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I too am envious of those writers. I wish I had the time. I have found, that when burnout threatens, I do another writing course, focusing on developing a different aspect of writing. Not only does it improve my writing, it inspires me to further the writing of my second book, the first of a trilogy.

Thank you for some great suggestions about weekend writing events. I will have to check them out.

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yeah, I found that changing things up definitely helps. But I’m so resistant to it because so often I don’t want to go back to the previous thing. That’s why I had to be very clear with myself that this project is only for the weekend. I can give it as much time as I want, but just for four days. Then I finish the other things. If it has legs, I can come back to it later.

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Breaks are good. Take them when you need them. Burnout is a creativity killer.

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thanks! The problem with breaks – and I do take them – is that they are often too long. So rather than taking a break from my writing, I’m just going to take a very defined break from this project. Not a NaNoWriMo sized break, just a long weekend.

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Burnout is the WORST! I’ve just emerged from over two years of burnout and I hope I never have to revisit that dark and empty cave again. 🥲 I’m excited for your change of pace this weekend. Have FUN!! 💃🏻✨✍️

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thanks! Let’s see how it turns out. I am so excited I can’t even. 😂

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Aug 31, 2023·edited Aug 31, 2023Liked by Jackie Dana

I relate to this so much right now. In the middle of a novel revision, I stopped and worked on something else. But no I’m having a hard time getting back to the novel. I’m going to try reading my last few chapters again over the next few days to see if that does anything for me.

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I appreciate your comments! I hope you can find your way back to the project. What I’ve discovered in the past is that rereading what I have usually reignites my excitement, because it’s been quite a while since I last did so.

Maybe try re-reading everything this weekend and see how it goes? And if you do, please let me know. Maybe we can cheer each other on!

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Update! I wasn't able to read it over the weekend, but I did this morning, and it's helping! I'm still a little stuck, but I think it's helping me at least keep the cogs turning.

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That’s fantastic! Anything to keep those cogs turning. Keep it up. ❤️

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I love this idea! I have been thinking of using some vacation time off work to do a little at-home writers retreat some time soon. Excited to see how this goes for you and what comes of it!

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Aug 31, 2023·edited Aug 31, 2023Author

I would have loved to have done an actual writing retreat, going to some hotel somewhere or sitting on the beach or whatever. Unfortunately, my pets and finances didn’t make that possible. But I’m going to try to create a staycation retreat if that’s possible. So I will be getting myself out of the house, and into a number of cafés over the next few days.

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Now that sounds like a weekend well spent. Great idea! Have fun!

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Thanks. :)

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Sep 1, 2023Liked by Jackie Dana

Have a great weekend! I can relate. My favorite part of the writing process is starting something new, followed closely by finishing the project, and a distant third is the slog through the middle.

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I am very bad about finishing anything. Maybe it’s ADHD but I just find it really tough. But the middle? Yeah that’s the slog.

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One of the great advantages to writing short things!

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