For most authors, writing is far more than just a career—it’s a passion. The thought of starting a new book project is, at first, one that sparks rigorous motivation and enthusiasm.
But all too often, that initial “get up and go” mentally quickly melts away into exhaustion and burnout. No seasoned author wants to admit it, but all too many projects end up being abandoned altogether because the author(s) simply did not have the stamina to cross the finish line.
So, this begs the question: What are some strategies to keep this from happening, so that those first ideas put on paper can actually end up on the publishing floor? Admittedly, it’s easier said than done. But as a career writer myself, I have found four techniques for avoiding this:
1. Set manageable mini-goals. Writing a multiple-chapter book is simply not an overnight project, and trying to come at it from that angle will inevitably lead to frustration. So, before getting started on the book itself, take time to sit down and come up with shorter-term expectations for yourself to get the project done, both in terms of length and time, keeping in mind whatever else might be on your plate. For instance, if you’re just working on the book and nothing else, writing a chapter in a month might be realistic. If, on the other hand, you’re simultaneously also working on two grants and three journal articles, three or four months for that same chapter might be a better goal to work toward. Either way, though, the bottom line is: Keep it feasible! (https://www.clevergirlauthor.com/writers-burnout/)
2. Take breaks to clear your head. Don’t try to devote an entire eight hours of your Saturday to working on a book—again, it’s just not an attainable goal, especially if it’s on top of a day job during the business week. Instead, carve out an hour or two for the book, and then take a break to enjoy a hobby—perhaps, for example, one that involves exercise, such as going for a jog or doing yoga—to keep your mind fresh and your creative juices flowing. Then, go back to the book project for another couple of hours only after finishing that mental recharge. (Source: https://thewritepractice.com/writers-burnout-overcome/; https://kindlepreneur.com/burnout/)
3. Keep a support system close by. Most daunting tasks are easier to manage when there’s a network around you to lean on for help when you need it, and writing a book is no exception. Before beginning the project, take a look at your list of contacts and come up with the names and phone numbers of those who might be helpful during the most stressful moments. This could include friends or colleagues who are also authors, editors, or other members of the publishing community, which means they’ll likely be able to relate to what you’re going through. On the other hand, it might be family members who are familiar with the project you’re tackling. Or, if it’s a collaborative effort, it could be the co-authors or editors of the book. But in any event, don’t try to go at it completely alone. (Source: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/the-writers-guide-to-beating-burnout-7-causes-of-author-burnout-and-how-to-avoid-them/)
4. Limit the number of projects you’re working on at once. For a seasoned author, it might be tempting to say “yes” to a large number of book projects at the same time, both in terms of potential financial compensation and opportunity to quickly get your thoughts out to a public audience. The reality is, though, there’s only so much any one person (or group of people) can do at once without the quality of the work suffering—even if you’re a veteran author or editor. So, before you stretch yourself too thin, know your limits, and recognize that it’s okay to sometimes say “no” (or, at least, “not right now”) if your plate is looking like it’s going to be too full at any given point in time. (Source: https://www.clevergirlauthor.com/writers-burnout/)
Making the decision to write a book, and making the commitment to follow through, is a task that takes significant time, energy, and resources; there’s simply no way around that fact. But even during the draining moments, it should be an overall enjoyable experience, not a chore—and taking these simple steps will help it stay that way!
By: Anne Brenner
Anne is an Assistant Managing Editor at Technica Editorial
