Caring for Yourself During Writer's Burnout

It seems only appropriate that as I sit here writing this, a carbon monoxide detector in my house is dying and sending out a warning beep every 90 seconds. How about we add stress to a writer who is already at her limit? (Don’t worry, all is fine, another detector died a few weeks ago and we had to replace it. Currently waiting on my husband to get home with a new one). 

The past month has brought ups and downs, and I’m sure my fellow writers can relate. After sending out the first batch of agent queries on my latest novel, I was elated when three agents requested the full manuscript. I started envisioning what I would do with a book deal and began outlining a new book so I would have something else to sell if an agent decided to represent me. But to quote the great Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City,” and just like that . . . two agents passed on the book, albeit kindly. The positive takeaway from these rejections is that I realized I may be pitching the book incorrectly. While I’ve been envisioning it as a suspense/thriller, it may not be fast-paced enough for these agents requesting a suspense/thriller. The book also features a lot of family secrets, an exploration of relationships between mothers and daughters and sisters, and maybe my comp list should be more in alignment with that. 

I had a short story published at The Write Launch with kind feedback, and had another market I pitched the same story to reject it and tell me it was “unrealistic.” They also said I checked the box stating I was 18 or under and a quick Google search showed them I was absolutely older than that. I don’t remember checking a box telling my age, but I guess I did, and the e-mail made me feel pretty foolish nonetheless since they cater to young adult writers. 

After working on a true crime podcast for the past four years, I’ve gotten burned out being the sole host/creator and have been wondering if I should stop the venture altogether and focus solely on fiction. I’m also tired of competing with other true crime podcasters who jump on any national story that they think will draw listeners. Since my podcast is regional, and I haven’t jumped on the popular podcaster bandwagon of recording all my episodes in video format, I wonder if it’s even possible to achieve the kind of numbers I’d need to attract paying advertisers. I’ve decided to give myself a break from the podcast over the holidays to reassess the situation and give myself time to plan new content. 

I've been here before. A few years ago I experienced severe burnout when working as the editor of a regional lifestyle magazine. It was a contract position that had me working many nights, weekends, and holidays and I felt like I was on a hamster wheel I couldn't escape. I left the job to pursue my own creative endeavors and felt immediate relief. Unfortunately, I've created yet another hamster wheel for myself with my own projects. I think it’s normal for us to have highs and lows in this industry. I keep trying, just like I know everyone else here is trying. I’ve told myself I’m going to give myself a break over the next month and focus on taking care of my mental and physical health. This includes reading more books for enjoyment, exercising, walking my dogs, eating healthy, delicious food, and making sure I don’t isolate myself at home. I’ve been doing that too much with my self-imposed deadlines, and I really need to make sure I make lunch and coffee plans with friends, stroll through some of my favorite stores in town just because I feel like it, and more. 

What do you do to regroup when you’ve found yourself in a writing slump? 

Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer and the host/creator of of the true crime podcast, Missing in the Carolinas.