Social media, SEO, marketing and writingAvoid Writer’s Block and Burnout with Little Rewards
Lots of smart authors get more work accomplished, or make their current projects go more smoothly, by treating themselves to little rewards now and then. These vary from taking a ten-minute break after finishing several pages or a certain segment of work, to relaxing in front of the television set for a while. Set a timer, or before you know it, the whole evening will be gone, annihilated by TV. Television can steal your valuable time quicker than a pickpocket can steal your wallet in a crowded circus. Remember always: The most valuable thing an author has is time. Make the best possible use of it.
One writer may take a day off after completing a chapter. Another will spice up the workday with a quick snack or coffee breaks. Some authors work like beavers Monday through Friday and relax over the weekend; others seem to work in spurts and then knock off for a day or so.
There are many writers who almost never quit. They’re working all the time; if they’re not writing they’re involved in research, interviewing, planning, or some other work-related
activity.
Someone once wrote that “the true author works constantly throughout his or her career.” In the sense that most authors think about their work a great deal, even when actively engaged in some other activity, this is true.
Writers can’t seem to shut it off; the process is going on within them constantly. Many authors seem to be happiest when they’re working on books. Some achieve money and success enough to relax a bit but continue writing for its own sake.
Some writers say they experience a terrible letdown after a book is completed. It’s a trying time for them. They’re depressed when the work on one project comes to an end and they’re ready and anxious to get on with their next book. In truth, writing breeds more writing. For most authors, the more writing they do, the more they want to do.
