When it starts to feel like work, you have to take a break. After all, fanfiction is a labor of love, and if you don't love writing it, it won't be any good.
QUOTE (tricksie @ Apr 25 2013, 05:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As far as the overall slowdown of fic production/updates goes, I would encourage anxious readers to leave reviews on the stories they like. Even if you've already reviewed, leave one as a guest. Nothing boosts the morale and motivation of a writer like a review that says what a reader likes about their story and how much it is enjoyed.
I see a lot of readers complain about update slowness and seemingly unmotivated authors, but at the same time a lot of readers don't leave reviews to inspire the author and let them know their hard work is appreciated. There is a significant cost of time and effort for an author to produce a quality fic. By comparison, a review is easy.
When times get tough in a fandom -- or a pairing goes through a canon slump -- or even when everything's going great -- encouragement and building a strong fandom through fan fiction is a two-way street.
Just my opinion.
Ditto that.