Protect the Spark: How to Create (and Finish) Big Writing Projects Without Burning Out

Big writing dreams lose their shine when perfectionism, exhaustion, and life’s curveballs get in the way. In this talk, Shelby Dennis—ADHD coach, copywriter, and long-time daily writer—shares a gentle, practical approach to keeping your creative energy alive from first spark to final draft.

Whether you’re tackling a novel, memoir, or any ambitious writing project, you’ll discover how to work with your natural rhythms instead of forcing yourself into burnout. Expect to leave with fresh tools, perspective shifts, and small-but-mighty practices you can start using today.

You’ll learn how to:

• Build momentum without waiting for “inspiration” to strike
• Stay connected to your project even on low-energy days
• Create emotional safety around visibility and feedback
• Use rituals and rhythm-finding practices to nurture consistency
• Spot and avoid the most common writer’s burnout traps
• Lean on self-trust instead of sheer discipline to carry you through
• If you’ve ever started a project full of excitement only to lose steam halfway through, this talk will help you reignite your spark—and protect it all the way to “The End.”