that’s exactly what happened. Actually, burnout started last December, but it managed to stick around right up to spring. So while the daffodils tried to spread their sunny delight, I was working on not muttering “Bah. Humbug.”
A lot had to do with what everyone was going through–isolation from friends and family, disruption of those pleasant routines, like lunch in a restaurant, or a good gym workout, or seeing people’s smiles.
At first, I wrote myself through this, then in desperation, I turned to editing. Walking my 4 miles a day helped, and Zoom gave me my People Fix, not as satisfying as chatting in person, but something. I read everything I had on hand, from books and magazines to humorous cocktail napkins and wine labels.
The Great Burnout Wall appeared out of nowhere, and I hit it full on. The stories stopped. My editor’s pen ran dry. I wore out my second pair of walking shoes. There didn’t seem to be anything worth reading. Now what?
I met Contractor Ted. Yes. He put me back on track. For years, I’ve put off tearing off an old deck because I dreaded dealing with plans, and permits, and contractors. Ted changed all of that. Cheerful. Competent. Organized. Honest. Wow! He was a perfect burnout antidote.
I’m back to writing. The editing’s going well, Okay. It’s kind of meh, but at least it’s progressing. I bought new walking shoes and have been doing hitting the trails again, and I’ve even added my gym workout via Zoom. I’m back to enjoying reading, and as a bonus, the old deck’s history, and I’m loving the new one.
Interestingly enough, in the IWSG Newsletter this month, there’s a great article about overcoming burnout by Mary Kole. Be sure to check it out. It’s perfect with advice about enjoying the journey and taking your eyes off the destination.
And now that I’ve regaled you with my tale of burnout misery and recovery, let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
The awesome co-hosts for the April 7 posting of the IWSG are
PK Hrezo,Pat Garcia,SE White,Lisa Buie Collard,and Diane Burton!
The #IWSG question for the month is…
Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?
I’m not sure I’d say I’m a risk-taker, but I like to “play” with different ways of telling a story. I like to use different points of view, even experimenting with using first and third in a single book–that experiment worked. A publisher paid me and published the book that was finally titled Sliding on the Edge.
Since some of what I write is contemporary/realistic Young Adult, my topics are about what teens experience. I’ve covered cutting, suicide, injustice, illiteracy, and prejudice in the novels I’ve written. I’m not sure these constitute controversial topics because authors write about them all the time, but they are hot issues in today’s world.
I have a new book almost ready to go out that deals with mass shootings. I started this several years ago, and since my first draft we’ve had three mass shootings in the U.S. Every time that kind of news flashes around the world, I wonder if I should sub this book, or just hold on to it. I’m not chasing after the news. The news seems to be chasing after my story.
When I write Middle Grade, I leave all the heavy topics behind and have fun. Writing for the eight to twelve age group is an escape for me, and I want it to be the same for the young reader. The biggest risk I took with these books is having talking alligators who were the sages in the story as well as witch familiars. As I typed this sentence, I thought, “This sounds so wierd.” And I guess it is, but the Adventures of Pete and Weasel are out there, and so far nobody’s come to collect me for a mental examination.
This week one of the early successes in children’s literature died at the age of 104. I’m so glad I got to meet and talk to Beverly Cleary a couple of years ago. After that meeting, I wrote a short article about that day and I published it on LinkedIn. If you want to read about a real national treasure who at the age of 102 still had her sense of humor and a very keen mind, here’s that ARTICLE.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Helen Keller
Sherry Ellis says
The deck looks great!
I understand writer burnout. I’ve been going through big stretches of those. Glad you’re able to get back in the saddle and write more.
Nick Wilford says
Glad you seem to be hitting a bit of stride with editing and everything else. It’s surprising how much changing our surroundings helps and I’m sure you’re making good use of that deck. Controversial topics? No, you deal with real issues and I’m sure that’s a help to many readers.
J Lenni Dorner says
Oh man, the author of Fudge is gone from our world? That’s so sad. How did I not hear about that?
