Sunday, May 13, 2018

#amnotwriting: The End

I finished my current manuscript about a month ahead of schedule. Pretty good, especially because I took 3-4 weeks off for hip replacement surgery.

Lest I sound like I'm bragging, I wrote 21 chapters instead of the usual 23 or 24. This book didn't need that many chapters and I realized it when I got to about chapter 15. (Is it obvious I don't plot my books in advance?)

I always feel a mix of emotions when I finish a manuscript:

  • relief: Yay! those characters are finally quiet. Except they aren't. This is a 9-book series and I will hear these characters in my head until I finish the series, with Book 9, next year. Even then, I wonder if I will ever lose them? I've had them with me so long.
  • tiredness: the last few chapters are always a marathon for me. I tend to write, write, write until it's done.
  • boredom: now what do I do? Writing occupies a big chunk of my free time. What's the next project going to be?
  • dread: I need to review and edit. Not immediately. I'll wait a week or so, then I'll dig in on that. I will also go back, read the first 7 books in the series, and make sure this book is cohesive.
  • anticipation: related to "boredom": what book will I write next?
I probably won't be leaping into a new manuscript right away. I need to do some web site work, some promo, look at a few issues that came up (some kind of privacy thing with newsletters: GDPR: cue head explosion), get caught up on #cockygate, and you know, get caught up on life.

So there you have it: the on/off button for a writer. #amwriting and #aminbetweenwriting. I'll give myself a month or so then I'll be #amwriting again.



7 comments:

Jannine Gallant said...

You're a writing machine, JL! Congrats on finishing your book. I'm in that finishing stage right now. Have written over 70K and am counting down. It's always a good feeling.

Vonnie Davis said...

I envy your discipline as a writer. Kudos to you for being able to set the finished WIP aside for a while. I get too antsy to go back over it and fiddle with everything. Because of Calvin being in the hospital for so long and then bringing him home for his passing, I haven't written since Easter. My mind and heart just aren't ready.

Rolynn Anderson said...

The E-Bunny keeps on going! I know all the feelings you're describing, since I just shipped my recent book to my editor. Only difference is, I have no clue what my next project is (no voices in the head). I've already gotten a stern lecture from someone about GDPR and I don't even send out a newsletter unless I have a release. Tell us what you learn about that. As for #cockygate and trademarks, what a cluster#%$*! Congrats on your productivity...and well-deserved rest.

Leah St. James said...

Congratulations, JL! I also admire your drive and discipline. Enjoy your mini break while you catch up!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Always good to bring another one to the finish line. Congrats on that. Ah #cockygate. Will wonders never cease? I’m a novice compared to you. Only working on book number three of four. Can only imagine nine Best of luck.

Diane Burton said...

Congrats on hitting the finish line, JL. Always a great feeling--mixed in with all the others you mentioned. Good luck on the revisions/edits, and all the other stuff you need to do.

remullins said...

Please add an overwhelming sense of pride at your accomplishment. You go girl.