Burn Out

by Heather Moore

It’s easy to hit burn out as a writer . . . especially if you feel like you aren’t progressing. Writing is the art of hurry up and wait. Hurry and finish the novel. Hurry and submit. Wait, then wait some more.

Here are some suggestions that might jumpstart your creativity and motivation:

1. Consider something new. Writing a novel but you’ve hit writer’s block? Write a short story or an article and submit to on-line magazines.

2. Take a break. A real one. Paint the room you’ve put off, work in the garden, or throw together a last minute weekend trip. No writing, maybe a little reading, but mostly just experience.

3. Music. I used to think this would be distracting, but when I put together a play list on my computer, I was surprised at how motivating it was. I found myself typing to the rhythm and checking my emails much less often.

4. Guilty reading. When I’m working on a new novel, I feel like I can’t read for pleasure. But sometimes it’s great to get outside of your head for awhile and into someone else’s.

5. Mix up critique. I faithfully take my current novel to critique. But last night, I took a query letter. I received excellent feedback on some things I had “overwritten.”

6. Dissect a book. You’ll find that your favorite writer isn’t as intimidating as you thought. In fact, sometimes the writing is quite straightforward. By analyzing writing techniques of another author, you’ll see just how possible it is to bring everything together.

7. Set a goal. Then reward yourself. The time, place, and item is your choice.

8. Writer’s Conference. Every conference I’ve attended, I’ve come away feeling recharged. Instead of thinking “There’s too much competition,” think, “If they can do it, why can’t I?”

Okay. Now it’s your turn. What are some things that motivate you?