My current project is stuck on 21,000 words. It’s not like I have writer’s block, in fact that would be a blessing since I know how to deal with it. I’m coming up against the uglier, more devolved version of writer’s block. I wish I had a name for it, but since it falls somewhere between apathy and burnout I can’t think of a good one.

The cure for apathy is easy. Sit down and write one word. After that one word, others flow. I’ve used that before many times.

Burnout is a nastier thing, and can require everything from a complete life reorganization to getting counselling for depression. Fortunately I’m not that far gone yet, but I’m worried enough to post what I’m doing here. It’s also been awhile since I’ve posted.

Right now I’m conducting a kind of triage on my life. There’s not enough life to get everything done, so I’m having to prioritise my time. I’ve had to consider what writing means to me, and given the massively slim chance of making a living as an author, how intensely I’m prepared to follow my dream of doing this full time.

The short answer is this: It’s important enough that I’m prepared to give up the non essential but enjoyable things in life so I can write. I’m not giving up my friends and family, or eating and sleeping. I’m not quitting my job (much as I would like too). I can give up some non essential things though, like spending time on the sofa watching TV, and mucking about online.

I have a long history of overdoing things. Of taking on so many projects that I can’t possibly finish any of them, let alone all of them. This is the other side of what I’m going to have to give up to write and this is a much harder thing to do. I’m banning myself from taking on anything new from here on out. With work, training (for fighting), university and a job I already have far too much on my plate. So I’m having to kick my addiction to new projects to get this book finished.

What have you given up so you can write? Let me know in the comments.

Tags: advice, given up, Sacrifice, writing