Burnout is something we don’t talk about enough in the Indie author community, but it’s a reality for so many of us. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or ready to tear your hair out, this post is for you.
What Does Burnout Look Like?
Burnout doesn’t always hit the same way for everyone. Here are a few common signs:
- Struggling to get words on the page, even 100 feels impossible.
- Feeling cranky and unmotivated every time you sit down to write.
- Overwhelm from all the non-writing tasks: marketing, formatting, cover design.
- Comparing yourself to other authors and feeling like you’ll never catch up.
- The constant pressure to be productive, especially if writing isn’t your full-time job.
Sound familiar? I’ve been there too. Not long ago, I hit a wall — hard. I was pushing myself too much, juggling writing, marketing, and content creation, and it all felt like too much. I knew something had to change.
How to Recover from Burnout
If you’re currently in the middle of burnout, here’s what I recommend:
1. Step Back Without Guilt
Yes, easier said than done! But taking a break isn’t failing—it’s necessary. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, allow yourself time to rest. The world won’t end if you take a step back.
2. Refill Your Creative Well
Once you’ve rested, focus on creative activities that bring you joy:
- Read for FUN (not research!) 📖
- Watch movies 🎬
- Paint, dance, sing—anything that sparks creativity! 🎨💃🎶
3. Reconnect with Your Story
Before jumping back into writing, remind yourself why you love your story. Think about your characters, your world, and why this book matters to you.
4. Set Realistic Goals
If you were writing three times a week, start with once. Lower your word count goals—try just 50 or 100 words per session. The goal is to ease back in without overwhelming yourself.
5. Redefine Success
Stop comparing your journey to others. Your progress is YOURS. Stay in your lane and focus on your next small step—not the entire mountain ahead.
How to Prevent Burnout
1. Schedule Rest Like You Schedule Writing
Rest isn’t optional—it’s part of the process. Build in time for hobbies, breaks, and white space in your week.
2. Batch Your Marketing
If social media is draining you, try batching your content. Create posts and videos in one go, then schedule them in advance.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Hit your word count goal? Celebrate! 🥳 It doesn’t have to be big—watching a movie guilt-free or treating yourself to a coffee works too.
4. Lean on Your Writing Community
Feeling stuck? Talk to fellow writers! Burnout is common, and I guarantee others have been through it too. Reach out, share your struggles, and get support.
Final Thoughts
Burnout happens to the best of us. But by recognizing the signs, giving yourself permission to rest, and building in preventative measures, you can keep your writing journey sustainable and enjoyable.
Have you ever experienced burnout as a writer? What helped you recover? Let’s chat in the comments!