There are so many things involved in being an indie author that, at times, it can feel close to overwhelming. So, how do I go about avoiding overload and burn out?
When I sat down to start writing my first novel all those years ago, I didn’t envisage just how many other activities I would end up finding myself involved with in order to get a story from a blank page to a book on a virtual or physical shelf.
There’s the writing itself. First draft, second draft, editing, re-writing. Then there’s the production, formatting the content, sourcing a cover, uploading the files, checking it’s all working properly. I run a newsletter that readers can sign up for, write my blog posts and run several social media accounts. Oh, and then there’s the marketing and what a lot of time that demands.
There’s also keeping up with the news from the world of books and, especially these days, relevant developments in the tech field. Blockchain and AI anyone?
I’m also keen to keep working on my craft and other skills, so I try to always be doing some relevant reading, video watching or, sometimes, completing a course.
And if all of that wasn’t already enough I also like to hang out from time-to-time with other authors, either in person at conferences or online.
I actually enjoy a lot of the non-writing activities but, strewth, they can be a time stealer. In fact, it is all too easy to find yourself feeling run-down and overwhelmed. You really do have to remember to take care of yourself.
So, how do I attempt to do just that, avoid getting overwhelmed and run-down?
Trial and error have shown me the way and I now have a three step approach to help keep me sane.
First of all prioritise and be ruthless about it. Most things can, in fact, wait for another day and remember this helps you to put the really important stuff first.
Secondly, once you know your priorities then plan. Starting the day without a clear idea where you’re heading is a sure fire way to stress and frustration. I run a quarterly and weekly planner and I also review outcomes at the start of each week to help me plan better.
Finally, whilst prioritising and planning are all well and good you also need to retain a degree of flexibility. Stuff happens that often has not a jot of regard for your plans and over which you have little control. Don’t stress about it. Instead, smile, re-plan, and move serenely on.
I won’t pretend that, even with such an approach, it isn’t sometimes tough, especially when there’s a lot going on at once, such as when I’m launching a new book. But, if you at least try to approach things in the right way and remember that you’re here to enjoy it, then you give yourself a chance. If I do feel things are, despite my best efforts, getting on top of me then I have been known to push aside the keyboard, vacate the premises and go for a long, long walk. That one works just about every time.
All the best,
Ben
If you’re a fan of dark, disturbing stories, then take a wander into the darker recesses of the human mind with my Shorts in the Dark stories.