Is it Writer's Burnout or Am I Just Having Too Much Fun?
Five Reasons Why This Writer is Not Writng
Writer's Burnout Reason #5: Working on other Writing Projects
Well, it's not really 'other projects', it's just been one. I pulled out an older novel that I started and I'm bound and determined to finish it in this century. I keep getting hung up because I don't love the story and really need a solid editing job to get back into the flow. On the bright side, I've written about 4,000 words and I'm still only about a fifth of the way to telling the story.
Writer's Burnout Reason #4: I've got to Clean this Mess Up
Here's the whiny part: My house is a mess. I spend all week doing laundry, cutting the grass and basic cleaning only to go to work for twelve hours on Saturday and Sunday then come home and start all over again. I need a better system but here I am writing an article on my laptop sitting at a cluttered counter with a chair sitting on a dirty floor. Well, it is only 9am so I do have some time to get this place cleaned up today. I did take out the garbage this morning so that's something, right?
Writer's Burnout Reason #3: I Really have no Helpful Advice
I admit it, I'm just out of topic ideas. I'm bored with my life right now from a writer's standpoint. I'm having a blast living it but I've stopped going through my day thinking Hey, I could do an article on that! Inspiration is overrated. So I guess the phrase 'just write' is more important. To heck with page views!
Writer's Burnout Reason #2: Video Games are More Fun
I will admit I'm a video game junkie. I lovingly bought my husband a Wii a couple of years ago and I probably play it more than anyone. At night, when the kids are in bed, I pull out a game and will play for a few hours. Right now I'm addicted to Lego Harry Potter. I have my own game that the kids are not allowed to touch and I'm at 94% completion. Once I get to 100% then I'll be back to spending my quiet time writing.
Writer's Burnout Reason #1: I've Been Playing with the Kids
Yes, I'm a big kid who loves to play and go and do things. I'm so enjoying summer vacation with the kids that I find it difficult to write. If the kids are playing, say, the Harry Potter game mentioned above and need help I never seem to object. If they want to go swimming, I generally say yes. I've been reading them the classics and they are so enthralled in the stories that at least once a day they ask me to read one more chapter.
We've gone to the zoo twice. We took a few days and went to Chicago to visit Shedd's Aquarium and have dinner at Medieval Times. We've done Cub Scout camp as a family and we have a boat race this weekend. Yes, these definitely sound like excuses but they are ones that I'm happy to make.
Thank you, Michele, for giving me a quick kick in the behind to get my fingers typing again! Check out Michele Starkey's articles for other reasons to write or to just gain a bit of knowledge.
Published by Kim Keason - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Full time mom, part time nurse, and part time freelance writer. View profile
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23 Comments
Post a CommentGreat reflection
I suffer from (through) Writer's BurnUP, Kim; too many (?) writing projects crying for my attention; so many things wrong, even determining the first one to address is problematic; and Video Game Fun? You mean like the babes on Fox or the Wolf and Jack vaudeville act on CNN? Better to burn up than rust out or, paraphrasing Andrew M, since we can't make time stand still, we must make him run... Being Write Most of the Time, Michael K. Miller
Being with the kids is a noble reason not to write. And I can identify with clutter blocking creativity. Michele had it right. Just write! Your stimulation for more writing has begun.
Looks like we could all relate to this article. I go through peaks and valleys, too. Sometimes we have to recharge like our cell phones! P.S. Writing is way more fun than housework!
It sounds like your family is enjoying the summer. How fun!
I don't think you're experiencing burnout at all. Enjoy your kids while they're still living with you. They grow up so fast. Summer is so short, they'll be in school before you know it. Save your writing time for when they are not around (after you get to 100%). One more thing – is having too much fun even possible?
Your reason number #2 made me giggle because I have been sneaking in pac-man games when I just don't want to write for a while lol
Awesome write up know what you mean!
It's hard to fit everything in during a day's time and during the summer it is usually even harder. I tend to write a few articles and then take a break for a while. Like someone else posted earlier I keep some ideas jotted down in a notebook and when I have time I use one. Great article.
Very excellent, I need to clean too.... :o)