10 things to do after you finish writing your novel
You know that feeling you get when you finish writing a WIP novel? That odd mixture of relief and elation that lasts about a day…and then morphs into a strange kind of lost bewilderment? You’ve spent so long working towards that final line, that final word, and now that it’s done…well, what now? What do you do?
I’ve been wrestling with these very questions for the last two weeks, ever since I finished the first draft of my fantasy novel Old Blood. But after giving it a little thought, I realised there are quite a few things you can do after you finish writing your novel. Here are 10 things that might help you recover…and prepare for the next WIP!
1. Snuggle with with your your dog
Whether he wants it or not. By now he should know that he’s your (living) teddy bear and needs to run when he sees you coming for him.
2. Sleep (if you remember how)
And because your bed is lonely. It hasn’t seen you in days / weeks and is starting to feel mighty jealous of your desk chair.
3. Make some healthy snacks and eat them
And yes, it has to be healthy snacks. Because all those chocolate mug-cakes you’ve been eating? They may taste awesome ,but they’re not good for you :'(
4. Say hi to your family and friends
At least let them know you’re alive, yeah? They’re probably on the verge of calling the homicide squad.
5. Spend ridiculous amounts of time on Goodreads
Because you’ve been working hard, and you need to do something that’s easy.
6. Read a book, or two, or three…
…or four, or five, or six, or really however many you want until the urge to devour pages is gone. So never, really. Read an infinite number of books.
7. Catch up on Netflix
Because it’s probably time to clamber out from beneath that rock you’ve been hiding under and watch that show everyone on the planet has been talking about. You know. That show.
8. Um…exercise?
Optional. Completely optional. I’ll leave that one up to you.
9. Create 27 different covers for your novel
Well, you’re only being proactive, right? You have to give your future publishing-house cover-designer some concept ideas, after all.
10. Brainstorm ideas for your new WIP (a.k.a. managing withdrawal symptoms)
Because you are a writer, and you can’t not be working on something, or the voices in your head will drive you insane. More insane than you already are, that is.
What do you like to do after you finish writing a novel? Are any of your favourite things on my list?
Rebecca Alasdair
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
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Eva O'Reilly
11. Try to remember that you no longer live in the writing world and can’t just kill off the co-worker who annoys you – you actually have to deal with them 😀
Rebecca Alasdair
Yes! Good one! It’s not easy to remember you don’t actually LIVE in the fantasy world you’ve spent the last several days / weeks / months immersed in…and that your problems can’t actually be solved by drawing your sword :'(
lorraineambers
I do most of those whilst writing. Especially snuggling my beagle, but I do love to binge read after writing a novel. Particularly heart wrenching, angsty fantasy/romance novels. I can handle a few book hangovers when I’m not writing. 😬
Rebecca Alasdair
Ah yes! The good old book hangover. I’ve certainly had a few of those 😁
Bryan Fagan
12. Try not to miss your characters to much. They’re still there just not the way they use to be. It’s kind of sad and a little empty but it’s normal so don’t think that you’re going crazy.
Rebecca Alasdair
Yes so true! After spending so much time with those voices in your head it IS sad when they go quiet. And now, we writers aren’t crazy 😜
Bryan Fagan
It was tough when my editor and I completed my novel. I started having flashbacks to my college days when I said goodbye to my dorm mates. Crazy but worth it. 🙂
EvelynKrieger
Yes, definitely begin the next project after rewarding yourself and celebrating.
Rebecca Alasdair
A writer’s work is never done!
Bryan Fagan
So true.