I am done a new novel. Submitted the final draft a short while ago, and now it goes to copy editing.
My writer friends will know what a great sense of accomplishment there is at this stage.
For about forty-eight hours.
Then the usual thoughts bubble to the surface. “Why are you slacking off?” “You think you deserve a holiday? Think again!” “Get back to work!!” Etc.
Luckily I do have a new manuscript that I quietly started working on in the months between drafts, when I was waiting for notes. So I’m not staring into the void (I hates me the void. The void is some scary sh-t). I’m relaxed; my two book deal is officially done, and I am back in the land of writing for no one but myself, and hoping for the best – oddly it’s the place I prefer to be. No pressure, no stress.
But having just finished the new book, well – it’s hard to just leap into the next one. I’d love to know if it’s just me, or if other writers feel the same way (or any other self-employed people who have to rely on their own motivation to get anything done). I confess that this is consistently the time that I procrastinate the most. I can make a very short to-do list last all day. I go out for bike rides, attend more yoga classes, enjoy seeing friends and having lunches. I garden.
And I take photos of my cats. Which brings me to today’s photos. Here are a handful of shots of Erwin Schrodinger and Emily Bronte playing hide and seek.
They are not very good at it.
YAY cat photos!
i do believe the technical term for procrastinating on the next book is ‘filling the well.’ well, that’s my story, and i’m sticking to it.
I’m with Jennifer. Once you’ve lived with certain subjects and characters for months or years, you can’t immediately abandon them and move on. Plus, we don’t always take enough time to celebrate our achievements. I’d say a few extra bike rides and yoga classes are well deserved!
Awesome thoughts, Tanya. I’m so sorry it took me this long to respond, I’m just seeing these for some reason – I’m still not very good at the blogging!
Totally hear you. Have my book well on its way. Slacking or as I prefer to think of it..getting some balance back. Breathing, Pilates, wasting time. Reminds me of the notion that there is no real work/life balance but there are some days when you just slow down and other days that are full on. I think we somehow need that down time, and a healthy dose of contemplative quiet that precludes any writing.
I am so embarrassed that I’m somehow just seeing these comments. Love your thoughts, Jane. Sorry on being so pokey to respond!
I open my application and stare at the blank page for a few moments. Check email. Get caught up on the news. Comment on friends blog posts. Get hungry, eat turkey then fall asleep. I’m sure I’ve been an enormously helpful. You’re welcome. 😉
Oh Gary, I’m so sorry I’m just seeing this! You are right, you were enormously helpful. 🙂