Podcast Summary: The Creative Penn Podcast for Writers
Episode: 834 - "Loki Is In Charge: How Authors Can Thrive In A Time Of Transition"
Host: Joanna Penn
Guest: Becca Syme (Author, Coach, Better Faster Academy)
Date: October 27, 2025
Main Theme: Navigating burnout, sustainability, and unpredictability in an author career; embracing change, letting go, and thriving as a writer in times of transition.
Episode Overview
Joanna Penn interviews Becca Syme, bestselling author, coach, and creator of the Better Faster Academy, for a deep dive into the realities of creative burnout, career sustainability, and the constant unpredictability in publishing—metaphorically ruled by "Loki," the god of chaos. The conversation covers recognizing burnout, the art of saying no, letting go of unhelpful expectations, the transition periods in publishing, and the importance of resilience and hope for writers.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Recognizing and Recovering from Burnout
- Burnout vs. Block
- Burnout is often confused with “being empty” or writer’s block, but has distinct features and timelines.
- If rest or refilling creative wells doesn’t rekindle motivation, longer-lasting symptoms may indicate burnout.
- “If you're empty and you try to fill again, and it doesn't come back, then it's more likely to be burnout.” — Becca [17:26]
- Causes of Burnout in Writers
- Not just overwork—can stem from life transitions, grief, or biological changes (e.g., perimenopause).
- Stakes in life or fear (e.g., financial insecurity, job loss) drain creativity: “Maslow’s hierarchy—if your base level foundation is being attacked … it's gonna be real hard to reach creative freedom if you're worried about stuff.” — Becca [19:02]
- Coaches Can Burn Out, Too
- Even experienced coaches struggle, especially when failing to say no or scaling one-on-one commitments.
- Adaptation includes switching to scalable content: more podcasts, group experiences, higher prices for 1:1, less travel.
- “It’s really hard to quit something that has been good or beneficial, even if it is having a high cost.” — Becca [22:00]
The Power (and Difficulty) of Saying No
- Saying no is tough, especially for people-pleasers or in creative industries.
- Major learning often comes after things break down (missed deadlines, exhaustion), but you can learn to spot overwhelm sooner and act earlier.
- Strategies:
- Templates make saying no easier and less emotionally charged.
- Regularly reflect on capacity and priorities—learn to embrace the “joy of missing out” (JOMO) and not just fear (FOMO).
- “We can’t just have a magical feeling … you’ve got to do it. And then it feels better each time you do it. Because it turns out that it didn’t kill me to say no.” — Becca [27:08]
Loki Is In Charge: Embracing Chaos in Publishing
- The Metaphor:
- Writers hope publishing follows “Captain America” logic—do the right things, get the expected results.
- In reality, “Loki”—the god of chaos—is in charge: sometimes actions correlate to results, but often, randomness prevails.
- “Sometimes the answer is literally Loki’s in charge. We don’t know what happened. … Sometimes the reason is, there are too many people publishing that day, or you didn't happen to take off on TikTok, and that is not something you can control.” — Becca [31:10]
- Letting Go of Over-Control
- Rather than post-mortem every failure or outcome, sometimes it's healthier to accept unpredictability and move forward.
- Focus energy on resilient action (write the next book, start a new project) instead of fruitless backtracking.
- Transition Periods and Industry Chaos
- While transitions bring more visible change and uncertainty, unpredictability has always been a feature of publishing.
- Each era brings its wave of new strategies, tools, and “experts” (remember Facebook ads, KU launches, TikTok waves, etc.).
- Seek out voices that inspire possibility—especially during unsettling times.
Practical Advice for Writers in Uncertain Times
- On Focusing Energy:
- Say no to good-but-non-essential opportunities to protect creative energy for what most matters.
- Recognize when you’re acting from peer pressure or from true alignment with your goals.
- What to Quit, What to Keep
- Quit:
- Book signings as a main business investment for low/midlist authors—treat them as reader/networking opportunities, not as primary sales events.
- “Book signings are either ways for you to connect with the fans you already have … or it's an opportunity for you to network with other authors. Very rarely is it going to sell enough books at enough volume that it's going to be a good investment of your time and money.” — Becca [46:03]
- Hating (and judging) other authors, especially over business model choices like AI.
