The Hidden Peril That Can End Your Writing Career

We don't often talk about it, but becoming a published novelist requires a writer to give up some things, little things like privacy, security and spare time. And as we hurtle daily on this ball of earth and water through space, some of us slide into base after base, never once pausing to breathe. We're in a race against the great publishing unknown as we push ourselves to reach home before the inning is over.

 

But we can't run full throttle for days, weeks, months and even years on end without stopping to rest and refuel.  We can't give of ourselves endlessly, and then wonder why our well of creativity runs dry. If you're burned out it's time to stop, look and listen.

 

You won't last if things don't change.

 

In our manuscripts we concern ourselves with pacing, rolling out the action in manageable segments that won't overwhelm the reader. It's important to apply the same principles to our careers. It's not easy, but it can be done.  For real change we have to embrace what we aren't as much as what we are, what we can't do as well as what we can, and then free our hands in order to grasp opportunity. If your peace of mind has vanished beneath an inbox loaded with stressors, if you needed a vacation a year ago, if real life is always getting in the way of your art, I have a suggestion to make.

 

Go on a writing retreat, either alone or with friends.

 

I'll continue this subject next Friday with a look at retreat options.)

@2011 Janalyn Voigt, author of novel books

 

© 2010 Janalyn Voigt

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