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QuitBooks for Writers #2
Dear Writer, Are You In Burnout?
Chances are good, if this title caught your eye, you already know you need this book, so I’m not going to attempt to convince you.
The unprecedented burnout we’re collectively experiencing in the writing world today means two things.
We need to know the signs of burning out.
We need to know how to avoid that burnout pit.
Oh, and there’s a third reason, too… because if we need to recover from burnout, we need support, encouragement, and camaraderie. That’s why this book exists.
I’ve coached thousands of writers. Six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike. And there are patterns to what writers think and feel about our careers and our books. Those patterns are why I'm here, writing to you.
If you are overwhelmed, tired, frustrated with your career or your sales... if you're stuck or stalled... come and join me inside these pages, and we'll talk about why.
Why is key.
We've got this. Let's get you out of this pit.
- Becca
The unprecedented burnout we’re collectively experiencing in the writing world today means two things.
We need to know the signs of burning out.
We need to know how to avoid that burnout pit.
Oh, and there’s a third reason, too… because if we need to recover from burnout, we need support, encouragement, and camaraderie. That’s why this book exists.
I’ve coached thousands of writers. Six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike. And there are patterns to what writers think and feel about our careers and our books. Those patterns are why I'm here, writing to you.
If you are overwhelmed, tired, frustrated with your career or your sales... if you're stuck or stalled... come and join me inside these pages, and we'll talk about why.
Why is key.
We've got this. Let's get you out of this pit.
- Becca
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
83 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Becca Syme
10 books73 followersBecca Syme holds a master’s degree in transformational leadership and has been a success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) for almost fifteen years. She’s coached 4,700+ individual authors and creatives through her Write Better-Faster and Strengths for Writers classes & coaching cohorts: six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike. Becca is the host of the YouTube QuitCast channel and a mystery author. She lives in the mountains of Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 2, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. So many good points that we probably should know but like to ignore, needed these reminders!
October 16, 2019
“And if you’ve ever felt that feeling—the one where you couldn’t even produce a word of fiction if you sat down for eight hours—you know the despair of that. Day after day, sitting down, nothing comes out. That’s what burnout feels like.”
I’m a big fan of Becca Syme’s “Write Better-Faster” and “Strengths for Writers” programs. Learning my top strengths and how to best harness them, along with coaching sessions with her has been a game changer for me. Before reading this book, I listened to her excellent YouTube series on burnout, which I highly recommend. (Links are provided in the book or are easily found via an internet search.) This book is a great companion to that information.
I’ve experienced burnout both in my former career in and as a fiction writer. Having Becca break down the burnout process (fulcrum point, slide, and pit) and explain how to manage the recovery process of building a ladder by refilling our “energy penny reserves” and learning to honor our “plate size” provides hope. She shares stories of clients who battled burnout and references her own experiences with burnout. I related to the concept of having a “phantom plate” where we place the myriad things we feel we should be doing. My phantom plate overflowth.
Becca reminds us of our similarities and differences and how they relate to burnout and recovery, for example, different things fill different people’s creative stores. The information in this book is enlightening and practical. I look forward to Becca’s next installment in her “Dear Writer” series.
I’m a big fan of Becca Syme’s “Write Better-Faster” and “Strengths for Writers” programs. Learning my top strengths and how to best harness them, along with coaching sessions with her has been a game changer for me. Before reading this book, I listened to her excellent YouTube series on burnout, which I highly recommend. (Links are provided in the book or are easily found via an internet search.) This book is a great companion to that information.
I’ve experienced burnout both in my former career in and as a fiction writer. Having Becca break down the burnout process (fulcrum point, slide, and pit) and explain how to manage the recovery process of building a ladder by refilling our “energy penny reserves” and learning to honor our “plate size” provides hope. She shares stories of clients who battled burnout and references her own experiences with burnout. I related to the concept of having a “phantom plate” where we place the myriad things we feel we should be doing. My phantom plate overflowth.
Becca reminds us of our similarities and differences and how they relate to burnout and recovery, for example, different things fill different people’s creative stores. The information in this book is enlightening and practical. I look forward to Becca’s next installment in her “Dear Writer” series.
