I've been working on my first book for over six months... and I finally finished today. It's a really good story, I know that much. And even though I've improved a lot since I started, and the beginning needs work... the actual writing isn't that bad. So why do I feel so horrible?
Maybe because something is missing from the story. Or maybe you like the story, but don't want it portrayed as a novel.
I'm sorry to read that you're feeling horrible! Maybe something is missing from the story. Or perhaps you're sick of working on the concept and characters for so long that your book doesn't seem so appealing anymore. Usually there is more joy in the creation process than there is in the final product for an artist. I hope you're feeling better and discover what the issue is.
It's possible that you're just freaking out because you've worked diligently for awhile and now you think that it's all over now. I wrote a short story not too long ago and I never wanted it to end. I asked myself: Is my work over? How can it improve? I haven't looked back at it in a few months (especially because my creative writing buddies would attack me if I did) but I am ampt to reread and revise once again.
I think it might be true, that I wish it wasn't finished. The thing is though, that I have ideas for a continuation of the story. I think another part of it is that I've got stuff happening in my life. It's a lot better to escape to my own world, than have to deal with real life all the time. And now I have a lapse of time that I have to put up with it.
Well, go thru the book....like 20 times NOW! Edit, edit, edit! and then... go get it published already!!
It's not unusual to feel depressed when a project is completed (although as others have said, what about revision - if you haven't done at least one revision pass, minimum, you probably aren't finished). It's one reason start procrastinating near the completion of a project, so they don't have to face the loss of a major item from their activity list. One way around this is to begin thinking about your next project before you are quite finished with the first, but to not alow yourself to dive into the new project until the first one is completed (or at a designated milestone). Then when you complete that first project or milestone, you can reward yourself by going full steam ahead on the new project.
I think I get what you mean, ShannonLloyd. I've been getting half-way through drafts and then tossing them and restarting them. It might be because I simply don't want to finish them.
Cogito's right. But I'll disagree about putting off other projects until you complete your first, especially if you are like me--if I don't work when the juices are rolling, I'll never get back to the project and I'll drag on my current one, thinking 'I want to be working on another story instead'.
Gratz man, I would feel so sad, that I had finished a book. Maybe it is just that? You just worked diligently over the past six months to get something finished, and now that it is complete, it is like losing a piece to the puzzle.
it could also just be that you liked the 'fun' of writing the thing, but don't want to have to do the 'work' of editing and polishing it... welcome to the world of writing for a living!
Thanks everyone. :] I have to agree with you, I do feel like I'm missing something. And I definitely like the actual process of writing it, rather than editing. So it's probably a mixture of not wanting to edit, and missing the writing part. It has been a big thing in my life, and I am going to miss it. I just wish I could realize that I've got other projects waiting to be done as well. XD
Congratulations! That being said, finishing something important sure can be felt as a loss. The French call it 'le petit mort'- the little death, which also refers to the aftermath of an orgasm, bringing to mind a Latin phrase: Post-coitum, omne animale, triste est After sex, every animal despairs But it doesn't last long, and inspiration strikes again!
I just wish I could get excited about my accomplishment like I have before. I guess I'll just have to wait. (patience is not my strong point)