Great deck. Glad you were able to get that done.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
Toi Thomas says
I’m glad to hear you are recovered and recovering from your burnout and have a lovely new deck. I like your brave approach to writing and appreciate your creativity. I think it’s import to write about topic that matter to you whether or despite them being featured in the news.
It’s nice that you got to meet Beverly Cleary before she passed. I’ve always enjoyed her work.
Kieran O'Toole says
I think the deck looks great, perfect for reflecting on summers day when writing or any day and with such fine scenery for peace of mind.
Jess@Fairday's Blog says
Your new deck looks great. Glad you were able to find someone to help you with it and now you can free your mind for other things- like writing. Hard getting through burnout- but I am glad you are writing again. 🙂
~Jess
Luciana says
The issues you’ve mentioned in your YA books are topical and have been for a while, well since I’ve been teaching teenagers. They are important to continue writing about, especially as dealing with teenagers on a daily basis, their mental health, self-harm, suicide, etc are on the increase sadly.
Diane Burton says
Congrats on working through the burnout. Love your new deck. Ted is a wonder. So glad he inspired you. Your risky topics sound very risky to me. Yet, someone needs to write them. I love your MG stories. Fun, exciting adventures.
Patty Josephine says
The new deck looks beautiful. Can I come over and sit on it in the sun?
Michelle Wallace says
As you know, I’ve had a load on my plate for the last few months.
Things seem to be getting better.
With regards to Pete and Weasel, they are amazing characters; plus the talking alligators and witches are the cherry on top.
That’s a gorgeous deck. Enjoy!
Jeff says
Walking is always a good medicine for burnout. And I’m glad you’re doing a book on mass shootings, as I think you have the insight to do something helpful during this terrible season we find ourselves back in (as the pandemic begins to wane).
Also, ask your contractor if he’s interested in a job in the Virginia mountains. I’ve been trying to line up a contractor to do a wrap around deck for months!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ll tell Ted. He may love to see the Virginia mountains. I know they’re beautiful.
I’m nervous about this book, but I’m ready to have readers give me some feedback. That’s the only way I’ll know if it’s something worth sending out for for acquisition.
Sandra Cox says
Good on you for recognizing Beverly Clary. A successful author that lived to 104. Isn’t that wondrous?
Huge kudos on that beautiful deck and kicking burnout to the curb. Burnout is definitely a four letter plus word, isn’t it?
Take special care. Let me know if I can help in anyway on any of your projects.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Many thanks, Sandra. I am putting out a call for Beta Readers on my next email. If you’re interested, please email me using the link. Now I’m off to be sure this thing is ready to go out for some keen-eyed scrutiny.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – contractor Ted has definitely done you a service – the deck is gorgeous and he’s given you your focus back. Excellent to know you’ll be back writing and that the trail is blazing ahead for you. So pleased you’re getting through these challenging times – all the best – Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
Lovely words of support, Hilary. Thank you so much. You’re the best.
Sheri Larsen says
Firstly, your new deck is gorgeous! I’m sure you’ll be able to find some inspiration while sitting out there. The infamous wall of writer burn-out. #sigh C.Lee, I wish I didn’t understand this to the tenth degree, but I do. As you explained how this past year felt to you and to your writing I kept nodding my head. It was as if you were telling my story, my past year and a half. For me, I’ve begun to understand that, while writing is important to me and I will continue to do so, God has me taking it in a new direction. I’m not sure what or where. I’m just going to trust because trusting is far better than the spinning my writer wheels I’d been doing. 🙂 Always here if you ever want to virtually visit – while sitting on your new deck, of course. LOL
C. Lee McKenzie says
So sorry you’ve been in this burnout hell, too Sheri. I hope you do find that new direction, but I’m confident you will. You’ve always had that kind of spirit. I see that in your posts and way back when we were working together on Georgia’s team.
Yes, to a virtual get-together. It would be fun.
