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Presence"},{"term":"Getting Feedback"},{"term":"Growing in Writing Skill"},{"term":"Critique Services"},{"term":"Self-Publishing"},{"term":"Writing Contests"},{"term":"Accountability"},{"term":"Conferences"},{"term":"Family Life"},{"term":"Query Letters"},{"term":"Reading"},{"term":"Self-Editing"},{"term":"About Me"},{"term":"Book Release"},{"term":"Critique Partners\/Groups"},{"term":"Encouragement"},{"term":"Mama Writer"},{"term":"Marketing Books"},{"term":"What I Learned Series"},{"term":"Book Reviewers"},{"term":"Twitter"},{"term":"Book Covers"},{"term":"Character Development"},{"term":"Facebook"},{"term":"Perseverance"},{"term":"Book Signings\/Parties"},{"term":"Helpful Writing Books"},{"term":"Websites"},{"term":"E-Publishing"},{"term":"Life With An Agent"},{"term":"Pinterest"},{"term":"Uniquenesses of Writers"},{"term":"Contracts"},{"term":"Perfection"},{"term":"Research"},{"term":"Romance"},{"term":"Supporting Authors"},{"term":"Blogging Blunders"},{"term":"Book Proposals"},{"term":"Branding"},{"term":"Ebooks"},{"term":"Friendships"},{"term":"Giveaway"},{"term":"How I Do It"},{"term":"Interacting With Readers"},{"term":"Interviews"},{"term":"Rejection"},{"term":"Discouragement"},{"term":"Finding Ideas"},{"term":"First Drafts"},{"term":"Free books"},{"term":"Multi-Published"},{"term":"My Writing Journey"},{"term":"Negative Reviews"},{"term":"Publication Process"},{"term":"Traditional Publishing"},{"term":"Trailers"},{"term":"Waiting"},{"term":"Writing Output"},{"term":"Allegiant"},{"term":"Audio Books"},{"term":"Best Seller List"},{"term":"Blog Tours"},{"term":"Book Series"},{"term":"Book Titles"},{"term":"Books Into Movies"},{"term":"Bookstores"},{"term":"Courtship and Dating"},{"term":"Debut Authors"},{"term":"Failure"},{"term":"Genre Differences"},{"term":"Historical Romance"},{"term":"Historicals"},{"term":"Influencers"},{"term":"Insider Insights"},{"term":"JK Rowling"},{"term":"John and Abigail Adams"},{"term":"Launch Team"},{"term":"Lessons Learned"},{"term":"NaNoWriMo"},{"term":"Novellas"},{"term":"Plot"},{"term":"Scavenger Hunt"},{"term":"Self-Discipline"},{"term":"Slush Pile"},{"term":"Social Network Sharing Contests"},{"term":"Thankfulness"},{"term":"The Cuckoo's Calling"},{"term":"Virtual Assistants"},{"term":"Voice"},{"term":"Writer's Block"},{"term":"Writing Blunders"},{"term":"Young Adult"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Author, Jody Hedlund"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":""},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/-\/Difficulties?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=3"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Difficulties"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/-\/Difficulties\/-\/Difficulties?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=4\u0026max-results=3"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"26"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"3"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4836967182474391561"},"published":{"$t":"2013-02-05T06:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2013-02-05T06:00:16.911-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Difficulties"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Family Life"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"What to Do When Our Families Don't Support Our Writing"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Bs5qUMPeVr4\/UQ0NtJ139NI\/AAAAAAAAC-Y\/EsKCqTxI_xY\/s1600\/MC900444945.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Bs5qUMPeVr4\/UQ0NtJ139NI\/AAAAAAAAC-Y\/EsKCqTxI_xY\/s320\/MC900444945.JPG\" width=\"239\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBy Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne of the hardest things for aspiring writers is getting our family's support for our writing, especially before we're published. At least that was one of my struggles.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI remember saying to my husband on many occasions, \"No, I'm not making any money on my writing. But yes, I still need time to write.\" Amidst the busyness of life, with five children, homeschooling, and trying to manage a home, \u003Cb\u003Ewriting was (and still is) very important to my sanity.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor a long time it was a battle to help my family understand that my writing was more than a hobby, that it was something I needed to spend concentrated time doing—especially if I hoped to get published some day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOver time, I had many conversations—particularly with my husband. \u003Cb\u003EHere are just a few of the arguments I used over the years to gradually win his support:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. We all need time for things we love. \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy husband LOVES football. He takes time every week to watch games, check stats, read commentaries, etc. It's important to him. He enjoys the break it gives him from the busy chaos of life.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe fact is, we\u003Ci\u003E \u003C\/i\u003Eneed things in our lives that rejuvenate us. Football does that for my husband. My writing does that for me. If we're engaging in a mutually respectful relationship, then he should be willing to let me take time for what I love, just as I am for him.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm in no way relegating writing to the same level as watching football, because writing is much more than a hobby for most aspiring writers. But the point is, if our family balks at our writing time, we can encourage them that we ALL need time for the things we love.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. The early years of unpaid writing are simply part of the education process.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf I told my husband I wanted to go to school to become a brain surgeon, he certainly wouldn't begrudge me the years of education and training that are required (even if I could only attend school part time due to other responsibilities).