Monday 29 August 2016

How I Survived Post-Manuscript Blues

by Karen M Davis





There is a rumour that writing and depression go together. In fact some documents I have read state it is a fact. Is it any wonder? Writing is an isolated profession. You are alone in a room with a computer and imaginary characters for endless hours, sometimes going without exercise, direct sunlight, enough sleep. Not to mention the ever-present pressure of the deadline looming forebodingly in the back of your mind.

But I'm not talking about depression while writing. That is a whole other subject. I'm talking about post-manuscript depression... When your precious manuscript has left you and is in the hands of others... the publishers. Does anyone else out there worry will it be good enough? Could I have done more? I do. It seems hard to let go of the baby I've been working on for so long, yet at the same time, I know if I had to read through those pages one more time it could be detrimental to myself and anyone around me.

I have just finished my third "Lexie Rogers" novel, Fatal Mistake, and I have to say I found this book harder than the others. Or maybe my memory is fading... Wanting to make it better than the last, I devised a complicated plot that speared off in many different directions to eventually come  back together. Well that was the plan, and after many hours re-plotting, tweaking and slowly going crazy, thankfully that's what happened. Since Fatal Mistake is the third in a series I also had to keep revising my first two books to ensure continuity of characters and storyline. For example, I thought I'd killed off someone's father in the second book but was not sure so I had to read it again and discovered that I didn't. This happened many times - even though I took notes - which was time consuming and draining.

I found that deadline drawing closer with too much left to do so, after a mild panic, I did what I had to do and locked myself in my study, hardly left the house, did no exercise and hardly spoke to anyone other than those who live with me. I  lived on frozen dinners and did minimal housework - everything  I promised myself I would not do - until it was finished. What choice did I have? No one could write the book for me...
Then, to my surprise, when the manuscript was sent off I felt flat. Which was not at all what I had expected. Now what was I going to do? I thought. What was my purpose? I could start another manuscript but I knew I needed a break.

So I made a list...
   
On my list were things I could now do since my work was done. Firstly, I would not feel guilty for having time out. I could relax... spring clean...go for long walks... and catch up with much neglected friends and family. So that's what I'm doing, although it does feel weird. However, ticking off items on a list gives me a sense of accomplishment. I intend to enjoy my down time because before I know it the first edits will be upon me and it will be back to the computer.

What do you like to do, or how do you reward yourself once your hard work is done and the manuscript you are working on is complete?



I love to love... to sit and relax by reading a book.








I love to laugh... at my crazy animals.




I love to learn... about social media because I am sadly lacking.


                 

14 comments:

  1. Welcome back out of the cave, Karen! It must be almost a surreal time after being locked away to meet deadline. I don't know how writers keep their stories straight when they write a series; whether or not you killed someone's father off made me laugh (in a nice way). I can't wait to read your third book when it hits the shelves.

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    1. Hi Malvina, thanks for the encouragement. I am very happy to be out of my cave. For a while there I thought I would have to re-title it the never ending story... but someone has already done that. A friend asked me a question about something that happened in Deadly Obsession and I couldn't remember. You would think with that with the amount of times you edit and go over a manuscript you would never forget it but... maybe its brain overload. Maybe I don't have much storage left up there... I don't know. And as much as I love writing, I am really enjoying a bit of a break.

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  2. Hi Karen! I had to laugh at your mention of the sense of accomplishment it gives you to tick things off a list. I've been known to add things to my 'to do' list that I've just completed simply for the satisfaction of crossing them out. :) Enjoy your time off and good luck with your upcoming edits!

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    1. Hi Marilyn, I totally get where you are coming from. I've done the same thing. I've done the housework then wrote it on my list for the day and ticked it off so I feel I have accomplished something. Is that weird??? Thanks for your well wishes with the edits. I find that to be the easiest part of the process and sometimes most enjoyable because the work is getting close to completion and nearing its best.

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  3. What a great post. I certainly know where you are coming from. I was hoping you would say it gets easier the more books you write. I've just sent something off to an agent so I have hope in the mail but I actually started my new ms before I finished the other one so I didn't really give myself a break in between. I probably should have in hindsight.

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    1. Hi Cassie, I think its an individual thing. I don't like pressure of any kind these days so having that deadline took a lot out of me therefore my reward to myself was having a break. My husband and family deserve my attention for a while also... If you are keen to keep writing and start again I say go with it. The creative juices are obviously flowing. Good luck with the MS you have just sent off.

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  4. Excellent post Karen! I'm not yet published, but I will keep your list idea on the back burner for when I submit my manuscript. (Must admit...I'm kinda looking forward to submitting and being able to write something else.)

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    1. Hi Dee, I hear you. I think all writers get a bit sick of the project they have been working on for a long time. Although I'm sure all the hard work will be wroth it in the end. You could write a list of what you want to write about next... just a thought.

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  5. Great post, Karen. It is hard to say goodbye to characters you have been immersed with while writing their story. I like your idea of having a break away doing other things. Great way to clear the mind and get energised for the next story that comes to your muse and it just may be what will.work for me.

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    1. Hi Enisa, as we know, everyone is different so different things work for the individual. I know writers who take a long break and others that start a new story the day after finishing their last. Whatever works for you is best for you...

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  6. Thank you for a really interesting post, Karen. When I need time out, coffee shops rule. I love cappuccinos so much I really shiuld buy shares in a coffee shop. I really enjoyed reading the first two Lexie Rogers books, and can't wait to read the third.

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    1. Hi Sharon, thanks for your kind words. I'm very glad you enjoyed my first two books and are looking forward to number three - which just quietly my publishers have said is the best one yet... Sigh of relief when I heard that. I don't drink coffee but love a hot chocolate so I enjoy time out at coffee shop's as well. People watching can also give inspiration for stories.

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  7. Oh, I understand this TOTALLY, Karen! I always feel flat after finishing a book. It's like saying goodbye to friends I've been in intimate contact with for months. Suddenly I'm not playing with them every day and I miss them terribly. I’ve even been known to get teary.

    My house is usually so neglected post book it takes a couple of days to sort out, then the office takes another day. Then there are all the other neglected chores like doctor, dentist, hairdresser etc. Plus friends and family, poor things. By the time all that's added up a week or two has gone by and it's time to start on the next project.

    The most important thing for writers - and I suspect it's something we're not as conscientious about as we should be – is refilling that well of creativity. We NEED time away from actual writing to nurture new stories and ideas, and we need that world interaction for inspiration.

    Come to think of it, what we need is more and longer holidays, preferably in exotic and/or inspirational places. A solid plan, yes?

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    1. Hi Cathryn, it was nice to meet you at the RWA conference, although didn't really have much chance to chat. I'm glad you feel the same way. So true. Things get neglected because we are so busy writing and then it takes weeks to get house and life back in order. I forgot to mention in my post - not sure how - that I'm off to Thailand in a few weeks which is a second honeymoon. I planned the timing so as I have no deadlines hanging over my head while away but will probably be keen to get back to the computer when I get home. Hopefully refreshed and full of new creativity.

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