Deniz says
I’m so sad about Beverly Cleary.
Gorgeous new deck! I like the idea of doing something physical to get beyond burnout.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The experience was transforming, and I’m still excited to step out onto it in the morning.
Yvette Carol says
You are far braver than I! And I am so jealous you got to meet my idol, Beverly Cleary – how wonderful. I was sad to hear she had passed.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I just knew I had to do something or stay in bed for the rest of this lock down. Building a new deck seemed much more interesting.
Damyanti Biswas says
What a lovely deck! Glad you’re back to writing, walking, and workouts!
Hope it goes well from now on.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Fingers crossed!
Sonia Dogra says
Hi Lee. I always enjoy visiting you. The deck is lovely. I did read that article on burnout and your little piece here is helpful too. I think we’ve all been/are in that space. So anyone sharing an experience helps. I just read the interview as well. I like writers who have their own pace. And reading about Beverly Cleary was wonderful. Thank you!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m so pleased that you read the article about Ms. Cleary. It was such a thrill to talk to her, and I was surprised at how much a “fan-girl” I turned into that day.
Always appreciate your visit and your comments, Sonia.
Denise Covey says
Good ole Contractor Ted. What a lovely deck. I can understand not wanting to tackle it, but what a result. Glad that you’ve got your writing/editing mojo back after the slump. Hope it’s smooth sailing from now on!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Denise. I’m determined to keep going ahead and leave the moping behind.
Pat Hatt says
Great that you kicked the burnout to the curb. Who knew a new porch could do that.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Not me, for sure. I like the image of kicking burnout to the curb.
Beverly McClure says
So you’re the glow in the Western sky. Good for you.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ha! Good one, Beverly.
S.E. White says
Gorgeous deck! Wow. I wouldn’t have thought of it for a burnout cure, but hey, it worked.
It’s funny that so many topics which teenagers genuinely deal with on a daily basis are considered “controversial”. The adults clutching their pearls the hardest over these topics might want to consider stepping up, advocating, and re-arranging the world so that fewer teens are forced to deal with those kinds of things in the first place? I dunno. I’m glad you tackle them in your work, though. I’m sure it’s helped many of your readers.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re so right, S.E. Adults could step up and help make the transition from those teen years into maturity much easier. Thanks for stopping in to leave a comment and such a thoughtful one at that.
Yvonne V says
Lee — so sorry for the burnout but who knew that decks were a cure? The new one is beautiful.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It surprised me for sure. I hope we open up and start socializing again or I may be forced to tackle that bathroom remodel. 🙂
Liz A. says
Yay for the new deck. When burnout hits, you’ve got to do something completely outside of your usual. Glad you’re getting on the other side. But take care of you. The writing will still be there when you’re ready for it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good advice, Liz. Thanks so much.
Tyrean A Martinson says
Hooray for Contractor Ted! Your deck looks awesome and I’m glad you found your way back to writing. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think I’ll have to thank Ted again when I see him. I don’t think he knows just how much he helped me out.
Carol Kilgore says
Congrats on your new deck – it’s gorgeous. So is the view. I’m happy to learn you’ve moved past the burnout stage. Here’s to a better April!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Carol. It’s much easier to get out of bed in the morning now that I have a more positive outlook.
Elephants Child says
LOVE your deck. And, as you know, your writing. I will happily (if that is the right word) read your take on mass shootings when I get the chance. As a reader I firmly believe that controversial/hot topics need to be out there. If we read and think about them perhaps we will get the courage to talk honestly about them too.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, thank you so much. I really appreciate what your wrote.
Jacqui Murray says
That is the most unique burnout cure I’ve ever seen, Lee. And the deck looks wonderful!
C. Lee McKenzie says
It cost just about as much as a psychiatrist, and it was much more fun.
L. Diane Wolfe says
Such a beautiful deck. Putting in a patio last year saved my sanity.