September 27, 2019
I love Becca's books! Perfect for writers!! I am not in burnout, and I hope to never get there by following this great advice. I'm focused on earning my energy pennies every day! If you are in burnout, or feel like you're sliding toward it, I highly recommend this book. Writers, we are not all the same! And we can't all do the same things or produce the same amount. It's okay. You be you. Becca gives you the tools you need to make the best decisions for YOU.
Highly recommend this book, the Dear Writer You Need to Quit book, and the entire Quitcast on YouTube. Full disclosure, I'm in one of the Quitcast videos talking about my Learner strength. But the videos are free, so head on over and have a look: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcM...
Highly recommend this book, the Dear Writer You Need to Quit book, and the entire Quitcast on YouTube. Full disclosure, I'm in one of the Quitcast videos talking about my Learner strength. But the videos are free, so head on over and have a look: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcM...
October 19, 2020
I found this book by googling "writers burnout, writers motivation." I wasn't familiar with the author's youtube channel or her courses.
Her penny theory is great. It's a lot like the spoon theory in the chronic illness community. She describes the way we get to burnout in a very digestible way. We approach the fulcrum, we hit the slide, and then we reach that 'rock bottom' place at the bottom of a deep pit. At the bottom of the deep pit we must change the inertia of the things that got us there (deadlines, preorders, etc.) before we can even begin to think about recovery. The pit forces us to sleep and rest and do all the self care things that generally fall by the wayside when we're trying to crush a deadline. Only after we rest and gather more spoons (or pennies) can we begin to build a ladder out. And the ladder part isn't simple either, you can backslide, or you can spend a long time on the top rung, not sure if you are capable of getting back into the swing of things yet.
I've been at the bottom of the pit for about two months. I am in the early stages of figuring out how to build that first rung, and part of that might require me cancelling my preorder for book two... or at least accepting that it is a real possibility, before I can even begin to move forward.
I've already delayed the preorder twice (Amazon is currently allowing two preorder delays without penalty due to covid-19). I believe I'm out of chances now. If I can't make the new preorder date of July 13, I'll have to cancel & face the loss of preorder privileges for a year. I have a lot of shame in failing, but I'm realizing more and more that the indie refrain to publish quickly isn't for me. I can write a book very quickly (90K words in one month is absolutely no problem for me), but I edit and revise slowly. Like, molasses level slow. Like multiple YEARS slow. I've known this about myself (and it was a big reason I agonized over taking the trad pub contracts I was offered), but I think I still held out hope that I could figure it out. That I could still maybe release every three months, or every six months... still faster than trad pub, but slower than some of those machine indies who turn out a new book every month.
Can't do it.
I can't sacrifice quality for speed, even when I know that a high percentage of readers won't notice or won't care about all the little details I agonize over.
The preorder has been a very heavy mental burden. I've learned a lot of things about myself. I can't list a preorder until I know the book is ready. There is just no way I can 'estimate' a launch date when I'm still in the middle of revisions.
Anyway. Rambling here, but I appreciated this book. It helped me feel seen & validated a lot of what I was already working through.
Her penny theory is great. It's a lot like the spoon theory in the chronic illness community. She describes the way we get to burnout in a very digestible way. We approach the fulcrum, we hit the slide, and then we reach that 'rock bottom' place at the bottom of a deep pit. At the bottom of the deep pit we must change the inertia of the things that got us there (deadlines, preorders, etc.) before we can even begin to think about recovery. The pit forces us to sleep and rest and do all the self care things that generally fall by the wayside when we're trying to crush a deadline. Only after we rest and gather more spoons (or pennies) can we begin to build a ladder out. And the ladder part isn't simple either, you can backslide, or you can spend a long time on the top rung, not sure if you are capable of getting back into the swing of things yet.
I've been at the bottom of the pit for about two months. I am in the early stages of figuring out how to build that first rung, and part of that might require me cancelling my preorder for book two... or at least accepting that it is a real possibility, before I can even begin to move forward.
I've already delayed the preorder twice (Amazon is currently allowing two preorder delays without penalty due to covid-19). I believe I'm out of chances now. If I can't make the new preorder date of July 13, I'll have to cancel & face the loss of preorder privileges for a year. I have a lot of shame in failing, but I'm realizing more and more that the indie refrain to publish quickly isn't for me. I can write a book very quickly (90K words in one month is absolutely no problem for me), but I edit and revise slowly. Like, molasses level slow. Like multiple YEARS slow. I've known this about myself (and it was a big reason I agonized over taking the trad pub contracts I was offered), but I think I still held out hope that I could figure it out. That I could still maybe release every three months, or every six months... still faster than trad pub, but slower than some of those machine indies who turn out a new book every month.
