Sometimes I just burn out on writing, usually when I've been doing it non-stop for months. I think my problem is that when I get so focused on writing I stop reading. And for me, that is one of the biggest things to speed along toward the unbearable land of Writer's Block. My brother always called it 'refilling the well,' if you draw water from the well, but never refill it, eventually, it will run out. So make sure to take time and do other things you love, things that motivate and recharge you and inspire you!
Similar to the writer's block answer, you need to make sure you take care of yourself and practice self-care. What that looks like for every individual is different. For me, I love to throw on a face mask, maybe do my nails, and curl up either with a good book or with my boyfriend and dogs to watch a good comedy. Whatever helps you release stress is the best medicine for when writing becomes too draining.
It's definitely matured, but what I didn't expect was how much darker it grew. I used to write really kind of syrupy YA Fantasy and now I've gone and done a full 180, delving into Dark YA Fantasy and I love it so much more. I think it's because I'm a generally happy person, but I also love learning about super dark subjects, so I let all that pour out into my writing instead of my everyday life.
Yes! Haha. In Of Ash & Shadow, Wyn at one point is thinking/mentions how her father, due to his hearing loss, would often go out to do work in the garage, leaving the door to the house open, and Sophie, her golden retriever, would go out with him. She would then get left outside when he didn't realize she'd joined him and either no one would no she was gone until she barked at the front door or one of the neighbor kids brought her back after she "visited" them.
This is actually a true story. My dog growing up, Sophie, a golden retriever, was often accidentally left outside due to my father's hearing loss and lack of realization that she'd followed him out the door. Sometimes she'd bark to be let in, but oftentimes it was hours before she came home thanks to a neighbor who she'd gone to visit for attention. My dad always felt bad when it happened, but thankfully we lived on a quiet road and the neighbor kids loved her, so it was sort of a win-win for her and the kids.
