Is there a cleaner way of saying of "blowing your load?"

Exchanges like spn_summergen are great, because even an unknown writer gets a lot of attention. Partly, that's because everyone is anonymous, but it's more than that. People have a sense of participation, so they read and comment on stories they wouldn't otherwise care for. And now, for the second year in a row, I've written fics I'm super happy with ~prior~ to the exchange. And it makes me a bit miffed that I didn't get to spotlight them.

Last year, I had horrible writer's block and forced out something that met the requirements just so I wouldn't default. This year, I'm actually going to write something plotty, but it will still not be one of my favourite stories. And yet, it will be my most read story of the year. (Yes, I'm petty. I feel petty too. But mostly I feel like an idiot.)