Update #4: Setting down my pencil
Journalist: Last week, you mentioned feeling torn about your novel. This week you decided to stop writing and said “I don’t feel guilty or bad about putting my pencil down. I’m a little sad the book isn’t going to happen, but I’m really proud of myself for fully announcing it to myself instead of limping along, distracting from other things, and burning out.”
Then you said “I wish it were more celebrated when an artist decides not to follow through with a project. It takes a lot of effort and focus to look at your list of things, be honest about the items you’re not going to get to, cut them out, and move on.”
It’s a rare perspective in today’s hustle culture. Can you talk more about how you came to this point?
Jon: I like making systems. I like thinking about building the factory, not just the things the factory is going to churn out. And sometimes it just feels like the factory is doing too much, or is too disorganized. I make moves like this a lot, and this is just the latest one.
Journalist: It sounds like this decision wasn’t about the quality of the novel or even the idea itself, but rather about prioritizing and creating space. Do you feel like this move will allow you to focus more deeply on other projects?
Jon: Well, it’s also about the quality. I’m just not very good at writing novels yet, and now isn’t the time to get better. I’d rather work on my other projects.
Teenager: So are you saying you’re just done with novels? Like, forever? What if you get better later and want to come back to it?
Jon: Not sure, really. Maybe I’ll try a novel later. Maybe I’ll take up basket weaving. Anything is possible.
Publisher: It’s good to leave the door open. “Anything is possible” keeps the creative energy alive. But do you think there’s a specific itch novels were scratching that your other projects won’t? Or are you confident that your current work is fulfilling enough?
Jon: Interesting question. I think fulfillment is an entirely other topic from stress and burnout. You can be fulfilled and burned out or bored. This move wasn’t about fulfillment as much as having fewer things to do. Now it’s time to look onward!
