Derek: Have you guys seen—?
Isaac: *angry*
Erica: *trying not to laugh*
Derek: You look upset. You look angry. What are we mad about?
Isaac: Stiles lost a bet.
Derek: And you’re upset?
Isaac: Yeah! Because the loser was meant to do something embarrassing. And he was meant to wear a dress.
Derek: And?
Stiles: *crashing into the room, wearing a dress* Derek, there you are! Check out this dress. I look so good. Like, this is the best outfit I’ve ever worn.
Isaac: *anger intesifies*
Derek: *speechless* Oh.
Isaac: IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE EMBARRASING! YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO LIKE IT!
In order to cultivate a healthier relationship with the creative process, the next time you read a serialised long-form fanfic that stops updating just as things are getting good, resist the urge to blame the author.
Instead, blame Netflix.
It's probably their fault somehow.
I have come up with a better metaphor than “you can’t pour from an empty cup” for burnout. You can’t boil an empty kettle. Pouring from an empty cup just gets you nowhere. Trying to boil an empty kettle can ruin the kettle, the stove, and burn down your house if you keep trying it.