- Walk away from internet outrage; it’s unproductive and mass-dysregulates.
- Book signings as a main business investment for low/midlist authors—treat them as reader/networking opportunities, not as primary sales events.
- Keep:
- Writing itself—your creative practice is the anchor, regardless of external market changes.
- Hope for the future: there is always possibility for new ways to sell, reach readers, and find creative fulfillment.
- Quit:
Social Media, Dysregulation, and the Writer’s Mind
- Online discourse can be a loop of dysregulation (anxiety, fear, anger) that rarely resolves.
- In digital spaces, “the system benefits from us being dysregulated, not regulated.”
- Practical tip: shut down the computer, put away the phone, and open your manuscript.
- “The number one difference … in people who easily and quickly are productive versus the people who aren’t, almost 201, is how much time they spend on social media and whether or not they reach for their phone first thing in the morning.” — Becca [59:00]
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “If you're empty and you try to fill again ... and it doesn't come back, then it's more likely to be burnout.” — Becca, on distinguishing burnout from a temporary creative block [17:26]
- "Captain America is not in charge of the publishing industry. Loki is in charge.” — Becca, summarizing her metaphor of chaos [31:07]
- "Sometimes the answer is Loki’s in charge and I need to not worry too much because I’m wasting my time trying to find the reason…” — Becca, on letting go of the need for complete control [32:25]
- “The number one difference in people who are productive versus those who aren’t ... is how much time they spend on social media and whether or not they reach for their phone first thing in the morning.” — Becca [59:00]
- "There is no need for us to quit writing or believe that writing is going to be taken away from us ... there’s always going to be other ways." — Becca [60:34]
- "You can have a career just selling some books every month." — Joanna, on sustaining a fulfilling author career outside of best-seller narratives [43:18]
- "If you love hand-selling, please do it. If you love festivals, please do it. But if you're feeling pressured to do it because everybody's doing it, please question the premise." — Becca [50:32]
- "We can’t just have a magical feeling ... you’ve got to do it. And then it feels better each time you do it.” — Becca, on learning to say no [27:08]
- "Open the manuscript, open the manuscript, open the manuscript." — Becca, her mantra for focusing on writing [60:37]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 16:20 – Becca returns, shares her experience with burnout and creative recovery.
- 17:04 – Distinguishing burnout from creative block; key indicators.
- 19:02 – How life events and emotions impact creativity.
- 22:00 – Becca explains her personal journey into burnout, even as a “quit coach.”
- 24:42 – Recognizing when to start saying no and how to do it effectively.
- 27:08 – The importance of practicing saying no, especially for people-pleasers.
- 29:12 – The “Loki is in charge” metaphor and its application to publishing.
- 34:30 – Is there more chaos now, or are we just more aware of it?
- 37:58 – Who to listen to in times of transition; the importance of new voices.
- 40:42 – Kickstarter as a creative and business tool for authors.
- 46:03 – Common things authors need to quit: the book signing myth.
- 51:00 – Quit hating/judging other authors, especially over the use of AI.
- 57:45 – On mass-dysregulation and why walking away from digital outrage is the answer.
- 60:22 – What not to quit: writing, hope, and resilience for the future.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
- The publishing world and creative careers are inherently unpredictable—embrace adaptability.
- Be intentional: reflect on what genuinely serves your creative energy and business, and have the courage to let go (“quit”) what doesn’t.
- Don’t get caught in industry narratives that don’t fit your journey; your success can look different and still be fulfilling.
- Limit your exposure to social media negativity and protect your mind for creativity—walk, write, and connect with the real world.
- Always come back to your writing—your manuscript and your hope are what you truly own.
Resources & Further Links
- Becca Syme’s new book and Kickstarter:
betterfasteracademy.com/links - Joanna Penn:
thecreativepenn.com - StoryBundle: Writing Bundle Featuring Joanna's Book
For more insights on creative sustainability, transition, and thriving in chaos, listen to the full episode or explore Becca Syme’s resources.