Can't do it.
I can't sacrifice quality for speed, even when I know that a high percentage of readers won't notice or won't care about all the little details I agonize over.
The preorder has been a very heavy mental burden. I've learned a lot of things about myself. I can't list a preorder until I know the book is ready. There is just no way I can 'estimate' a launch date when I'm still in the middle of revisions.
Anyway. Rambling here, but I appreciated this book. It helped me feel seen & validated a lot of what I was already working through.
October 16, 2019
Essential stuff in this one. All writers should check this out.
November 7, 2022
I needed to read this! So helpful!
May 26, 2021
I've been following Becca Syme and the Write Better-Faster Academy for a while, so know that this review comes from someone who is already a fan. As Becca says in the book, they offer tons of helpful free resources on Patreon, Facebook, Discord, and especially YouTube. So, if you don't want to commit to a whole book, check out her YouTube "Quitcast" series on Burnout first.
That being said, if you are a creative person, especially a writer, I strongly recommend her whole Dear Writer series. And if you've ever felt "burnt out" or otherwise exhausted, uninspired, etc., then Dear Writer, Are You In Burnout? will be a great resource.
I read this book because I'm in a bit of transitionary period in my creative and personal life, and wanted to determine whether I might be heading to/from burnout. Thanks to Becca, I know now that I'm not in burnout. (Though, I think I have been there before.) However, if you are, Becca will coach you through the warning signs, symptoms, and experience of burnout, as well as how to recover.
Even though I'm not in burnout right now, I feel like I have a better roadmap for avoiding it. Likewise, I've learned that I sometimes get caught in "cognitive dissonance spirals" (thinking I *should* be able to do more than I can). But I've also learned how to better manage my energy (banking "energy pennies") through self-care and received a better sense of my plate size (5-6). Although I haven't been overfilling my plate, now that I know more about it, I feel better equipped to avoid over taxing myself in the future.
Long story short, there are a lot of writers who write for other writers out there. I read widely in this genre, and for me, Becca has been the best at tapping into who I am as a person (through Clifton Strengths) and helping me see which strategies work for me. If you haven't come across her yet, please give one of her books or her YouTube channel a try.
Recommended for writers of all genres and other creatives.
That being said, if you are a creative person, especially a writer, I strongly recommend her whole Dear Writer series. And if you've ever felt "burnt out" or otherwise exhausted, uninspired, etc., then Dear Writer, Are You In Burnout? will be a great resource.
I read this book because I'm in a bit of transitionary period in my creative and personal life, and wanted to determine whether I might be heading to/from burnout. Thanks to Becca, I know now that I'm not in burnout. (Though, I think I have been there before.) However, if you are, Becca will coach you through the warning signs, symptoms, and experience of burnout, as well as how to recover.
Even though I'm not in burnout right now, I feel like I have a better roadmap for avoiding it. Likewise, I've learned that I sometimes get caught in "cognitive dissonance spirals" (thinking I *should* be able to do more than I can). But I've also learned how to better manage my energy (banking "energy pennies") through self-care and received a better sense of my plate size (5-6). Although I haven't been overfilling my plate, now that I know more about it, I feel better equipped to avoid over taxing myself in the future.
Long story short, there are a lot of writers who write for other writers out there. I read widely in this genre, and for me, Becca has been the best at tapping into who I am as a person (through Clifton Strengths) and helping me see which strategies work for me. If you haven't come across her yet, please give one of her books or her YouTube channel a try.
Recommended for writers of all genres and other creatives.
January 20, 2025
The second book of her Quitbooks series, Becca dives into the world of burnout. Even in 2019, she foresaw the amount of authors entering burnout, which seems to be much worse in 2025, over half a decade after the initial release. She goes through what burnout is, the signs of burnout, and how to get out of it. She spends a bunch of time talking about energy pennies and plate sizes to explore what everyone's limits, and how having no energy and/or too much on your personal plate can lead downhill. She describes that burnout moment so viscerally I'll never forget it, comparing it to to a moment where you see the city before you crash and basically feel nothing. Having experienced burnout fairly recently, it's not a great place to be. She also talks about how to recover from burnout as well and how it's not a one and done deal. The info is expansive and made me think about burnout and recovery in a new way. Unlike her first book, this book feels less tough love because we deserve a bit of a break from the first book. She also directs readers to watch her burnout playlist, which has six initial videos, and more videos that have been added since the initial release. Highly recommended for everyone.
November 2, 2021
Although not an uplifting read by any stretch of the imagination, Becca Syme's Dear Writer, Are You In Burnout is a wonderful resource for writers who, for one reason or another, find themselves struggling to put words on the page. Intent on offering a powerful tool to guide self-reflection, it does just that, and more. I highly recommend.
December 31, 2022
This is a deeply personal and honest book. Everyone in a creative field should read this, or something similar. It gives hope, but without sugar coating. Look after yourself, everyone!
January 11, 2022
Second re-read review:
After going through a stressful time in my life late last year I felt an upcoming burn out lurking and decided it was time for another re-read. I had to wait till the worst of it was over before I felt like my brain could handle reading this book, and I am really glad I did another re-read. The first book Dear Writer, You Need to Quit changed my life, but this book is the one I keep coming back to over and over again. I think it's because this message of how we're not all equal and can't all handle the same thing is one I need to keep hearing and it just works so much better to have someone else tell you this. The refresher of reading this one was great and I feel like I have a handle on things again. I changed a few things so I am making more energy pennies and am hopefully avoiding a full burn out. Either way it was really helpful to go through this book again. I really would recommend this book to everyone, whether you're a writer or not as this book is filled with great information.
Re-read Review:
I felt like I could use a refresher of what was in this book after I've been through some busy and difficult times and it was great to re-read this. I felt like I picked up different pieces than the first times and certain parts resonated more with me now compared to the first read through. It definitely helped to re-read it and get everything fresh in my head again. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, whether you're a writer or not, this book has some invaluable information about burnout, energy pennies, plate size and how to deal with work pressure and bussy-ness.
Original Review:
After reading Dear Writer, You Need to Quit it wasn't long before I picked up the second book in this series. Dear Writer, Are You In Burnout is just as good as the first book. There's something about this these books that just resonates with me. They are so well written and I like how inspirational and motivational they are even though they address some hard topics.
While it's marketed for writers I think it really has some universal wisdom that is applicable to everyone no matter what you do. Earlier this year I hit a major slump where I had trouble getting anything done, I had the suspicion it might've been a burnout and this book only furthered that idea as I really recognized some of the things the author described about a burnout. Reading this book also brought in perspective what had caused it and it really gave me insight into the whole process and also why what I am doing differently now is hopefully helping.
This book does a great job explaining the whole process of burnout in a way that just makes sense somehow. The metaphors with the energy pennies and plate size really helped to explain the whole process to me and gives a great insight in how the whole thing works. And just like in the previous books I love how she emphasizes how everyone is different. Not everyone gets energy pennies from the same things and not everyone has the same plate size, that's just how it works. Somehow it's just very freeing and accepting to hear this. In a sense I think I knew this, but it's just not the same as hearing someone else acknowledge it too.
With the pace the publishing industry in general nowadays where it seems to focus on producing more content and faster, I really think this book is an important read. It explains the process of burnout well and after reading this book I had a better understanding of the whole burnout process and also what you can do to prevent it or to recover faster. I think it's a must read for everyone who might be on the road to burnout or even those who have been there.
Just like with book 1 I got through this one very fast, I just wanted to read more and understand more of this whole process. The writing style is very pleasant and I enjoyed reading it. I enjoy learning more about things like this, so yes even thought it's a hard read at times it's also enjoyable. And very insightful. It really makes you think about things, in a good way.
To summarize: Another awesome read! These books really resonate with me somehow. The way the author explains the whole process and the metaphors she uses just make sense and it was really insightful and gave me a better understanding of the whole burnout process. I think no matter your profession there's information in this book you can use and I would definitely recommend it to everyone. The writing style is pleasant and it's such an informative read. I like the accepting tone of the book, the motivational vibe and the message that everyone is different. I quite enjoyed reading it and while it's strange to say this with a non-fiction book, but I can't wait for book 3 in this series. I want more of the type of information that I found in this series so far.
