Big congratulations on making this strong and difficult decision. I'm thrilled that you shared it with people as we authors do begin to talk more about burnout and address it it is imperative to be real about it. I hope it is great for you as a fellow author and human, and as a reader and a massive fan I also hope it rejuvenates your creativity, LOL. My biggest hobby is cooking so I hope you do share with us your adventures in that!
Aww, thanks so much, Christi! <3 And yes, I think that's why I felt compelled to share. I know I'm not the only writer feeling this way. And I'll be sure to share some cooking adventures. :) Today's project was cleaning out and organizing the fridge (because I read a book called Fridge Love and got inspired). So, exciting stuff over here, lol.
Good on you Roni. I feel like more authors are taking sabbaticals at the moment - or at least sharing the fact that they are. I feel like the last two years has brought people's struggles to a head. However I still strongly support authors taking a sabbatical when they need to because it has a longer term benefit for their writing.
I’m sorry you’re feeling the burn, but also relieved to know I’m not the only one feeling this way. I just have to finish out my current obligations,but I’ve been thinking more and more about a real break lately. I’ve been trying to generate the energy Pennie’s as much as I can, but it’s hard to continue rejuvenating halfway. I wish you the best of everything!
Thanks, Maggie! And I'm sorry you're feeling the same way. *hugs* But yeah, as soon as I got to the end of my contract obligations, I realized I needed to do something drastic to find those energy pennies again.
This is so great, Roni. I wonder if some journaling and/or habit trackers might help you trick your Achiever. I so often feel the same way about “productivity” and that drive to get things done and have something to show at the end of the day. But I started putting things in my daily or weekly habit tracker like meditation, yoga, coloring, listen to music, Netflix binge, or go for a walk. Because I was able to color/sticker the space, it felt like I’d accomplished something. And of course mind and body felt better through the day too. Look forward to hearing how this goes for you!
Thanks, Leah. I think you're exactly right. I have all the planners and kanban board and everything. I need to keep using them but switch what I'm putting on them so that I can still check off boxes and get that Achiever hit. :)
Burnout is real, and recognizing it and doing everything possible to combat it is smart. (I'm also a high "Achiever" on Clifton). Been there, and I hope you come out at the end of your six months feeling creatively refreshed again!
You are my role model! Enjoy this break. Make friends with you again. Snuggle your puppy...be present in all of it...and come back when you are ready. We will all be here! hugs.
Hi Roni...Honestly, you sound just like me! As a Ghostwriter, I write 3-4 books per year for clients, (some are extremely demanding) while developing and editing others. I write all genres: fiction, nonfiction, SY-FY, YA, Fantasy, Romance, Geopolitical Thrillers...you name it, I write it. Deadlines are intense and the pressure is overwhelming. I've been doing this for 15+ years and I am burned out. I desperately need a sabbatical, too. Gosh, 6 months would be heaven. I have stacks and stacks of books I want to read. I have stacks of cookbooks with wonderful recipes I want to make. Like you, I order constantly from Hello Fresh/Whole Foods, Amazon. I also have stacks of art supplies and crave the time to paint, draw, whatever...I am an artist, too! Financial obligations keep me tied to my work. I am single with no help from others, and I DO LOVE TO WRITE. But I really must find a way to take breaks. Currently, I depend on streaming TV: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, to provide entertainment...but it's not enough. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I do not feel so alone in my burnout. I love your books...but you deserve a break! Enjoy with all your heart, and I'll be thinking of you when I burn the midnight oil, meeting a deadline!
That's awesome. As someone who waited too long to address burnout, I'm now living with a chronic illness. Your books are amazing and what a gift to pull back to ensure you are filled up creatively to offer your best work. Inspiring! Good luck.
Big congratulations on making this strong and difficult decision. I'm thrilled that you shared it with people as we authors do begin to talk more about burnout and address it it is imperative to be real about it. I hope it is great for you as a fellow author and human, and as a reader and a massive fan I also hope it rejuvenates your creativity, LOL. My biggest hobby is cooking so I hope you do share with us your adventures in that!
Aww, thanks so much, Christi! <3 And yes, I think that's why I felt compelled to share. I know I'm not the only writer feeling this way. And I'll be sure to share some cooking adventures. :) Today's project was cleaning out and organizing the fridge (because I read a book called Fridge Love and got inspired). So, exciting stuff over here, lol.
