19 Comments
User's avatar
Galloway Tracy's avatar

Though I am retired, you are never too old to appreciate sound advice…thank you Lizzie for some reminders and more importantly, some new insights for creating a balanced lifestyle in 2025.

Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

I love your attitude!!! We never stop learning, right!? Honoured you found this piece helpful :) Happy new year, to you!

Ashley Alt's avatar

Lizzie!!

This is great. I have definitely faced burnout in my creative work. And it ALWAYS comes when I’m forcing it or second-guessing my work instead of writing from my gut ✍️ Power to intuition and authenticity, especially when it comes to creative work 💪 🧠

Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

Couldn't agree more, Ashley! I also find it's when I'm allowing too much 'input' rather than prioritising my output - something we creatives have to be considerate of, for sure. So glad you liked the piece, thanks for sharing your thoughts <3

Ella Capek's avatar

These are some necessary words of wisdom 🙏🏼 I've been through burn out before (not fun at all) and in 2024 I almost burned out again, but thankfully didn't (do not work 6 days a week ever!). Lately I've been realising that slow and steady wins the race in my creative endeavours and going at this pace has been really nice. Thanks for sharing these pointers!

Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

Such a pleasure, Ella. Burnout is really the ~worst~ isn't it!? But so many valuable lessons can come from the experience - so glad you managed to avoid it last year! Slow and steady is also just really fun, I've found <3 All the best with everything!

Ella Capek's avatar

Agreed! Thanks and you too! 😊🌸

Ahmad Ajayi Gbolahan's avatar

My question is, how can I monetize my writing skills online? And I will be interminably ecstatic if you can give me a lucid explanation on that.

Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

Hey there! There are a number of ways you can monetise your words online :) Platforms like Substack and Medium allow you to write on your terms and monetise on a subscription/per article basis, but you can also write for brands and publications online and earn in a project/client capacity :) It really depends on where your skillset and interests lie!

Mark G (Last of the Wild)'s avatar

Thanks for sharing. I've often thought about going freelance, so helpful to hear about the risks.

Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

Pleasure! I’m all about transparency :) freelancing isn’t for everyone, but if you’re suited to it - it’s pretty incredible. As I said, I really can’t imagine life another way now!

Donn Elliott's avatar

I will be finishing with my first book and I really don't know where to start with publishing and whatnot. I've begun writing on Substack as well. At this point I'm trying to boost morale and get a subscriber base started. If you have any pointers on any of these I would do greatly appreciate it! And what kind of money are we talking with getting started with a subscription to get started with learning more about a freelance writing career? I'm interested. Thank you, God bless and Happy New Year's!

Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

Good for you, Donn! What's the book about? It sounds like you've got a smart strategy with building a readership here on Substack. I've seen a few authors have great success with releasing one chapter at a time on their Substacks and then publishing more 'traditionally'. My Subscriptions include the options for private coaching and weekly Q+As :) You can learn more about them in my Subscription section.

Janet Boyer's avatar

Love this! I had MAJOR burnout after writing my last book, Naked Tarot (110K+ words!)--to the point that I could NOT write for 5 years. I kid you not: my well was dry for that long. 🫤 My ego tackled that huge project and, although it's a great book-- it cost me a LOT. I chose to tackle it from ego rather than true passion. 🤦

Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

Wow, that's a HUGE book (and huge achievement, congratulations)! Sounds like a lot of learnings in the experience, too. I can very much relate to your experience <3 Are you back to writing/creating from a place of passion now?

Janet Boyer's avatar

Thanks! I actually just consulted Naked Tarot for a reference to look something up. 😂 It's really good--but man, the price! 😬 And yes I am back to soulful, enjoyable writing--with my Tarot with Janet Substack that I started a year ago. Thanks for asking! 🙏

Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

Good for you, Janet! all the best with it all

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Jan 13, 2025
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Lizzie Mulherin's avatar

Love that, Elizabeth!