After going through a stressful time in my life late last year I felt an upcoming burn out lurking and decided it was time for another re-read. I had to wait till the worst of it was over before I felt like my brain could handle reading this book, and I am really glad I did another re-read. The first book Dear Writer, You Need to Quit changed my life, but this book is the one I keep coming back to over and over again. I think it's because this message of how we're not all equal and can't all handle the same thing is one I need to keep hearing and it just works so much better to have someone else tell you this. The refresher of reading this one was great and I feel like I have a handle on things again. I changed a few things so I am making more energy pennies and am hopefully avoiding a full burn out. Either way it was really helpful to go through this book again. I really would recommend this book to everyone, whether you're a writer or not as this book is filled with great information.
Re-read Review:
I felt like I could use a refresher of what was in this book after I've been through some busy and difficult times and it was great to re-read this. I felt like I picked up different pieces than the first times and certain parts resonated more with me now compared to the first read through. It definitely helped to re-read it and get everything fresh in my head again. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, whether you're a writer or not, this book has some invaluable information about burnout, energy pennies, plate size and how to deal with work pressure and bussy-ness.
Original Review:
After reading Dear Writer, You Need to Quit it wasn't long before I picked up the second book in this series. Dear Writer, Are You In Burnout is just as good as the first book. There's something about this these books that just resonates with me. They are so well written and I like how inspirational and motivational they are even though they address some hard topics.
While it's marketed for writers I think it really has some universal wisdom that is applicable to everyone no matter what you do. Earlier this year I hit a major slump where I had trouble getting anything done, I had the suspicion it might've been a burnout and this book only furthered that idea as I really recognized some of the things the author described about a burnout. Reading this book also brought in perspective what had caused it and it really gave me insight into the whole process and also why what I am doing differently now is hopefully helping.
This book does a great job explaining the whole process of burnout in a way that just makes sense somehow. The metaphors with the energy pennies and plate size really helped to explain the whole process to me and gives a great insight in how the whole thing works. And just like in the previous books I love how she emphasizes how everyone is different. Not everyone gets energy pennies from the same things and not everyone has the same plate size, that's just how it works. Somehow it's just very freeing and accepting to hear this. In a sense I think I knew this, but it's just not the same as hearing someone else acknowledge it too.
With the pace the publishing industry in general nowadays where it seems to focus on producing more content and faster, I really think this book is an important read. It explains the process of burnout well and after reading this book I had a better understanding of the whole burnout process and also what you can do to prevent it or to recover faster. I think it's a must read for everyone who might be on the road to burnout or even those who have been there.
Just like with book 1 I got through this one very fast, I just wanted to read more and understand more of this whole process. The writing style is very pleasant and I enjoyed reading it. I enjoy learning more about things like this, so yes even thought it's a hard read at times it's also enjoyable. And very insightful. It really makes you think about things, in a good way.
To summarize: Another awesome read! These books really resonate with me somehow. The way the author explains the whole process and the metaphors she uses just make sense and it was really insightful and gave me a better understanding of the whole burnout process. I think no matter your profession there's information in this book you can use and I would definitely recommend it to everyone. The writing style is pleasant and it's such an informative read. I like the accepting tone of the book, the motivational vibe and the message that everyone is different. I quite enjoyed reading it and while it's strange to say this with a non-fiction book, but I can't wait for book 3 in this series. I want more of the type of information that I found in this series so far.
October 17, 2019
I heard Becca Syme speak at the 2019 NINC conference, and won this book during the session. It was a very easy read, probably about a 4.5 rating, and certainly made me think about my own professional life at this point in time. I would recommend it for writers who have been in the business (particularly the indie business) for a while and, even if they don't think they're actually burning out, are worried about the competing demands of writing and marketing and advertising and social media and interacting with readers and and and . . . there has to come a point for all of us where we re-assess what we're doing and start longing for the simplicity of the early days when all we had to do was try to write a decent book.
