The aftermath of writing a book
I handed in the revisions on my fourth book on Tuesday, and since then I've been trying to motivate myself to start something new. I have plenty of projects to keep me busy: a serial for The People's Friend, a historical novel for Hale, and of course my next Presents. And yet.And yet, I'm not doing anything. I've outlined all three of the above, lovely, detailed outlines which I am quite excited about, and there is nothing to prevent me from sitting down and starting my next big thing.
Except.
Except, I always forget I need some downtime, some nothing time, some I'll-actually-spend-two-hours-surfing-the-net-because-I-CAN time. And so that's what I've been doing this week... a lot of nothing! Except it isn't nothing because I've read two books that qualify as research for my next Presents, I've looked online for some material for settings, and perhaps most importantly, I've relaxed. I've let that tension go a bit and I know when I start up again--probably next week--I'll feel ready and energised. That's important. Taking time NOT to write, I've come to realize, is just about as important as taking the time TO write. A delicate balance, though. A very delicate balance...
posted by Kate Hewitt at 11:53 AM
Oh yes-- relaxation is definitely part of the creative cycle-- you absolutely must spend lots of time doing it. Definitely.
I'm so envious-- book 4 done and submitted! (mine due end of November, but growing slowly...) Huge congratulations!