It’s likely there is not a best selling author around who has not had to face burnout at one time or another. Others simply felt uninspired to keep on going with their craft. As an aspiring author, you are inevitably going to have to face these major obstacles. You will be well served to get them in control early on in order that they not do damage to your self-confidence or career or both.
If you let lack of discipline spiral out of control you will find yourself getting pulled further and further away from your dreams.
Here are a couple of tips to help you overcome burnout and apathy, the archenemies of authors around the world:
The magic question: why?
Simply sitting down and reflecting about your situation will yield some very surprising results. There is always one or more reasons behind burnout and apathy, and correctly identifying these reasons will get you well on the way to solving the root problem behind your burnout.
On the flipside you can remind yourself why you want to write. What motivates you? What is your passion? By getting in tune with this you will quickly move back into the space of inspiration.
Read your favorite books
No writer will ever become a bestselling author without at least some exposure to the genre they want to write in. Not only do they get an idea of how to write their chosen genre, but they also get a little inspiration to brainstorm when reading their favorite writers. Immersing yourself in the world of literature will help pump you up to craft your own writings by simple but effective examples.
Freestylin’
This is one of the most effective tips for overcoming writer’s block. Sit down, get a blank sheet of paper and just scribble the first words that pop in your head. Rants, raves, dreams, heck even writing about your love life (or lack of one) are all fair game as long as you jot them down on paper. This simple style of freestyle writing may not come up with ideas about your book, but it sure helps to get the creative juices flowing in your system.
Keep a journal
An aspiring best selling author can gain from reviewing their progress and a journal is one way of doing so. This not only helps you keep track of what you’ve done so far, but also serves as a great way for you to express whatever ups and downs you are experiencing as you go about writing your masterpiece. A “cathartic” release, as psychologists and therapists would call it.
Accepting and learning from failure
The most successful people are often the ones who failed the most. The fact is, not everyone is going to like what you wrote. So what if someone doesn’t like what you wrote.
Although you don’t want to take criticism personally, neither do you want to ignore it. If the feedback is valid pay attention.
One thing to realize is that the more visible you become the more you are open to people expressing their opinions whether or not you ask for it. Take it in stride.
Relax
Whether you are squeezed for time to write an online best seller e-series or studiously researching the fine points of crime scene investigations for your murder best seller, you have to learn to relax to prevent the stress from creeping up on you.
Diet, exercise, hobbies and social ties all come into the picture to help you relax, so make sure you give them enough time and attention to help you finish that best seller. Most of all…enjoy the process. After all, isn’t that why you wanted to write in the first place?
Kathleen Gage, The Street Smarts Marketer™, is an Internet marketing advisor who works with spiritually aware speakers, authors, coaches and consultants who are ready to turn the knowledge into money-making products and services. Visit http://www.kathleengage.com for free resources to build your online presence and credibility.