September 17, 2019
It’s hard to describe this book because I learned so much but all of it I recognized as being true from my experiences. So in some ways it wasn’t new information but more like I connected everything I knew in a new way so I understood what had happened to me before and what is happening to me now regarding burn out. Sorry, that is a long way to say that I highly recommend this book to anyone that struggles with feeling like they should be able to do it all with no effort and then are frustrated when that doesn’t happen.
I’m going to take the information I learned and make some small but meaningful changes. Thank you
I’m going to take the information I learned and make some small but meaningful changes. Thank you
September 19, 2019
This book answered so many questions for me!
As someone who entered burnout while working in the public accounting industry, I have to say, "This book isn't just for writers!" Regardless of how you burned out, you'll learn why it happened, what you can do to feel better, and how you can prevent it from happening again. So many strange things in my life suddenly make sense after reading this book. Burnout is no joke. Be gentle with yourself, but most of all, treat yourself to this book! Becca knows her stuff, and while the topic is very serious, she makes you feel like everything will be okay.
As someone who entered burnout while working in the public accounting industry, I have to say, "This book isn't just for writers!" Regardless of how you burned out, you'll learn why it happened, what you can do to feel better, and how you can prevent it from happening again. So many strange things in my life suddenly make sense after reading this book. Burnout is no joke. Be gentle with yourself, but most of all, treat yourself to this book! Becca knows her stuff, and while the topic is very serious, she makes you feel like everything will be okay.
August 10, 2022
A great encouragement for anyone sliding into, in the depths of, or coming out of burnout. I fall into the last category, and this was an excellent reminder of the things I need to pay attention to and remember as I recover.
I listened to the audiobook version, and loved hearing Becca's voice in my head instead of just reading the words, as I've done for her other books.
Highly recommended.
I listened to the audiobook version, and loved hearing Becca's voice in my head instead of just reading the words, as I've done for her other books.
Highly recommended.
February 10, 2021
I procrastinated finishing this book because, well, burnout. But I felt like I needed that final push to get out of the pit. Finishing this book is helping me to understand that I can't control everything in my life, but what I can control is making more pennies. Thanks, Becca. I needed this.
May 8, 2021
Perfect for writers and full of hard truths. Also full of a good way forward...and out of burnout. I loved the easy to read writing style and the metaphors that brought it to life. Thanks Becca 🙏 Your wisdom was much needed!
November 24, 2019
I’m definitely in burnout. I’m tired, man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
This is one I like to revisit at least once a year.
November 8, 2022
I am in burnout, and I had no idea! I mean, I didn't know the whole concept and the name of it, until I read this book. It's amazing to find someone that can explain everything you're going through with such kindness and patience. Becca Syme takes the time to share her own experiences and her client's in this short and simple book, but filled with so much information that many of us, writers or not, might need in life.
Not every sadness is depression, just like not every creative roadblock is burnout. You don't need to be there to understand it, but you do need the concept to know you've been over the edge or the reasons why you (or someone you know) is in that situation. It's different than exhaustion and boredorn, you can't get rid of it with pills (although it might be useful for some people), it's different in every case, as well as the road to recovery.
This book has helped me see and understand a different part of me, and I'm absolutely happy to have found this author and her series of books. I'm definitely getting into the next one (which actually would be #1 on QuitBooks for Writers).
Not every sadness is depression, just like not every creative roadblock is burnout. You don't need to be there to understand it, but you do need the concept to know you've been over the edge or the reasons why you (or someone you know) is in that situation. It's different than exhaustion and boredorn, you can't get rid of it with pills (although it might be useful for some people), it's different in every case, as well as the road to recovery.
This book has helped me see and understand a different part of me, and I'm absolutely happy to have found this author and her series of books. I'm definitely getting into the next one (which actually would be #1 on QuitBooks for Writers).
September 26, 2023
Would recommend this read to not only writers but anyone who wants to educate themselves on burnout. Life is tough and we are all different inside and out. We handle daily stresses in very different ways and when life throws us a wrench into our perfectly oiled machine, well the pit of burnout is not too far behind.
We at Quill and Cup were extremely lucky to speak with the author, Becca Syme via Zoom and it was such a wonderful outcome and so appreciated by this reader and our entire group! The time flew by and we just did not want to end the call.
Do yourself a favor and get this book for yourself or as a gift to someone you feel needs it.
Thank you Becca!
