As I write this, I’ve just about finished packing for Ottawa Comiccon. And I’m also preppeing for next weekend’s dReadCon. And I’m now dealing with personal issues in addition to health issues. And I’ve been sending and answering lots and lots of emails. So many emails…
Although I thought I was doing a good job of fighting off the dreaded burnout, I think I reached my limit last week. So, miraculously, I took a mini break. I added more reading breaks into my daily schedule. I made time for friends, and family, and myself. And I’m feeling a bit better now. Well, to be honest, I’m mostly anxious/excited because I have two conventions coming up this month.
But even if I didn’t have all of the extra personal problems and potential burn out to deal with during the month of August, I’m not sure I would have gotten a ton of writing done anyway. After all, this is my busy season when it comes to events. I launched Modern Hauntings and had to focus on all of the little details that come with a book launch. I had no time for long writing binges, but I was able to take a look at beta reader feedback for GOATS as it trickled in; I’ve started to plan and brainstorm how to fix some of the problem areas of that story.
Most importantly, I had a wonderful conversation at an art market with someone; and that helped me to navigate the guilt I feel about not being able to get as much writing done right now. We discussed seasonal writing and how our jobs mean that there are certain times of year when we have more time to write, and certain times of year when we have less time. I started to come to that conclusion last year, but this market season really drove the point home.
Self-publishing is more than just writing. It’s editing, and marketing, and public appearances, and running a business, and so much more. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense to binge write during my slow months. Then, during the busy months, I can focus on events and book launches, and the extra volunteer work I inevitably sign up for. And, of course, pick away at edits all year long because, well, the editing never ends.
I’m hoping that this conversation, and subsequent self-reflection, will help fine-tune and improve my writing schedule as I continue on this wild journey. And I hope it will help ease the guilt on the days when I do a lot of work but not a lot of writing. So for now, I’ll focus on all of the amazing events coming up, write when I can, and rest when I need to so that I don’t make this burnout thing a part of my annual schedule.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a book and a clowder of cats waiting for me.