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHe'd wait patiently because he'd realize that one day I'll finally reach the point when I'm finally ready for my first brain surgery. But he'd also understand that I can't get to that point without putting in many, many long hours of unpaid study and practice. In fact, he'd even understand if I had to put out the money for school, workshops, conferences, books, etc.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnd the same is true of writing. We can't get to a professional point in our career unless we \u003Ci\u003Eput in\u003C\/i\u003E the time day after day, year after year. And we may even need to \u003Ci\u003Eput out\u003C\/i\u003E a little money for editing, buying writing craft books, or going to conferences.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Once we're agented or published, it still takes time to build our small business.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf I opened a cupcake shop, my family wouldn't expect me to be raking in a huge profit the first few years. They'd realize it takes time to get the word out about my cupcake business and to build a loyal base of customers who love me and are willing to rave about my cupcakes to their friends. It may even take some extra marketing dollars to get the word out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnd writers start out much the same, whether we go the traditional route or self-publish. We have to invest capitol (time, energy, and books) into our writing business, often for years before we begin to see a profit or make a living from it. There are no guarantees for small businesses. Perhaps we'll never make anything. Which brings me to the last point . . .\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. We have to support and believe in each other's dreams, even when  no one else does.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe bottom line for my husband and I over the years is that we want to support each other's dreams. Whether those dreams ever become a reality or not, we hope to be each other's biggest cheerleaders.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf my husband wanted to pursue something new (i.e. a different career), and if it was really important to him, then whether I understand it or not, I would encourage his efforts. Sure, we would have to dialogue through the difficulties and look for ways to make it workable in our current situation. But I wouldn't want to squash his dreams or desires simply because they're not mine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnd the same is true of my writing. Long before I was published, my husband eventually came to a point of understanding how important my writing was to me. And he wanted to support me and my dreams whether I ever got published or not.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMy summary:\u003C\/b\u003E Although our writing aspirations may not be easy for our families and loved ones to understand, I've learned that it is possible to gently win them over. Don't give up hope!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat about you? Have you experienced a family member or loved one misunderstanding your writing? What are some ways you've worked at gaining their support?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4836967182474391561\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/what-to-do-when-our-families-dont.html#comment-form","title":"37 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/4836967182474391561"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/4836967182474391561"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/what-to-do-when-our-families-dont.html","title":"What to Do When Our Families Don't Support Our Writing"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Bs5qUMPeVr4\/UQ0NtJ139NI\/AAAAAAAAC-Y\/EsKCqTxI_xY\/s72-c\/MC900444945.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"37"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-2227202277457016082"},"published":{"$t":"2012-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2012-12-11T06:00:16.688-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Beginning Writers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Difficulties"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"What Does It Really Take to Be a Die-Hard Writer?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/office.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/images\/results.aspx?qu=closed\u0026amp;ex=1#ai:MP900385965|\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"228\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lkOvGdVKPw4\/UMSeILs7UJI\/AAAAAAAAC00\/vowdtP2Wuuk\/s320\/MP900385965.JPG\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/office.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/images\/results.aspx?qu=closed\u0026amp;ex=1#ai:MP900385965|\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u0026nbsp;By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOver the past several years of blogging, I've met hundreds of new writers who are excited about writing and eager to learn. They jump on the writing bandwagon with gusto, hang up a writer's sign on a website or blog, and maybe even publish a book.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut sadly, I've watched as many of those writers eventually drop off the bandwagon.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI can't help but wonder why so many close up shop and fall away?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EObviously there will be seasons in our lives. Some writers go through times when they need to take a break for one reason or another. I've been there, done that.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut what about everyone else? Why do so many quit?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are probably hundreds of reasons why so many start writing, get excited about it, but then fade into oblivion. \u003Cb\u003EBut what does it take to keep going and beat the odds?