IWSG - Author Burnout, YA, & Stats

It's time for the February Insecure Writer's Support Group!


Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the IWSG occurs the first Wednesday of each month and serves to provide a space for writers to exchange insecurities and seek support. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and put your blog on the linky list.

This month's co-hosts are: Joylene Nowell Butler, Louise Barbour, and Tyrean Martinson.

The optional question this month is: Is there a story or book you've written you want to/wish you could go back and change?

Short answer is no. They're written. They exist as they are. I'd rather move forward and write new stories!

My insecurity this month is how deeply burned out I am and how it feels like I'll never dig out. I know I will eventually, and I'm trying not to push it. In the meantime, I've been enjoying changing things up and writing nonfiction for Rocky Mountain Reader. One of my pieces just came out this week and is free to read: Why YA is for Grownups, too. I mostly do book reviews there, but I've had a couple features published, and will have an upcoming interview with a local publisher, likely near the end of the month.




Though I'm not writing fiction at this moment while I try to ride out the intense burnout, I've been listening to the podcast 6 Figure Authors so I can absorb some business stuff.

January Submission Stats:
9 submissions
1 rejection
1 acceptance (was not a submission, but a best of I already mentioned last month)
2 withdrawals from markets that appear to have closed and never responded
11 stories currently on submission

By the way, one of this month's co-hosts, Tyrean Martinson, was on  my podcast Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem back in July! In an episode named "It's a Pelican!" We talked about UFOs, a dirty adoption ring, and a bizarre family trip.


That's all for me this month. 

What are your insecurities? Are you keeping track of your submissions stats? Have you ever suffered author burnout? How did you ride it out?

May you find your Muse.

Comments

  1. Alex J. CavanaughFebruary 5, 2025 at 4:26 AM

    You are still writing. Just let the creative well fill again.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Natalie AguirreFebruary 5, 2025 at 4:54 AM

    I'm sorry you're so burnt out. I'm not really interested in getting published right now but I enjoy writing for short periods of time--15 to 30 minutes some days of the week. It's no pressure and I enjoy the process. Maybe try something like that to get into your groove.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nick WilfordFebruary 5, 2025 at 6:24 AM

    I didn't get round to answering the question this month, but my answer would be the same as yours. But if you always want to move forward then burnout can be tough. It's good you're enjoying another outlet with nonfiction.

    ReplyDelete
  4. L. Diane WolfeFebruary 5, 2025 at 7:11 AM

    I got a little burned and didn't write for a while. It does come back though.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rebecca M. DouglassFebruary 5, 2025 at 9:21 AM

    Doesn't sound to me like you aren't writing--though I"m sure struggling with fiction is frustrating. Hang in there, and things will get better.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tyrean MartinsonFebruary 5, 2025 at 2:17 PM

    I agree with Alex up there. But I get burnout. I've definitely had to take breaks or do something completely different for a while. I hope you feel better soon!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Steven Arellano Rose Jr.February 6, 2025 at 8:26 AM

    I've of gone through author burnout lots of times. I'm sure just about all us authors have. But like anything else it passes. Sometimes, even from our most favourite things, we have to take a break.

    Like you, I have to move on to the next book or story. With rare exception (which I talk a little about in my post) I never go back to change my story or book after it's been completed or published.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Loni TownsendFebruary 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM

    So sorry to hear about the burnout. That really sucks. Hope you find some salve and take care of yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Shannon LawrenceMarch 6, 2025 at 3:05 AM

    Alex, true, thank you! I'm not terribly patient, especially with myself.

    Natalie, I like that idea, thanks! I'm always driving toward something, and maybe that's the problem.

    Nick, I'm definitely having fun with the nonfiction, so I think I need to just focus there for a bit longer.

    Diane, it's good to hear that I'm not alone. You're very productive, so it's helpful to hear.

    Rebecca, thank you!

    Tyrean, glad to hear you've bounced back from similar! Not because you went through it, of course, but it's reassuring.

    Steven, that's a great point, needing to take a break from things we love sometimes.

    Loni, thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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