My cousin lives in CA and told me restaurants JUST opened back up for dine-in. Wow, we opened up last May and are at 75% capacity right now.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, you know how nuts we are in this state, Diane. I saw your patio project and was thoroughly impressed by how you made such a great spot to enjoy.
Chrys Fey says
I can definitely relate to your Great Burnout Wall. Mine happened years ago, and it took me a long time to knock it down. I’m glad you’re back to writing and editing!
C. Lee McKenzie says
It does take a while to beat back those feelings. I didn’t realize it until this happened.
Olga Godim says
Great new deck.
You’re very brave to tackle such deep topics in your stories. Such books stay in the readers’ heads.
A couple years ago, I read a series of romance novels by Roni Loren about survivors of a school shooting. The action in all the novels of the series takes place a decade or more after the shooting, but the consequences are still there, in the survivors’ lives.
I read lots of romances and enjoy them, and usually forget them 3 days after I close the book. Not this series. I still remember these books years after I read them. I even bought them for a re-read.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Isn’t it great to find the exception among so much of the same thing? I’m not a romance reader, but I might take a peak at Loren’s series now. Thanks, Olga.
Anna says
You’ve written about some heavy subjects and I think it’s awesome. The world can’t address a subject if everyone covers it up. Let it out, so we can heal. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
We live with a lot of heavy issues every day, and I agree, that through stories we can often cope with those issue more easily. Covering them over won’t do much of anything.
diedre says
Your new deck is fabulous!
Perhaps what we so often perceive as burnout is simply being (temporarily) out of inspirational fuel. I’m glad you’ve been replenished 😉
Even in fiction, reality has a way of seeping in.
Happy writing!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I have found my summer place for sure this year. And maybe I’ll keep replenished by getting out on that deck with my pen and paper. Thanks, Diedre.
PK Hrezo says
Hi Lee!! I love your deck! That should serve as a nice inspiration station. I get the burn out–it’s been tough. Writing has been how i escape cabin fever since I work from home too. You sound like a total risk taker when writing. I love that. I, too, wrote an active shooter YA story that i have not yet had the guts to put out there, but writing it did help me do some healing with respects to figuring out that kind of depraved mind. Let me know if you do ever decide to seek publishing with it. Wishing you creative mojo!!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We need to talk about these stories that we’re clinging to. I’m getting ready to take the plunge again, and I think I only need a slight push to actually do it.
JQ Rose says
What a gorgeous deck. I love the railings. Very classy. My husband, Ted, and I also tore up and rebuilt to dodge the downers of COVID this winter. He and his brother ripped out all the kitchen cabinets, ran more wires for lights and outlets, tiled the wall between the countertop and bottom of cabinets and laid vinyl plank flooring. No, they did not install new countertops. We ordered and had the company install them. Just looking at the kitchen makes me happy, but working in it is much nicer. Definitely lifts the spirits. However, the new kitchen has not magically transformed me into a cook. sigh. Glad you’re back to writing. Love your stories.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That kitchen project sounds wonderful, JQ. I know I’d be thrilled with something fresh and inviting. You can always order take out and put it on a decorative plate. That counts as cooking in my book.
Natalie Aguirre says
Love your new deck! I’m having a big landscaping project done in my backyard. I’m glad to hear that you are out of your writing slump. It’s hard being so isolated during the pandemic, especially when you live alone like we do. Even with a boyfriend that I see a few nights a week, it’s been lonely. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hope your project goes well. It does help when you see something being done that you’ve planned. If it turns out well, that’s perfect.
Glad you have your boyfriend to talk to. I know not being able to talk to someone about things is one of the hardest parts of living alone. Thanks for your continued support.
HRSinclair says
The deck is beautiful! And what a great way to deal with “the wall.” I glad to hear it’s getting brighter–may that continue.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, HR. All walls must come down eventually, so that’s something to remember. Here’s to a brighter day.
Carrie-Anne says
That’s a lovely deck! I wish I had that kind of place to have privacy and write on.
