Burnout

I will be taking a wee break from creative writing — primarily fiction, but I may step away from poetry for a spell as well.

As Mr. Gumby said, “My brain hurts.

In all fairness, my brain hurts most of the time, especially when I examine most current events.

That doesn’t mean I am done writing other things (sorry!) or abandoning my longer tale, but I think the creative end of my cranium needs a small rest. Rather than power through or deny it, I think it is better to just accept that I am “not feeling it” for the past few weeks, which is a strong signal to step back.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. Work and housework have exponentially increased the load on my mental capacity; the extreme levels of cat care (hours trying to get her to eat something, anything) followed by death of a beloved cat; the excitement of adding a new cat to our family, followed by the decision to add two new cats; the end of school chaos (choir concert, band concert, honor roll celebrations, school farewell because of a school board wanting to eliminate STEM and Fine Arts programs and the subsequent tears from the kids); planning weekly D&D sessions for the tweens so they can stay connected to their classmates during the diaspora following the school closure… Is it any wonder my brain is tapped?

Besides. Aside from a day or two about this time last year, I haven’t taken a day off from writing something (occasionally multiple somethings) every day for about five or six years. Ahh, if only practice translated to perfection — although the perfection I strive for quite likely has got an audience of one. Lord knows I’ve scared most folks away with my efforts. I might as well give their eyeballs a rest from the Clockwork Orange levels of torture.

And let me droogs enjoy a glass or six of their Moloko Plus without my interferences for a spell.


19 responses to “Burnout”

  1. lyndhurstlaura Avatar

    I don’t blame you, Michael; with everything you’ve got going on right now, both personal and public, it’s no wonder your brain is feeling fried. I took a break recently – although it didn’t last long – and returned so much better for it. Take all the time you need; your body and brain will let you know when they’re ready to return, and your friends will be here waiting. Go rest! 🙂

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thanks. It’s constant sometimes. But that’s life. Sure wouldn’t mind a break from everything. But we don’t really get that choice. 🙂

      1. lyndhurstlaura Avatar

        No, we don’t. I guess we just have to do the best we can. 😟

  2. chrisnelson61 Avatar

    …and breathe.
    I shall see you again shortly, I’m sure!

    1. michael raven Avatar

      I’m sure. I’m a lot like street vendor curry. It’s not long before I come up again.

  3. steveforthedeaf Avatar

    Someone like you will never quit writing. But stepping out for a bit. Looking around more than putting it down. Admirable, essential, bountiful.

    Live a little to live a lot, Lancelot.

    Take great care out there. Keep your pencil sharp

    1. michael raven Avatar

      I can’t stop writing, it’s my job 🙂

      Seriously.

      I’m planning on being around, I’m just letting the left side of the noggin rest a wee spell. He’s complaining about the hours I make him keep.

      1. steveforthedeaf Avatar

        Keep him sweet. He’s got a point.

        1. michael raven Avatar

          He leans kinda angsty though. LOL.

  4. Sharon's Writers Tidbits Avatar

    Missing you already! But, you’ll come back stronger! 😊💥😍🙏

    1. michael raven Avatar

      I’ll come back, anyway 😂

      Stronger? Perhaps in odor. My “best by” date passed a while back.

      1. Sharon's Writers Tidbits Avatar

        That’s funny!

        All the very best, Michael!

        ☺️😊

  5. loreleiirvine Avatar

    Look after yourself. Health is the most important thing.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      It’s an easy thing to forget to do. Thank you!

  6. Bob Avatar

    Enjoy the break. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and recharge.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      You’re right about that. Often I get so wrapped up in something I forget to do that.

  7. shredbobted Avatar

    Relax, Michael. You deserve it. The droogs aren’t going anywhere, nor should they. They are the future.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      I expect folks will come and go as they will. We’ll have to see where things take things and what comes of what comes.

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