No doubt most, if not all artists, know what running on empty feels like. In my case, I always hope it doesn’t last very long, although it’s kind of scary because it feels like I’m giving up on dreams, goals or reaching the finish line with creative endeavors. But, really, it’s recognizing the need to refuel. The hard part is letting go of all the stuff of life that get me to the empty tank. And too many times I rely on the reserve fuel.
As an author, blogger or grant writer (my day job) I’m not talking about writer’s block. There’s no staring at a blank page or piece of paper and waiting for inspiration when running on empty. I’m still working, still writing, but it’s with mental exhaustion and a mind filled with distractions. It’s waking up and being tired only hours into the new day.
And so I trudge forward, knowing that the best solution is permitting unplugged moments and not obsessing over the avalanche of emails in my inbox. It’s not worrying over expanding my author’s platform and all the social media opportunities I miss. It’s not trying to keep up with tweets so I don’t disappear into cyberspace. Yes, technology and all it encompasses on a daily basis is part of my running on empty, and it’s a hard one to resolve.
Writers need a platform to sell their books, articles, any form of artistic work they want in the public eye. With reports of over one million books published yearly, it’s no wonder it feels so daunting to enter the arena. When I first published “Unearthing Christmas” I had that over-the-moon euphoria seeing my work in print. I thought selling forty books to one person was a huge success! Actually every book, even five sales at an author signing, gave me reason to celebrate.
A writer I recently met lamented on selling only 10,000 of one of her books and was certain it would have been over 20,000 if her former publishing team had done its job. Well, that was certainly a reality check for yours truly. I’m not saying I write diary entries, which is my definition of writing without the goal of anyone setting eyes upon the polished prose. But, admittedly, I don’t have the platform of faithful followers to reach a level of 1,000 let alone 10,000 readers. Not yet, at least!
So, what should I do, especially when thoughts of social media exhaust me to no end? I bombard myself with webinars, blogs, conferences, you name it on how to advance my writing career. And I’m not even touching on screenwriting which is the flip side of the coin, and, at one time, my only creative interest.
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Wait it out! Yes, I’m an Annie advocate and the signature song by Alice Morton in the Broadway hit is required attitude adjustment because, really “The sun’ll come out tomorrow” and if you don’t know the lyrics, well, it’s worth checking out. I don’t look at waiting as putting off until tomorrow what can be done today. The sun will shine and the clouds will disappear and we know that hope always remains on the gloomiest of days. Wait it out. So many days I’ve thought, wow, I can’t write a blog today, maybe all week! Who knows? And then, with a new day, my fingers tap out words on a keyboard. Voila! The cloud cover dispersed!
Nature walks! Oh yes! I don’t hug trees but I do let their magnificent presence wrap around me in blissful moments! Trees and wooded paths are the perfect diversion and nature is the best way to fill my creative tank! It never fails me, even if the effects aren’t felt immediately. And, when I add prayer to these nature walks, it’s even more restorative. Sometimes, it can be a walk in the neighborhood and focusing on the trees in my path or the flowering gardens and shrubs planted by neighbors. And, other times, it’s the seasonal yellow finch pecking at sunflower seeds. One sight of these little winged creatures, and my spirits are lifted.
A good story! Oh, how I love a good story, whether told visually in a movie or between the pages of a book! I had denied myself the time luxury of reading when completing my second novel, and I now realize it resulted in added episodes of running on empty. Words are like nourishment and inspiration and I denied myself opportunities to experience wonderful storytelling. After a self-imposed moratorium, I rejoined my sister’s book club, and I look forward to the scheduled discussions. I also plan to increase my Reading Challenge on Goodreads in 2022.
As we enter the last and busiest month of the year, I wish you restorative moments as an artist! Let the sun shine on you and through you as you share your talent with a world that awaits you whether they know it or not!! Happy writing. May the moments of running on empty be a prelude to your next masterpiece!!