How to Write Through Natural Disasters & Still Hit Deadlines
Being a creative has never been harder. Some notes on burn out, grit, perseverance ... and the never ending "homework" and deadlines of being a professional writer.
Hope everyone is hanging in there with the Los Angeles fires! I know a lot of folks—including authors and creatives—have been impacted. We had some friends staying with us to get out of the city. While I made the hard choice to leave LA after twenty years there and transplant to the Joshua Tree desert, my heart remains with the city.
My reasons for leaving are well documented. I did some major news interviews with the LA Times and News Nation. The cost of living had skyrocketed, pricing out writers like me. Strikes were looming. But bigger than that, I saw how mismanaged the city (and the state) were during the pandemic with crime surging and more.
To quote Tom Petty: “Time to move on, time to get going …”
Still even out in the desert, we had power outages and refugees staying here. My last home in LA was in Malibu right on the beach. I wonder if it’s still standing. My friends out here predict Joshua Tree will now experience and big second wave of folks leaving LA and the cities. The world is reshaping itself before our very eyes.
Change is the only constant.
I realize I haven’t posted here in a moment (despite having some news to announce!). I was swamped under deadlines through the very end of the year. I confess to burnout. It’s hard to work through holidays when everyone else seems to have time off. Being a writer is like always having homework. My deadlines grow like resistant weeds.
Add to the mix of everdayness disaster to disaster lately. True to form, the new year erupted into flames to welcome us to 2025. What can any of us do in the face of disasters? And events far out of our control? Like everyone else, I doom scroll and flip to social media, but I’m bombarded by darkness and hysteria … and the algorithms feed that. Post something mundane and peace—and I bet nobody sees it.
This is a nice refuge for writing longer form and sharing thoughts. 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for me professionally. I have three books out this year. Luckily, the manuscript I turned in over Christmas looks solid. I got my editorial letter back. I have two more books to write this year … maybe more if an offer that came in manifests. I admit I was looking forward to more time off, but duty calls.
TIPS FOR STAYING SANE & WRITING THROUGH DISASTERS
Focus on what you can control. Release the rest of it. Sage if you must!
Cardio. Anything that moves your body. A walk around the block. A walking pad strolling through Hogwarts on your TV. Fight or flight necessitates movement.
Break big projects into smaller daily goals.
Then when you hit that goal, stop for the day. Have a true end and routine to unwind—exercise, shower or hot bath, make something nutritious to eat.
Writing Sprints. My students love these too. These help tremendously when you’re super distracted or burnt out. Hyper focus, then you can take a break.
Lean on friends. I have text buddies. That way, when you have a break, you can interact with humanity. Especially true if you write and work from home.
Meal prepping. This sounds unrelated to writing, but having healthy meals prepared ahead of time that you can grab and eat easily is a game changer.
Naps. You heard me. Writing is incredibly taxing on your brain! Rest helps to reboot and keeps you from burning out.
When it’s really tough, don’t feel bad for writing in bed with music or TV or whatever helps! I wrote a lot of books in my bed. Most of Disney Chills (a series spawned during the pandemic).
Give yourself grace. We are only human. Ask for extensions when you need them. Usually, I hit my deadlines. But I’ve needed extra time over the last year.
Superstars Writing Seminars—Guest Speaker
I thought I’d share some good writing related news.
I’m speaking at The Superstars Writing Seminar next month about the business of publishing. There’s an amazing lineup of panels and speakers, featuring many of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to share my expertise with you! And enjoy being around fellow creatives at the stunning resort in the Colorado mountains next month!
A SACRIFICE OF FLESH & FURY—Preorder Now
Fourth Wing meets The Expanse in A Sacrifice of Flesh and Fury, the second book of an enemies-to-lovers sci-fi series for the ages.
Praise for A Sacrifice of Blood and Stars
“Old Man’s War meets Dear John. An epic love story set against the war-torn stars.” ―Scott Sigler, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Generations Trilogy
“Conjures the magic of romance amid the horrors of a war-torn future. Fast-paced, filled with action, and alive with love and need. Highly recommend!” ―Jonathan Maberry, New York Times–bestselling author of the Sleepers War and NecroTek series
“A compelling mystery and an interstellar romance drive this diverting space opera.” ―Kirkus Reviews
I'll have two additional books out for Halloween, including a new secret Disney project I can't wait to announce. So, stay tuned for more announcements.