I went through this with previous stories and I'll probably go through this with all the following stories, but I really don't want to.
So what can I do? What can help?
I looked up advice on real empty-nest syndrome and maybe the steps can help us writers:
1. PLAN AHEAD:
You know your novel will be leaving you at some point. Take the time now to prepare for that eventuality.2. GET TO KNOW YOUR
Look at the positive: This is a time for you to start something new. Rekindle the love you had for a manuscript you started earlier or for the one you have bubbling in your brain.
3. TALK TO OTHER
One problem with empty-nest syndrome is that you won’t get much sympathy from those who never went through it. To them it is just a normal part of life. So look to someone who went through it fairly recently. That's what's great about writers on the WWW. It's a great place to connect with writers who know what you're going through.
4. PREPARE YOUR CHILD NOVEL:
Don't send your novel into the world incomplete and unprepared. Make sure it has everything it needs to do well. Is it properly edited? Does the cover have zing? Have you got a way to promote your book? Do you know who your target audience is?Take from: Six steps to surviving an empty nest
37 comments:
Ha! This was great, and so apropos.
Don't worry. Once you fall off the cliff, you can relax. :)
Is it bad to crave the "Empty Nest" symptom? :)
Very exciting Clarissa.
I bet you have the proud parent smile.
Great analogy. I'm getting to know my next novel.
can't wait to see your cover! Hope it will be beautiful and inviting :)
Clarissa - Now that's great advice! And I'm so happy for you that your book is almost ready to go. Can't wait to read it! I think the most creative time for the next novel is when the present one's done...
This is great. =) And Congrats on the release.
oh, funny! I can imagine feeling the same way.
Congratulations! Are you doing a blog tour? Let me know if you want a spot. :)
I think the hardest thing to learn is letting go...both as a parent and as a writer!
I really identify with this post. And how ideal for the insecure writer's spot! I get depressed whenever I finish a novel. So I go back in and edit to feel good again. Gah! It can be hard to let go of it. Time to start something new, Clarissa!
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK!! AWwww I hope the excitement and thrill of having a debut novel all published and lovely will hit you asap! I'm truly happy for you!!! Yay! Take care
x
Hi Clarissa .. seems like you've nailed a different type of insecurity .. great points. Enjoy and release .. wonderful you're so close to release .. cheers Hilary
Hahaha, I wasn't even aware that writers experienced something similar to this.
Oh I'm so excited. I'm sure that this is just a temporary feeling you're having Clarissa and that it will soon pass.
Congrats, I'm excited for you~
I too second what DL Hammons said!
I agree soon you will be a proud parent ;D
I love this comparative list~
I'm in the same situation. Fortunately, I have a novel about 85-90% written, that's a sequal, to work on.
Brilliant! How weird is it to hope to be in your shoes one day REALLY soon.
Ha, yes, I went through that feeling a month ago. Now that I've started my new story, I'm good again. Great post.
Jumping right back into another book is so important.
Excellent tips! Loved the humor here.
Haha! Love it.
Good luck with the new release!
Sensible tips, as always, Clarissa. I wonder if that why I'm forever jumping around doing different things.
That said, I guess you're busy with something else right about now.
Excellent tips, Clarissa. Thanks to my awesome critique partners, I felt much better about sending my second book out than my first.
Hi Clarissa!
Oh, I feel your pain as you send your loved one out into that cold, hard world. I'm sure your novel will sing!
Now, what's next?
Denise
When I finished my first novel, not that long ago, I mourned it. But a new baby was born and has since kept me occupied. Looking forward to your book when it comes out. Very cool.
Awesome; that does work :)
Aw, sweetie, it'll be great once it out of your hands! Funnily enough, I had the exact OPPOSITE reaction ... lol. I think that was due to it staying home long after it was due to leave ... :o)
Hi Clarissa! I can't wait to feel this syndrome, LOL. And congrats on your book. I know you're proud!!!
I've already been through the empty nest with one set of kids and am now preparing to do the same with my step-dot - I think with my novels I'll be so damn glad they're gone. I've already taken to not buying cheese so they'll leave but nothing is working. I think they'll be on social security before I get them out of here.
so I have not had THIS particular experience yet, but I have gone out on subs. And that might be the most freak-out inducing experience of your life. So I have sideways empathy with you! :D ((hugs))
Here from Alex's blog. First and foremost, congrats on publishing your novel. That is a great achievement.
FWIW, I can relate to your what you're saying here. I am in editing mode and as the end draws near, I feel a huge void. The story and my characters have been such a huge part of my life for so long, that it's hard to let them go.
Even though I'm not ready to query yet, I've already started exploring ideas for my next novel. Maybe this will help me avoid "Empty Nest Syndrome." Great Post.
Hi there,
I am just popping in from Alex's insecure writers group and it's taking me to get around everybody's blogs and say "hi". I will pop by your blog as often as I can. Nice to "meet" you.
Eve. :)
It must be so exciting and conflicting for you - in a way I like having the constant back-and-forth of edits to cling to, I think I'll be scared and sad when that's over! Great tips for surviving it though :-)
Looks like a very appropriate analogy.
I hope you and your new novel find happiness.
Good luck, Clarissa. Sounds like you've got a really good handle on this.
karen
lol. writing is a lot like birthing. This could explain my aviodance of both...Super excited for you!!
Funny, because just like I have just loved to let go of my finished novels so I could focus on the next one, I have also sent two children off, thinking that as long as they were happy, so was I.
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