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDuring the past five years, I've written 7 full length novels (100k each). Over that span, I've learned a lot about what it takes to have a die-hard commitment to writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere are just a few of my conclusions:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Write with consistency: \u003C\/b\u003E I haven't always had the same weekly schedule, and I haven't always had the same daily word count goals. In fact, there have been periods in my life when I considered 500 words a day a huge accomplishment. However, no matter my life circumstances, I always set daily goals in one shape or another and then discipline myself to consistently work toward them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. But also write with flexibility: \u003C\/b\u003EWhile I set daily word count goals, I also set a weekly goal. That way, if I have a bad day or something comes up that prevents me from writing, I can allow myself to make up for the missed words on another day. The daily goals act as guidelines, but ultimately I shoot for a weekly total.  I don't beat myself up with my goals. I show myself grace. And because of that I can keep going even on the days I fail.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Write with purpose: \u003C\/b\u003EI often take time when I'm between writing projects to read a writing craft book. Then when I begin a manuscript, I try to incorporate a new technique or pay particular attention to a poor habit. I slow down for a little while in my writing to consciously practice and implement what I'm learning.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. But also write with abandon:\u003C\/b\u003E While I like to be intentional, eventually those things I'm learning become second nature so that I'm able to write without having to work so hard to remember everything I'm trying to incorporate. Most of the time, I lock the internal editor away and give the story permission to take me where it will. Writing with abandon is one of the greatest pleasures of the writing life.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E5. Write with your dreams in hand:\u003C\/b\u003E In all the years I've been writing, I've never  given up on my dreams, whether they were getting published or making a bestseller list or whatever. I let those dreams motivate me and fill me with determination to keep going. And when I reach one milestone, I set another. And those dreams continually fuel the drive to become better.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E6. But also write with realism. \u003C\/b\u003EAt the same time I hold onto my dreams, I attempt to keep my feet on the ground. The industry today is more competitive than ever before. There are more books being published now than in the history of the world. And it's tough for any author, no matter how good, to build a readership. We'll do best if we go into the writing and publishing process with realistic expectations.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E7. Write through the pain.\u003C\/b\u003E Over the years, I've learned that writing isn't all rainbows and roses. I don't \u003Ci\u003Ealways\u003C\/i\u003E enjoy the process \u003Ci\u003Eevery\u003C\/i\u003E time I write. In fact, some days it's just plain hard work. But the other thing I've learned is that I can't wait to feel in the mood or for inspiration to strike. I just have to sit down, put my fingers on the keyboard, and type through the pain.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E8. But don't write if it doesn't also bring you joy.\u003C\/b\u003E Ultimately, even though writing can be hard—really hard—it also brings me incredible joy and satisfaction to weave a story from beginning to end. I'd honestly love to write whether I ever saw the book in published format or not. At heart I'm a \u003Ci\u003Estory-teller.\u003C\/i\u003E I love \u003Ci\u003Ewords\u003C\/i\u003E. And \u003Ci\u003EI love putting my stories and words together.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat about you? Have you seen other writers fall away? What do you think it takes to\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ebe\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E a die-hard\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E writer\u003C\/span\u003E?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2227202277457016082\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/what-does-it-really-take-to-be-die-hard.html#comment-form","title":"30 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/2227202277457016082"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/2227202277457016082"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/what-does-it-really-take-to-be-die-hard.html","title":"What Does It Really Take to Be a Die-Hard Writer?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lkOvGdVKPw4\/UMSeILs7UJI\/AAAAAAAAC00\/vowdtP2Wuuk\/s72-c\/MP900385965.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"30"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-2353604517881598886"},"published":{"$t":"2012-08-21T06:00:00.000-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2012-08-21T10:30:53.320-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Difficulties"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Writer Emotions"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Beware of This Sly Writer's Enemy"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VWWBV1aTod0\/UDLrtbg1NyI\/AAAAAAAACrs\/O8IkmuNzpek\/s1600\/MP900313901.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"265\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VWWBV1aTod0\/UDLrtbg1NyI\/AAAAAAAACrs\/O8IkmuNzpek\/s320\/MP900313901.JPG\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBy Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs writers we face many enemies--perfectionism, writer's block, rejection, long waits, lack of time, criticism, and many other hardships.