We at Quill and Cup were extremely lucky to speak with the author, Becca Syme via Zoom and it was such a wonderful outcome and so appreciated by this reader and our entire group! The time flew by and we just did not want to end the call.
Do yourself a favor and get this book for yourself or as a gift to someone you feel needs it.
Thank you Becca!
August 8, 2024
Becca Syme is amazing at what she does, which is helping authors be their best selves and write in the way that's as authentic as possible. She's also great at recognizing patterns of behavior, which is why this book hit so close to home - I could recognize myself in what she writes about sliding toward burnout, about the behaviors that drag you closer to the edge, and those that push you right into the pit. But luckily, Becca has steps and ways to help, and I've been implementing several to great success recently. Definitely a recommended read for any creative person (not just writers) feeling the burnout coming.
December 10, 2021
This hit me in the feels!
Becca Syme’s book is going to be life changing for me. I’m already in burnout… but I hadn’t really thought that it would extend so far and cause problems with my creativity. This book has shown me the deeper levels underneath that are causing this runaway train will continue to be an issue unless I make some changes in my thoughts and mindsets. As Becca recommends, I’ll be seeing a counsellor to help me walk through the barriers that are hindering my success, not just as an author, but in life.
Becca Syme’s book is going to be life changing for me. I’m already in burnout… but I hadn’t really thought that it would extend so far and cause problems with my creativity. This book has shown me the deeper levels underneath that are causing this runaway train will continue to be an issue unless I make some changes in my thoughts and mindsets. As Becca recommends, I’ll be seeing a counsellor to help me walk through the barriers that are hindering my success, not just as an author, but in life.
January 20, 2024
Again, author Becca Syme hits a home run. Having survived three burnouts before I was 30… I wish this book had been in my life sooner.
She’s able to put into words the vague signals that I’ve learned are warnings and give a slow down action plan to not only aid recovery, but also help prevent burnouts.
Highly recommended for non author people simply because it explains burnout and gives a method to reducing it as well as recovering from it.
5 stars - especially since it’s the only book I’ve read which makes its task to recover and prevent burnout
She’s able to put into words the vague signals that I’ve learned are warnings and give a slow down action plan to not only aid recovery, but also help prevent burnouts.
Highly recommended for non author people simply because it explains burnout and gives a method to reducing it as well as recovering from it.
5 stars - especially since it’s the only book I’ve read which makes its task to recover and prevent burnout
September 26, 2023
We read this book within the Quill & Cup writing community's book club and, whew, was it a wonderful place from where to have rich discussions. I really appreciate Becca's metaphors (energy pennies, plates, pit, etc.) and how she synthesizes these ideas with her knowledge of Gallup's Strengthfinders. It's clear that Becca is passionate about helping writers through burnout - and helping them stay out of it!
July 26, 2021
This book came to me at the right time, as I was going through a divorce. Reading this book provided me a way to understand and accept the need to recover and deal with the burnout I was feeling in my life. It helped me realize that things would change and I would get back to my writing, but that I needed to give it time. This is a must read for any author.
January 8, 2023
I have been seen! (And that’s probably a good thing) After sitting in on one of Becca’s presentations this year I left angry and frustrated because I wasn’t ready to face that I was in the pit. After some time I picked up this book and I can honestly say for the first time in a while I feel I have some hope and some tools to make things better. Thank you Becca, for this and everything you do.
April 19, 2024
All the kale jokes in the world can’t stop the sting of burnout. The way Becca describes it… If I were able to cry, I would have. But I’d shut it all off. The pit is a very dark place. But now I will create energy pennies and start building that ladder. I’m also going to re-listen to the Burnout Recovery podcast episodes.
Thanks, Becca.
Thanks, Becca.
August 30, 2024
This book is probably great for people not already aware of (and applying) spoon theory, and for people worried about burnout but not quite there yet. Most of the book is about avoiding burnout, which is very good and important! But if you're like me and already burned out, there's less here for you. I found the sections on recovery to be lacking.
January 12, 2025
I'm not currently in burnout nor at risk of burnout but knowing what to keep an eye out for is handy. But I'm just making my way through this series in order. I still took copious notes because I don't want to be in the pit. Thankfully I've never stopped reading even though I write because that definitely gives me energy pennies.
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