Does anyone ever feel blue after finishing the writing of a book?
I do. At first, there's that feeling of exultation and accomplishment. It's done! That long-awaited moment that I yearn for all through polishing and revisions when I often mutter: I'll be so glad when this *!#@ book is done!.
But when it's over I realize:
-It's time to say goodbye to the vibrant characters who have lived inside my head for a while.
-It's time to do all the odious chores I've been putting off with the excuse of "have to finish the book and drop everythinge else."
-It's time to (gasp) start a completely new book and face that formidable blank page.
I just don't feel right when I'm not writing. There's nothing like the exhilirating thrill of riding the unexpected twists and turns of the first draft.
Since I don't have children, except the 4-legged, furry kind, I guess my books are my children. I create them, nurture them, and make them the best they can be until it's time to send them out into the world. (And hope I'll earn enough off of them to finance my old age. Ha!)
Anyone else feel like this or am I just weird?
Afton Locke
www.aftonlocke.com
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4 comments:
That's a great description Afton. The euphoria followed by this odd let down and sense of loss. After spending so much time and energy honing a story, it's an odd sort of saddness to know that you're really finished with it.
Yep. I just finished a book and I spent two days wandering around the house, doing "stuff". But today, I'm back to writing.
Yes I always feel relieved and then a little sad when the book is done. But then I go back and edit and revise, and always find something to tweak. In a way I never completely leave my characters. When a good review comes, I love discovering how others feel about my characters because they are so alive for me.
Nope. Not weird at all. I used to be like this. This post actually made me realize that I'm not that way so much anymore. Maybe it's because I tend to have several WIPS now when before I only worked on one at a time.
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