Do you ever feel burnt out and in need of pulling back from something for a bit? This is a hypothetical question, of course, as burnout seems to be a universal symptom of humanity—at least for most of us in modern day. It is for sure true for authors, and you may be surprised to discover that as a reader you can play an important role in helping us to recharge.
Recently, I’ve been sharing with my readers about beginning a self-imposed writing break. After my latest release last month, which was the seventh published project in about two years, my creative flame was as close to extinguished as possible without being snuffed out entirely. It was time for a break. I’m enjoying more reading time, brainstorming when an idea hits me, and spending time with readers like YOU who have similar interests. So far, it’s so nice.
When you feel burnt out, how do you recharge?
Who, if anyone, do you turn to for support?
While speaking with other CCR authors, I found I’m definitely not alone. Tara Grace Ericson shares, “I am definitely of the camp that needs to disengage from writing and refill my well (both creatively through bingeing shows and books, and mentally by checking other long-neglected things off my to-do list).” Shannon Taylor Vannatter quits writing to recharge. “I read, do craft projects, and watch romance movies. And pretty soon the stories start perking.” It’s nice to know we’re not alone in these sort of struggles.
Creatives like authors are often tentative to take breaks when the thing we’re needing a break from is, in even a small way, our bread and butter. What if readers forget about us? What if sales tank? What if we stop posting as frequently and our social media stats plummet?
That’s where YOU come in, sweet readers. Do you know just how powerful you are? Where family and friends often step in when life gets overwhelming to encourage and uplift, readers can similarly offer priceless support to weary authors.
Here are three easy ways you can help an author who may be fighting burnout.
- Send a message of appreciation to an author. Whether a blog comment, direct message, or email, simple notes go a long way to boosting an author’s morale. “I have been amazed at the understanding and grace given to me by readers,” Tara Grace said. “I know they are eagerly waiting the next book, but it’s nice to know they realize I’m also a person — not just a book production robot.”
- Engage with author’s posts and questions. One thing I’m trying to do during this “down time” is posting questions on social media that help me get to know readers, what books they’re enjoying, and what they might enjoy from me when I pick back up with writing. When you notice and engage with these posts, it helps so much!
- Keep reading and reviewing! When you notice a writer is taking a break, it’s a great time to peruse their backlist of books and maybe read one you’ve missed. A new review on a book that’s been out a few years is SO, SO, SO encouraging to us authors! Author Jaycee Weaver wants you to know that “reviews, talking about our books, getting excited about upcoming releases, and so on can help us combat burnout!”
Not long ago, after I shared with my newsletter subscribers that I’d be taking a writing break, a reader took a just a moment to email me. It read: “Your break is well deserved, but don’t take too long…I need more of your sweet, tender stories.” I printed this email and have pinned it above my desk so I’ll be reminded that someone will miss the stories I have to tell.
Each and every one of you encourage us daily with your comments on these posts. You give us feedback, inspire ideas, provide real-life anecdotes, and lend subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) support. You’ve become more than names on a screen. You’ve become valued, known readers. Friends.
I hope you know how special—and powerful—you are.
Do you have another way you’ve encourage writers over the years? As a reader, what’s your favorite way to show an author support?
Teresa Tysinger is an author of Southern contemporary romance inspired by grace. She writes on the fringes of being a wife, mom, and full-time communications professional. Teresa is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, the Association for Women in Communications, and the Religion Communicators Council. She’s an introverted Enneagram 4 (if you know, you know) and loves coffee, traveling, and almost every genre of music. Born in Hawaii, raised in Florida, and educated in North Carolina, she now resides in Texas with her husband, daughter, and dog.
I have never been very good at responding to subscriber newsletters, thinking that I was just one of 100’s and what difference would it make…. But recently I have found myself sending short messages of encouragement or thanks for a particular insight and have been touched by the author’s grateful and quick response.
I guess I may be one of 100’s on a subscription list, but my one voice is still appreciated. It makes it all worthwhile.
I love this! And you are absolutely correct. It means the world! Thank you!
I interact with multiple authors a day on FB!! I read newsletters about every day, too, and respond to some of them. I do reviews as soon as I finish books, and usually share about the ones I’ve read on FaceBook, too. I’ve sent some author’s Christmas cards. I should do notes to some, as I do have a few of their mailing addresses. Thanks for giving me an idea!
You’re a rock star snd we appreciate you!!
I am always astounded that authors sometimes forget or don’t realise the impact their work has on readers. Though given it can be such a solitary occupation {the writing part} it would mean if I was a writer I would need to put in place a system to engender feedback to combat the isolation. Often as women we are our own harshest critics and feedback from readers can negate that. I love the email you printed out as a reminder. :)
Thank you so much! :)
I do try to remember to write reviews.
I connect on Facebook posts. Sometimes I email the author. I always try to give encouragement when I can. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
buy and read their books
I send the author an email & post on there sites to encourage them.
I read there books & will post reviews as well send an email
Everyone needs a break. You are not a robot and pushing yourself only leads to you feeling under pleasure and the possibility of stopping something you love. I know with reading I need breaks right now on a longer than intended as the past couple books haven’t been my cup of tea. One I didn’t finish as I was so confused with who was who and still have no idea who it was about. the other is Women’s fiction and while I was enjoying I couldn’t get over some of the slang which I was brought up knowing if I said it I would be in huge trouble. I tried to look past it but it keeps happening. so having a break and reading some short stories.
I like to let an author know how much I loved a book. (every time I have de ju vu I wonder if I really have been there before thanks To the time Rift by Liwen Ho and her husband David, Have even sent messages telling her this). I review books, and will often put them on a blog I am associated with and then share this. Recently an author friend had a free book and I have shared that on FB. While I read recent releases I also read older books and will talk about the book with others.
I don’t always reply to newsletters unless there is a question I can answer or in some cases when they share about there pets and I have a similar thing happen. A recent one I replied to was the author asking if reader would read older hero/heroine like in their 60’s and I said yes and gave some feedback.
I actually think you have done great writing 7 books in 2 years.
What a lovely, thoughtful post. Thanks for sharing. I hope you feel refreshed and recharged while you take a much-deserved break.
The best!! Thank you!
We thank YOU!!
Always appreciated!
Tgg he and you so much!!
So, so appreciated!
This is great! Thanks for your thoughtfulness!
Thanks so much, Milla!
I have emailed an author before and let them know how much I enjoyed their story & how it touched me, my favorite things in it or whatnot. I always encouraging them to write what the Lord has for them to write, and end with something like “may God abundantly bless your writing endeavors & your life”. I love to let them know that this reader (meaning me) enjoys their fictional worlds & appreciates the talent God has given them. Sometimes I even say I can’t wait for the next book or installment in the series.
I also love to engage a author via their blog or website, sometimes even on Facebook. Though, with FB I don’t go on that as often anymore. I honestly wished I could do more to encourage writers, if only I had more time! LOL!
I don’t have many social networks and Amazon doesn’t let me post comments but I support recommending good writers to Christian or non-Christian friends! I try to get more people to know about the writers I like.
And read old books by a writer too! there are so many books sometimes it’s hard to read everything a writer has published.
You’re a wonderful encourager!
Wonderful ways to support, thank you!