The Secret To Writing More Without Burning Out

Lessons from a week-long writing frenzy.

Am I doing enough? Could I be doing more? Will I ever get where I want to be?

The constant worry that I’m not using my time effectively is one of my main struggles as a writer with big goals.

Recently, a beta reader suggested I enter a writing contest for a chance to win a free manuscript developmental edit. She thought my opening pages showed promise.

Boy, was I flattered and energized. The only problem? The contest closed in a week, and I still needed to self-edit four chapters, write a query letter and synopsis, and pull together all the other application bits and bobs.

I took a day to consider whether this was worth pursuing. It would mean working early mornings (before my day job) and late evenings (after freelancing) to meet the deadline. It would mean setting aside other activities and obligations. It would be A Commitment.

By day’s end, I decided to buckle down and give it a go. I was in a good headspace and could visualize the steps needed to complete the submission.

Long story short—a week later, I made the deadline. Hooray!

As the dust settled, my week-long sprint got me wondering: Wouldn’t it be amazing if I could sustain this pace and productivity all the time!?

In theory, yes. I compressed a month’s work into one week. But realistically, sustaining that pace would lead to burnout. I succeeded partly because I knew the sprint was temporary. If that frenetic pace were permanent, I wouldn’t have started at all.

So I asked myself a better question: Can I incorporate elements of my sprint into my regular writing practice?

Let’s find out.

What Changed During My Writing Sprint?

1. I created a detailed checklist with small, specific tasks and firm deadlines (e.g., “finish editing Chapter 20” rather than “finish editing manuscript”).

2. I woke up earlier and got to work quickly. I felt motivated!

3. After my regular day job and freelance work, I ate dinner then worked several more hours.

4. I eliminated TV time usually used for unwinding.

5. I went to bed earlier (and slept better because I was tired).

6. I skipped workouts when they interrupted my flow.

7. I worked on Saturday despite my usual “no-work” rule.

8. I repeatedly affirmed that this work was worthwhile and enjoyable.

Some of these changes are sustainable; others aren’t. The key is identifying which elements can become part of my regular practice without causing burnout.

Finding Sustainable Momentum

After reflection, I identified several sprint elements that could reasonably become part of my regular writing practice:

#1 Break work into doable tasks with non-negotiable deadlines

This is how I combatted overwhelm. Instead of facing the “finish my novel edit” mountain, I climbed manageable hills. In my mind, I also made these deadlines non-negotiable. There was just no other option. If I delayed, I was screwed.

🌻 Your turn: What’s one task you could give a non-negotiable deadline?

#2 Prioritize ruthlessly

The sprint forced me to be honest about what matters to me. Television? Not essential. Social media? Can wait. Exercise? A must. Writing growth? Worth pushing through discomfort and doubt. This clarity around priorities is, frankly, liberating.

🌻 Your turn: What truly matters to you?

#3 Adjust your sleep schedule

Though I’m not a morning person, I’ve found success in getting up earlier by leaving my phone outside my bedroom and incrementally shifting my wake-up time. Since the start of the year, I’ve gone through two cycles of setting my alarm 30 minutes earlier, then adapting to that earlier wake-up. I’ve redefined what “early” means to me and now have an extra hour in the morning before my day job starts.

🌻 Your turn: What time block or time leak do you need to eliminate?

#4 Affirm why you’re doing this

Building a writing practice is work I choose to do because, quite simply, I enjoy it. Reminding myself of this during difficulties, doubt, and discomfort motivates me and realigns my “time well spent” barometer with my true interests. I’m doing this for me.

🌻 Your turn: Why are you doing this? What do you genuinely enjoy in your daily life, and how could you do more of it?

Sustainable Momentum Beats Unsustainable Speed

My writing sprint taught me that while maintaining that pace indefinitely isn’t possible, I can incorporate elements of that focused intensity into my regular practice. The question isn’t “How do I write more all the time?” but instead “How do I make my writing time more productive in sustainable ways?”

Writing isn’t a sprint or even a marathon—it’s a lifelong journey. Successful writers aren’t necessarily the fastest, but those who move forward consistently, finding sustainable practices within their constraints.

I won’t work from sun-up to sundown every day or push myself to exhaustion. But I will maintain my earlier sleep schedule, approach writing with clearer purpose, and remember that temporary discomfort can speed up learning.

To be perfectly honest, and a bit vulnerable…

Since submitting my application for the writing contest, I’ve found weaknesses in it that I wish I could fix. And I’m pretty bummed about that. If I’d had just a couple more days to review the application with a more critical eye, I might have noticed them before hitting submit.

But I also know I’m farther ahead in my writing journey because I sprinted ahead. I did the best I could with the time I had, and I’m better for the experience.

So, what’s the secret?

🌻 The secret is you are already doing enough.

🌻 The secret is you can do more—if you make it sustainable.

🌻 The secret is you will get where you want to be.