…but burnout and loss of confidence are things that happen to many authors, sometimes unpredictably. I just saw a favorite author, who had a successful book out in November, say she hasn’t written a word since October.
Sometimes a book doing less well than the previous ones can trigger “what if I’ve lost my touch?” Sometimes a book that does much better triggers “how can I possibly do that again?” Sometimes the pressures of real life come into play. Depression hits all kinds of people and writers are no exception. The current impact of world events, in large and small ways, can make it hard to sit down and play with loving words and HEAs.
There’s no single cure. When an author posts “what do you guys do?” they get a range of answers, from meditation to fanfic, from creativity in a whole different art or craft form, to movies and pet videos.
For me, writing short little pieces that won’t get edited and published and reviewed and rated helps. It’s one reason I love doing a short fiction piece for my YA group monthly and for my Facebook group almost every week. (Kaje’s Conversation Corner – should you want to join us there.) Part of burnout for me is expectations, and with the freebies, I can have fun without the pressure.
It’s hard for readers to see this happening, when you look at what an author is doing publicly. I would urge you, as you wait impatiently for a new installment in a favorite series, to remember that the author may be struggling to write it. Enthusiasm is great – we all love to hear that readers are eager for our words (and it can help with that impostor-syndrome where we wonder if we can really measure up.) But please be kind, even if you’re disappointed by the delay of an anticipated book.
A couple of years ago, I wrote just one novella in nine months. That felt pretty miserable. I’m delighted to right now have more ideas and inspiration than time to write it. (Several of my short pieces for my group are begging to be novels…) But I empathize with the authors who are currently struggling. And with everyone whose energy level and enthusiasm are taking a hit right now, whatever it is you do.
One of the best things about the M/M community is seeing the support folks give each other. May those who need that support right now find it among us.
– Kaje Harper
Jan 2022.
I think I was hit by a combo of every burnout reason you posted here. I also very slowly found a way out by writing work that went unpolished (and under a different name, lol) until the pressures eased and I was able to (almost) complete something I felt ready to share again. Another thing that helps is seeing other writers return from “dry spells”, so thanks for posting this! 🙂
As a reader with a wide variety of interests…I am lucky enough to have a TBR list that rivals the works in the National Archives. Thanks to all of you authors! You brighten every day.