’ll likely return to make some edits and clean it up. Maybe I’ll bring it into one of my writing groups.
When I start again on writing novels, I’ll move to adult fantasy. I think that right now, that’s where my interests lie most. I wrote a couple middle grade novels, I have them in my pocket, and I’ll definitely return to them in time. But for my next project, I think adult fantasy will inspire me most. I’ll return to the NORRU sequel in time, but first, I need to get some other ideas out of my head.
And since I’m also finding less excitement in my reading, I think that I might be experiencing an overall sort of burnout. I’ve written and read a lot in the last years, and especially in the last eight months. It’s natural that these activities should lose some of their magic over time, but I have confidence that I can restore that magic. As such, I think I’ll need to take a more holistic step away from the craft.
I’ll still write my blog posts. I’ll still read more than a few hours a week. And I’ll still write a short story here and there, or work on plotting for my next manuscript. I’m not letting time go by without any progress.
However, I need a break. The sort of break that, in the past, I never would have given myself permission to take. I’m in this for the long haul, so this burnout requires a reliable solution. The timing couldn’t be better, for I’m starting a new job on Monday. I’ll throw myself into my day job, settle into a new routine, and make progress on my craft in my own time. I’m giving myself permission not to worry about maximizing the potential of every second of every day to such an unhealthy degree that I don’t enjoy myself.
Life is meant to be enjoyed. I want to live in the present moment.
So if you too find yourself struggling with burnout, or if you’re in a little bit of a writing funk, give yourself permission to take a break from your current project. Try something new. Write something longer or shorter, write something in a different genre, write something strange. Or, allow yourself to take a step back for a moment. Take a break from the craft. When you surface above the waves, catch your breath, and then, when you’re ready, dive back down deeper than before.
Even the greatest divers need to breathe. Even the greatest athletes need a rest day. Take care of yourself.
– AJG
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