I was down to the wire. My editor was expecting the first draft of my manuscript. I ended up working late two nights in a row to make the deadline.
When I say late, I mean “all-nighter” type of late.
The late that brings bird songs through the window and a glance at the clock tells you it is 4:30 AM. Quinn, the dog, slept on, but restlessly, as she periodically roused and wanted to know why I was not asleep.
Victory! I finished. Manuscript sent.
I know it will return. The manuscript, that is.
And I will be invigorated by comments, considerations, suggestions, and questions. They will energize me and send me into another round of thought and editing, one influenced by a sage professional editor and fresh set of eyes.
In the meantime, I am spending a week in the gardens, completely ignoring my writing.
It is strange to not write.
I want to open up the laptop and do something.
Anything.
I will not do it.
I must take a step back from the manuscript and await comments. I will be more objective for giving myself time away. In another week, I will turn attention to the nitty gritty of publishing. I’ll set an advertising plan, work with my designer on the future cover, and attend to details of keywords, categories, and other information required for publication and sales.
I am also already mentally moving into my next novel. Yes, the next juicy exercise of crafting a story to share. But, for this week, I am on vacation. I am not permitting myself to write or be a writer. It is a good exercise, but not an easy one.
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Stay well, dear Readers.