Screenwriting : Experiencing burnout and how to get back on track by Terry Mitchell

Experiencing burnout and how to get back on track

I just finished up a massive draft of a story and I was looking forward to breaking it down right after work today. There are moments in it's B-Story I wanted to fix. However once I sat down to get started, the motivation vanished. I wanted to get to work, but I just couldn't do it. It's incredibly frustrating!

Has any one else experienced these moments in between revisions of their story and what are ways to resolve it?

Lara Koski

I recently read an interview with Aaron Sorkin who suggested taking a shower and starting fresh when that happens. I haven't tried it yet myself -- lemme know if it works.

Maurice Vaughan

I've experienced that, Terry. When that happens, I like to rest and come back refreshed. Here's a blog that might help: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-avoid-creative-burnout-3228

Craig D Griffiths

There is a number of reasons for most people.

1) is unconscious boredom. You don’t realise you are sick of the task at hand. So do something else.

2) Nothing new to say. Go get a top up of the life tank. No matter what that form takes. Go live a little. Even if it is for an hour. Do something new.

3) You know the outcome and is lacks any passion. My daughter is a great understander of people. She told me something I didn’t realise about myself. I have been dragging my feet in the final edit of my book. It is as simple as putting in high quality images and publishing it. She pointed in my mind I have finished it. So I find it hard to actually do it.

Just some thoughts.

Kiril Maksimoski

I work small portions only, but my trade is consistency...I'm having a 100+ page script in under two months and even have some quality time in between...

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