Good on you Roni. I feel like more authors are taking sabbaticals at the moment - or at least sharing the fact that they are. I feel like the last two years has brought people's struggles to a head. However I still strongly support authors taking a sabbatical when they need to because it has a longer term benefit for their writing.
Thanks, Lyn. Yes, I think the burnout rate is high right now for a number of reasons.
What a wonderful gift to yourself!
I enjoy watching Clueless, and I'm guilty of using some of the 90s lingo.
Thanks! And *90s high five* ;)
I applaud you for taking a sabbatical!!! Enjoy your time, as you do deserve it!!!
thank you! <3
Good for you now we can read some of your books again enjoy your time off. Xx
aww, thanks! :)
I’m sorry you’re feeling the burn, but also relieved to know I’m not the only one feeling this way. I just have to finish out my current obligations,but I’ve been thinking more and more about a real break lately. I’ve been trying to generate the energy Pennie’s as much as I can, but it’s hard to continue rejuvenating halfway. I wish you the best of everything!
Thanks, Maggie! And I'm sorry you're feeling the same way. *hugs* But yeah, as soon as I got to the end of my contract obligations, I realized I needed to do something drastic to find those energy pennies again.
Congratulations! You are taking care of you.
thank you!
This is so great, Roni. I wonder if some journaling and/or habit trackers might help you trick your Achiever. I so often feel the same way about “productivity” and that drive to get things done and have something to show at the end of the day. But I started putting things in my daily or weekly habit tracker like meditation, yoga, coloring, listen to music, Netflix binge, or go for a walk. Because I was able to color/sticker the space, it felt like I’d accomplished something. And of course mind and body felt better through the day too. Look forward to hearing how this goes for you!
Thanks, Leah. I think you're exactly right. I have all the planners and kanban board and everything. I need to keep using them but switch what I'm putting on them so that I can still check off boxes and get that Achiever hit. :)
Burnout is real, and recognizing it and doing everything possible to combat it is smart. (I'm also a high "Achiever" on Clifton). Been there, and I hope you come out at the end of your six months feeling creatively refreshed again!
Thanks so much, Kristine! <3
You are my role model! Enjoy this break. Make friends with you again. Snuggle your puppy...be present in all of it...and come back when you are ready. We will all be here! hugs.
Aww, thank you! *hugs*
Good for you. I love your books and look forward to more when your field is fallow...take care of yourself and relax. Love you.
Aww, thank you, Donna! <3
Hi Roni...Honestly, you sound just like me! As a Ghostwriter, I write 3-4 books per year for clients, (some are extremely demanding) while developing and editing others. I write all genres: fiction, nonfiction, SY-FY, YA, Fantasy, Romance, Geopolitical Thrillers...you name it, I write it. Deadlines are intense and the pressure is overwhelming. I've been doing this for 15+ years and I am burned out. I desperately need a sabbatical, too. Gosh, 6 months would be heaven. I have stacks and stacks of books I want to read. I have stacks of cookbooks with wonderful recipes I want to make. Like you, I order constantly from Hello Fresh/Whole Foods, Amazon. I also have stacks of art supplies and crave the time to paint, draw, whatever...I am an artist, too! Financial obligations keep me tied to my work. I am single with no help from others, and I DO LOVE TO WRITE. But I really must find a way to take breaks. Currently, I depend on streaming TV: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, to provide entertainment...but it's not enough. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I do not feel so alone in my burnout. I love your books...but you deserve a break! Enjoy with all your heart, and I'll be thinking of you when I burn the midnight oil, meeting a deadline!
Thanks, Donna! And I hope you can find some pockets of time to get some down time. <3
Enjoy your time, and we’ll be waiting!!
Aww, thank you!
That's awesome. As someone who waited too long to address burnout, I'm now living with a chronic illness. Your books are amazing and what a gift to pull back to ensure you are filled up creatively to offer your best work. Inspiring! Good luck.
Thank you, Sue. I really appreciate that. <3
Hey, you do you. Sabbatical yourself to a good place - your reader/fans will be here when you get back. Take care and stay safe!
Thank you! And I'll still be doing the newsletter so I won't completely disappear. ;)