Yesterday, I sent off the ginormous package of two paper copies of the revised manuscript for Tate's Romancing the Dead. First of all, I'm happy to report that after much wrestling, I actually feel like this is the novel I wanted it to be. Secondly, despite expecting to feel a great wash of relief and freedom, instead I feel sort of at loose ends... almost depressed.
I have book post-partum depression, I think.
I posted about this feeling on my livejournal and was surprised at the number of other authors who reported a similar feeling at the end of any big writing project. Some suggested that, for them, it was a sense of loss at having to leave characters they "lived" with so long behind. I don't think that's exactly my problem, especially since thanks to my intrepid agent, I know that I'll get more chances to write about Garnet and company again (small whoot!). But, there is a weird kind of aimlessness I'm feeling -- EVEN THOUGH I have several projects I could be working on.
How about you? Do you get low after finishing a big (or even small) writing project? Do you have any advice for getting over it?
I'm thinking that what I need to do is some "fun" writing and then start tackling the next big thing.
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3 comments:
I don't have advice, but I could use some. After finishing my last big project I have lots of ideas, some even already partially outlined or just sketched out. And I have no clue where to go next.
Personally, I get huge charge out of finishing a story. Rules #1 and #2 in Heinlein's big five were such a roadblock for years. Eventually, I got out of my own way and actually started finishing some things I started. When a project is completed, its a huge victory. I love it.
BUT when its done, and its in the mail, forget about it. Don't miss it. Don't mourn the loss of the intimate time spent with the characters that have traveled with you from the beginning. Forget them until you start getting replies from your submissions (or queries). Its just easier that way.
So the question remains; What next? Countless ideas are scribbled on little bits of scrap paper. Do you explore one of those? Something different, perhaps? My answer--if I don't already have a plan, that is--is to pick the one that excites me most. If there isn't a standout idea, hell, just put them in a hat and promise to write whichever one you pick, no matter what it is.
Just write SOMETHING.
If I don't have a deadline, I tend to weigh the projects I want to tackle next by how excited I am about them. The one that gets me the most fired up, wins.
Although, honestly? I usually try on a couple of projects before I settle on the one I want. I do a lot of wheel spinning right after a big project is done. I think that's a natural part of the process for me.
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