The kinds of controversial topics I included in my books for mostly shock value as a teen and in my early twenties seem kind of quaint by modern standards. Probably the most shocking thing about them is how YOUNG my characters were, like starting to have sex, drink, smoke, and experiment with drugs at 10-11 years old. My adult self is horrified I saw nothing disturbing about kids in elementary school acting like high school kids, as though it were the most normal thing in the world.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Wow, that is young, but I guess it’s true that kids are into some very “adult” behavior much earlier these days.
joylene says
Wow! Ted did good!
It’s rather astonishing how many of us are feeling the same way these days. I know people in Europe and Asia that feel the same. We will get through this. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know this has affected everyone. I was naive to think I could escape by ignoring how I felt. Looking for that light!
Lisa says
What a great deck! We built a small shed (my she-shed) last summer and it really helped with my burn out wall. Spring is such a good time for breaking habits and planting new ones!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I remember your she-shed. It was lovely. I’m sure you’re putting it to good use.
Lee Lowery says
I’ve always considered your work to be contemporary and cutting-edge. The topics you write about are so important. If someone finds them controversial, oh well. These days, one cannot choose a flavor of ice cream with raising some kind of controversy.
Love the new deck! I got a new front porch last fall, and it brings me pleasure every time I step out on it!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I waited a long time before investing in this deck project, and now I’m so glad I did it. Like your front porch, this deck has given me pleasure every day.
I hear you about the controversy. We can’t expect to escape it these days. I’m please you’ve found my work to be interesting and out there. My writer’s heart beats a bit faster thanks to your comment.
Pat Garcia says
Hi,
Your new deck looks beautiful and I am glad Ted came along. In the first part of February, I wanted to cry. I had hit a dark spot. Just didn’t seem to get it right. I was down on myself. I met a group of ladies. We are now a Zoom Connect and that turned things around for me.
Wishing you all the best Lee.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m so glad you found a group that has lightened your dark spot, Pat. No more dark thoughts for you, okay?
Ellen Jacobson says
Alligators as sages doesn’t sound weird, it sounds awesome! But then again, I tend to think weird is awesome 🙂
The new deck looks fabulous. The perfect place to read, unwind, and think about alligators.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Ellen. I’m heartened to hear that, and I’ll pass it along to the alligators. Now I’m waiting for the weather to warm up so I can do exactly what you’ve suggested.
Jemi Fraser says
Glad Ted came into your life to build your deck and toss your burnout! The deck is marvellous – composite deck boards I think?
Burnout is tough – been there and crawled out before and am trying to avoid it at the moment.
I’ve got a story that involves the aftermath of a school shooting from a teacher’s perspective. I’ve put it aside for now as well, although I think that will shove up in series 3… so many stories in my head!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. Composite. I didn’t want anymore maintenance, and with this material, all I have to do it blow off the leaves.
Don’t crash and burn, Jemi! Keep going. You’re on a roll and it’s a good one.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Your new deck looks great! Something about sprucing up your home that just lights a fire.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Indeed it does.
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
I’m sorry to learn that your muse crashed and burned, dear friend, but delighted with the happy ending to the story. Thank goodness you found Contractor Ted. That deck he installed is magnificent. I can easily see how it proved to be an inspiration, just the catalyst you needed to pull out of the doldrums and get back on track doing the things you love, exercising body and mind .
I admire you for playing with different ways of telling a story and for tackling edgy topics relevant to young people in the 2020s. Your book about mass shootings is bound to generate buzz and sales. I go out of my way to take risks on my blog. It’s how I roll. Then again, I have nothing to lose.
Yessum, I read that centenarian Beverly Cleary, renowned author of children’s and YA fiction books, recently died. You were fortunate to have met and talked with her.
It’s great to see you again, dear friend Cheryl-Lee. Enjoy your April. I hope to see you soon!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re such a boost for my spirit, Shady. I always love to read your comments. They mean a lot to me. Thanks you.