The Camp Site

I realized in late November/early December that I am having creative burn out. I wrote A LOT of short stories in October and November and most of them were flash pieces. I entered a bunch of contests and answered a lot of calls for very specific pieces.

This left very little time for me to work on my novel. And frankly, it was exhausting. I would lay awake at night, thinking about how my work could be better, analyzing every sentence. Being homebound and stuck on the couch while my foot healed also took a toll on my mental health. It was hard not to dwell on my writing and never think it was good enough.

I don’t enjoy writing comedy, yet I ended up writing two pieces in the comedy genre. They weren’t terrible and did well in their respective contests. But they weren’t pieces I enjoyed writing.

Writing flash and short stories has been a great learning experience for me. I was able to receive a lot of feedback on my pieces, and I can tell I have developed as a writer.  

I started writing as an escape. It felt good to live in another world for a little while. But I it has been some time since I have felt that way when I am writing. I was happier when I was writing something for myself and not short pieces to be judged.

So, for 2026 my plan is to focus on my novel.  I have two contests that I have entered but I don’t plan to sign up for any more. My goal is to have the first draft of my sci-fi novel completed by May. It’s something I have enjoyed spending time on and being able to go at my own pace.