on writing

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.

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What do you like to do after you finish writing a novel? Are any of your favourite things on my list?

RA_logo _backdrop-01_miniRebecca 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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