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut amidst all the obstacles we battle, there's one sly enemy that creeps in undetected. Often we don't realize we're fighting it until it's slithered in, wrapped around us, and begun to squeeze the life out of us.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThat enemy is \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003Eburnout\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBurnout\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E can happen to the best of us. And it occurs in a variety of ways.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPerhaps we no longer find joy in the writing process. Maybe we don't have fresh ideas anymore. We may even feel like the act of juggling writing with all our other responsibilities is just too tiring.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELately, a couple of friends have expressed burnout with blogging. They've indicated that they don't really know what to say, are tired of posting, and wish they could stop.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBy the time we notice that burnout has us in its death grip, we've lost our energy and enthusiasm for all the things we once embraced and accomplished with gusto. Instead burnout leaves us \u003Ci\u003Edrained\u003C\/i\u003E, \u003Ci\u003Edry\u003C\/i\u003E, and \u003Ci\u003Ediscouraged\u003C\/i\u003E–often without the determination we need to stand strong and fight.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELeft weak and vulnerable, burnout finally coils tighter until we have nothing left to give. And it's at that point, many writers give up altogether.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat do we do when we finally realize we're burned out, when we're at a point when we're tempted to give up (or perhaps have already fallen flat to the floor and lie comatose?)\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere are just a few things I've done over the years to alleviate or avoid burnout:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Take breaks from time to time. \u003C\/b\u003EI just got back yesterday from a weeklong vacation out East. And even though it was a busy week full of hiking, swimming, shopping, and driving, it was still a break from the usual routine of my life. And after the time away, I'm ready to jump back into my to-do list with renewed energy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Re-evaluate the work load.\u003C\/b\u003E I make a point at least a couple times a year to look at everything on my plate and to decide what to keep and what to toss off.  I have two main priorities during this season of my life—my family and my writing. If my outside commitments don't line up with my priorities, then they have to go.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Cut back on social media.\u003C\/b\u003E Let's face it, social media can be a huge drain on a writer's time and energy. Last fall, I decided to cut back on my blogging from three times a week to two. One day may not seem significant, but it's freed up more time and energy that I can devote to other responsibilities. I can pour my heart into the \u003Ci\u003Etwo\u003C\/i\u003E posts I write rather throwing out fluff for the sake of having \u003Ci\u003Emore\u003C\/i\u003E posts.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. Chase after joy. \u003C\/b\u003EJoy is fuel for our creativity. We have to consciously look for ways we can bring joy into our lives. Usually I find joy in the \u003Ci\u003Esimple things\u003C\/i\u003E of life, like drinking a fancy cup of coffee with scented candles on a rainy afternoon. Or reading an especially gripping book that brings me to tears. Or laughing deeply over something one of my children says or does.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E5. Take a hiatus.\u003C\/b\u003E If we reach rock bottom,  the point where we must stop writing for the sake of our  well-being or of others, that doesn't mean we have to give up our writing career \u003Ci\u003Eforever\u003C\/i\u003E. I took a break from writing after my twins were born. At that point, I'd been writing seriously for many years and had just started garnering interest from editors. But life got busy (to put it mildly!). And I didn't write a single word for \u003Ci\u003Eseven \u003C\/i\u003Ewhole years. The first book I wrote after my hiatus was \u003Ci\u003EThe Preacher's Bride \u003C\/i\u003E(which became a best seller).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMy Summary:\u003C\/b\u003E All writers battle burnout. The trick is to be aware that burnout is a very real enemy and to be on the lookout for symptoms that may indicate we're losing our joy and energy. If we notice that our life is slowly being squeezed from us, we have to make conscious steps to recapture our love of writing. Because if we don't love what we write, we can't expect anyone else to either.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat about you? Have you ever faced burnout? What helps you through the rough times? What keeps you from giving up when you hit rock bottom?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2353604517881598886\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/beware-of-this-sly-writers-enemy.html#comment-form","title":"36 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/2353604517881598886"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8539581256374625880\/posts\/default\/2353604517881598886"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/jodyhedlund.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/beware-of-this-sly-writers-enemy.html","title":"Beware of This Sly Writer's Enemy"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Jody Hedlund"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12424307540530719614"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VWWBV1aTod0\/UDLrtbg1NyI\/AAAAAAAACrs\/O8IkmuNzpek\/s72-c\/MP900313901.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"36"}}]}});