I’m exhausted. Tired. Kaput.
It’s taking me three times longer than it should to finish a project. I’m typing all the wrong things – words that don’t exist. My eyes don’t focus on what I’m reading. I’m not paying attention when I’m spoken to. I wake up tired after a night riddled with horrific nightmares (though those can be turned into stories).
It’s time for me to take a break from the bombardment of social media and blogging. It’s time for me to take some me time. It’s time for me to have quiet surround me so I can refuel, refresh and restart.
I’ve tried working through my exhaustion. I’ve tried to push through and get my work done. I’ve tried to do everything at once. I’ve tried to be super-human.
I can’t anymore.
I don’t want to face burnout again. I don’t want to watch my ideas wither and die – never to be finished, never to become great stories.
So, I’ve slowly started in the last week to cut back on social media and I didn’t do a #TwistedTaleTuesday or a #FolkloreThursday post on the blog. That was hard. And I wrote this post. Which was even harder, though I did feel relief as I wrote it.
I’m taking September off.
Yes, you read right: for the entire month of September I won’t be blogging, tweeting, posting stuff on Google+, Wattpad or anywhere else. I probably won’t be answering emails either.
In September I’m going to do some spring cleaning. Not just my home, but also my writing (especially my hard drive). I’m going to finish a few writing projects that have been mere ideas on post-it notes. I’m going to (finally!) read the books I bought for my birthday in June. And I’m going to remind myself daily that it’s okay not to go online, that it’s okay to focus on myself, that it’s okay to take some time to just write without any distractions or deadlines.
I’ll be back in October. In October I’ll share my experience of going dark, of taking time to just write. In October I’ll catch up on everything I’ve missed in September.
Until then…
Oh, before you think this has something to do with not being successful while being on social media: my short story about Valkyries, Furies and the Fates was selected to be published in an anthology at the end of November. I only found out about the anthology opportunity on Twitter…
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Louise@DragonspireUK said:
This post couldn’t have come at a better time.
Last week, I sat down to write, to blog, to social media, and I just couldn’t do it. I hit a massive wall and spent most of the week watching Netflix, and at the beach. I felt so guilty, but better for it.
I struggle to disconnect, to not go online, to take a break, and I needed a reminder that sometimes, a break isn’t just okay, it’s necessary.
I hope you have an awesome September and enjoy your downtime 🙂 It sounds lovely to work on writing projects without distractions or deadlines, and I’m sure it will be nice to take a break. Take care, and I look forward to hearing about it in October 🙂
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Louise 🙂
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hilarymb said:
Hi Ronel – I’ve never tried to do it all .. that’s why I just blog. But can totally understand your need to switch off … enjoy the break and sincerely hope life eases and you get sorted out … take care – cheers Hilary
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Hilary 🙂
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Jennie said:
Enjoy the month, Ronel!
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Jennie 🙂
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Jennie said:
😀
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Misha said:
I think you made the right decision. Enjoy your time away! We’ll be here when you come back. 🙂
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Misha 🙂
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Juneta said:
Rest Well Friend. Hugs
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Juneta 🙂
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saracsnider said:
Social media always threatens to suck the life/soul out of me, which is why I need to interact with it sparingly. The days I don’t visit Facebook always seem like good days. I’m glad you’re taking time for you. And congratulations on your story publication! See you in October.
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Sara 🙂
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Debbie Johansson said:
Congratulations on your story being published, Ronel!
Spending a month away from social media sounds like a wonderful idea – I might have to do the same sometime! Enjoy the break and I look forward to seeing you again in October and hearing about your latest writing endeavours. 🙂
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Debbie 🙂
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Jacqui Murray said:
You will be missed–and envied. Maybe mostly the latter!
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂
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Stephanie Faris, Children's Author said:
Great idea! I’m not very active here. So many other things going on. I’m just keeping up with a few blogs and posting once a week–all pre-written. I’m not 100% sure blogging really pays off, but it’s fun. It just can be overwhelming sometimes.
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Stephanie 🙂
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pjlazos said:
That’s awesome! 👏 I say if you need a break, take it! I’ve cut back to one post a week so I can work on my novel, but it’s still too much. So good for you! Maybe I’ll do the same.
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miladyronel said:
Thank you 🙂
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TheresaBarker said:
Ronel, congratulations on the courage and the awareness to step back from online interactions and efforts. I’m excited for you to spend time on your writing and creativity. I always admire how much you prioritize your writing art. Kudos! 🙂
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miladyronel said:
Thanks, Theresa 🙂
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Annalisa Crawford said:
Have a great September. I’m feeling a bit burnt out at the moment too – in fact, it seems like a common issue among many people. Enjoy your ‘me’ time, and your books 🙂
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Gina said:
Enjoy the month off!
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Anne J. said:
I’m commenting late so you’ll see it in October. 🙂 I just want to say thank you so much for your help always and it really is okay not to do all at the same time. It will be good for you. Enjoy your rest and come back strong.
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C.D. Gallant-King said:
Enjoy the month off! I don’t really do social media that much to warrant a break from it. Don’t blog much either. Quitting them altogether, sadly, wouldn’t really free up that many hours in my day. I hope it works for you. Just keep writing!
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E.M.A. Timar said:
Enjoy your break. Recoup and recharge! I can’t wait to read more content when you get back. Congratulations on the publication!! That is so exciting!
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