So, I've done a lot of thinking about what's changed for me as far as writing goes and as much as I want to blame NaNoWriMo on the burnout, it's more than that.
I think I'm a very social person, but in real life, I'm not able to connect with people the way I do online (especially with the people here on AW). So, before I joined AW, I had a lot of solo time. I spent the time I waited for my kids in the carpool line jotting notes down in a notebook. Evenings, after the kids went off to do their own thing, I'd write. Writing is solitary. But once I joined AW and made friends, that writing time was usually spent here and while it filled my need for socialization, I admit it hasn't been great for my actual writing.
BUT, I don't know that I'd change anything. I like it here, I love you guys, I've been a lot less lonely the past year. So, while my writing may have taken a bit of a hit, I haven't really minded. Except that I really SHOULD write and I want to write.
Also, my kids started complaining that writing took up all my time, that I didn't give them the attention they needed. Lots of things got put off so I could write. So, I also made the conscious decision to write less (and to spend less time on AW and reading, as well). I've also painted less, too. It's a balancing act and since I can't do everything (I don't have the time), I tend to rotate through my hobbies. Right now I'm spending a lot of time crocheting. Next month is might be painting. In six months I may go back to writing again. Who knows. I love doing so many things that I have to juggle them. You know?
And, the other thing is, I started a manuscript that I loved and got lots of positive feedback for (I've had three people beta read the first few chapters)...but as the story progressed, it required more and more research and there was some action writing I couldn't managed very well. Then the story morphed into something unrecognizable and before I knew it, I'd lost my direction. It was off to such a good start and then it just...fizzled. And so I lost motivation.
Mostly I really liked writing erotic scenes but even that has lost its appeal the past year. I dunno what's happened to me. I really don't.