When you write a book, you spend day after day scanning and identifying the trees. When you’re done, you have to step back and look at the forest. (Stephen King)
Stephen King’s words caught my eye this morning. I’m gearing up for life after the completion of my latest novel and I feel plagued by all the emotions that go along with the ending of any major project. I brought a ragtag and often chaotic assortment of threads, ideas and character voices into being through writing, rewriting, editing, proofing and formatting. I produced a book that I feel confident to launch into the world. Finishing such an endeavour is cause for celebration and, at the same time, leaves me feeling at loose ends. It is indeed time to step back from scanning and identifying the trees to look at the forest.
Time to enjoy the fruits of my labour, celebrate the accomplishments and move on! Sounds like a plan.
How do you cope with the ending of a major project? Jubilation, conflicted emotions, uplifted, let down?
disappearinginplainsight 
I am sure it will happen in the future but not yet. I always have projects in different stages of completion, so there is always something waiting in the wings. I think when I do finish all I have on the go, I will take a breather, spend time in nature and find another project to move towards…
Loads of projects might be the answer, Jane. Forget this concept of down time. But I must admit, after this novel, I’m feeling somewhat drained. Breathing and being in nature will definitely do the trick 🙂
I smiled when I read your post. A few days ago my granddaughter graduated from college. Her project was a success (high honors from Princeton), and we did take time to celebrate it with the graduation ceremony and a family dinner. But I’m sure she’s “plagued by all the emotions that go along with the ending of any major project.” Plus, now she has to find a job and construct a life for herself.
By coincidence, this was what I wrote about in today’s blog post. http://nickichenwrites.com/wordpress/family/graduation-2017-and-my-granddaughter/
Wow – what an achievement – some many congrats for your granddaughter. I’m going over to check out your post, Nicki. Endings and new beginnings – transitions – I always find them challenging. Here’s to next steps.
Those trees are amazingly straight as well as tall – must be a Canadian thing. As to your question Fran I think I may be seven books and out – try something new perhaps. Oh, I’m enjoying the early chapters of CDTN.
Good to have a plan – helps with pacing 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying Chasing Down the Night. You’ll be all ready for No Compass to Right. Many thanks for the support.
Sorry, I meant NCTR Fran 🙂