Hello Writers!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is Episode 207 of the podcast and it's March 31, 2026 as I record this.

Main Topic: Changing the Way You Put Words on the Page: A conversation between two writers recovering from burnout and trying to get back to the page

(Part of the series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing")

In this conversation, we talk about:

burnout and then fear of burnout
learning in public
podcasting/building business/creating content
journaling is still writing
doing things gives us energy and structure/managing energy levels
test the boundaries
starting libraries (reminds me of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek)
paying attention to your body
building structure to hold the growth
content time vs creative time (I can do both.)
What's the (mentally) lowest risk way of doing things for me?
changing the way we put words on the page
tricking self to do things (even writing)
"back door" way in to writing in different patterns to avoid the emotional weight/responsibility
ID list or the butter of the book. What will make me want to go back to the page and spend time with the characters.
outlining
reinventing self as a writer
what gives us satisfaction while writing a book
identity
connections with other writers
accountability
writing sprints (Rachael Says Write)
writing times/routines
brainstorming Costa Rican writing workshop ideas

PATREON:

Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.

Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer.

Announcements/Author Updates:

doctors appointments, vet appts, try again for Starlink in another month
What are you reading?

Just finished:
March Sisters : On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley

Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...)

Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)***
Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;

(Main Topic): Changing the Way We Put Words on the Page with guest Crys Cain @itscryscain

Notes:

Relationship/divorce "I don't believe in romance" ; dropped the series, Nov 22/23: shoulder freeze chronic pain plus emotional burnout, moved to small town, coasting on income from royalties, volunteering language conversation, exchange ...

Reading craft books a way to get back in, podcasts don't work so well anymore.

Identity: on the edge of burnout, scheduled 5-7 new things since February (don't add more for a month), routine, more energy for doing things.; worry about always being on the edge of burnout for my whole life. Resentment is a sign that it's not feeding me. Just awareness, not limiting. Consistent, emotional costs, pacing, checks and balances,

Introvert, autism, person hangover, recovery day, test the boundaries ("Do I have space for this?")

Library Book Trailer mobile

Lowest risk: notebook

Trick self into washing dishes, write one sentence, put one sock away.

Just get started.

Back door way in that doesn't have the emotional weight/ responsibility.

Be creative in different patterns.

What's the 'butter' in your story?

Reinventing Self as Writer.

Being around other writers really helps to feel connection and fulfillment and accountability.

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor