3 Questions Every Writer Should Ask to Clarify Their Best Path and Avoid Burnout

by Patty Smith Hall @PattySmithHall

As I enter this new era of my life, I’ve realized I need a blueprint to guide me through my writing career. For the past twenty years, my plan was relatively simple. Learn the craft. Get an agent and a contract, then write as many books as I could manage.

It’s no wonder I hit burnout!

I don’t want to step into the same pitfalls. I want a clear divide between my family life and my writing, and I don’t want to ever utter the words “I’ll do that when I have time” again. If you don’t make a game plan, it’s like the song says—“There never seems to be enough time to do the things I want to do once you find them.” But to make a plan, there are some questions that need to be answered. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career, in the middle or moving in a different direction like me, here are three questions you need to think and pray on.

Clarify Your Writing Path with These 3 Questions

1 What does success look like to me?

Success means different things to different people. To some, it’s all about writing a book and having it published. Maybe success to you is winning awards and seeing your name on a bestseller’s list. It could be looking at your bank account and seeing a large royalty payment. 

When I started writing, my view of success was writing for Love Inspired. I’d been reading Harlequin Romances since I was eleven years old and felt that writing for the inspirational line would be a wonderful success. I didn’t care about the money or even the fame as much as I wanted to write stories I could share with my mom and daughters. The day I learned Love Inspired Historical had bought my books, I felt as if I’d made it! God has blessed me with the opportunity to write for other publishing houses but for me at least, writing for Love Inspired Historical was a success.

2. What are your goals?

We all need goals. They keep us motivated when all we want to do is sit on the back deck and read (which I guess is a goal if you think about it.) Making long and short-term goals are important when planning out your writing career. What do you want to accomplish in your first year? Attend a writing conference or submit an article to Chicken Soup for the Soul? What about your three year or your fifth? Long term goals consist of getting an agent or finishing your novel or landing a contract with your dream publisher. Maybe your goals concern money. What do you want to make your first year? Your third? Your fifth? 

You also need to think about what you’re willing to give up to meet these goals. Are you willing to give up binge-watching Netflix or stop playing video games so you can meet your word count? How much family and friend time will you give up to write? Think about your emotional goals. Writing takes a lot out of us mentally as well as physically. You need to have a plan on how to successfully balance your work and family life.

Another goal to set—daily word count. Not only are you making progress on your manuscript, there’s instant gratification in meeting a goal.

3. How much money are you willing to spend on your writing?

There’s a reason for the phrase ‘starving artist.’ Like most things, it takes money to write. There are the initial investments—a good laptop or computer, writing programs like Microsoft Word and reference books. You decide to take a class online or even go to a conference which can cost the same as a family vacation. And these expenses don’t end after you’re published. No matter how hard you try or how much you study the craft, you will never learn everything you need to know to be a good writer. The process of learning is a never-ending circle. 

My suggestion—make out a writing budget you can live with and stick to it. If you’re married, sit down with your spouse, and discuss your plan. Any royalties that come in should go back into your writing bank account (yes, you need a bank account!) Don’t spend more money than you’re willing to lose.

Answering these questions will be difficult but in doing so, you’ll make it easier on yourself as you start your writing career. 

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3 Questions Every Writer Should Ask to Clarify Their Best Path and Avoid Burnout from @PattySmithHall on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Patty Smith Hall is a multi-published author, teacher and encourager to new writersjust starting their journey. A founding member of ACFW, she served on the national board and as a Genesis contest coordinator, and presided as president of her local chapter. As an acquisition editor for Winged Publications, she finds great joy in helping and encouraging others reach their publishing dreams. Married almost 40 years to Danny, she finds great joy in her family, friends, and her relationship with Jesus Christ. You can contact her at www.pattysmithhall.com.

Featured Image: Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash