There is a sense when you've turned in a book that everything is about to fall apart. Or at least that's how I feel. I know this is normal. All my writer friends tell me so. Published authors still get worried about what their editor will think when the manuscript is turned in. (It goes without saying that unpublished writers are anxious when they send out books!)
Anxiety: A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties.
This is my state today. I'm in that no man's land between having turned in the book, waiting for the response, wondering whether to work on something else, and just thinking I ought to climb into bed and pull the covers over my head.
Anxiety comes with symptoms, among them headaches, nausea, insomnia, trembling, pacing, inability to concentrate, etc. There are many, many symptoms. Mine consist of the nausea, insomnia, and restlessness mostly. The headache is always an option with me. 🙂
I've pretty much decided this is part of the writerly state, part and parcel with the job. Every job has its stressors; I'm experiencing mine now. The book is gone and there's nothing I can do but worry about it.
Anything making you anxious today? Any anxiety remedies?
Lynn,
First off. I’m sure you did a far better job with your revision than you think. Second, you already have an editor who is going to do everything in her power to get this manuscript in print. She wants success as much as you do. It sounds so much better to say the Presents contest winner went on to publish than not, don’t you think?
Now that the pep talk is over, on to some stress-reducing techniques. Get a change of scene. You could take a walk, treat yourself to a movie or go shopping.
I think a hot bath works wonders. Sprinkle in some fragrant bath salts, light a candle and play some music. You’ve got yourself a recipe for relaxation.
And there’s always chocolate. =)
I say we go to lunch…
I say you need a couple days away from your desk. Disconnect DH from World of Warcraft and go to dinner, or a movie, or something. Anything but write or think about writing. Have some fun. Relax. Worrying about what you’ve turned in won’t help in the end.
Or drink. That always works, too.
Thank you, Keli! You are a great pep-talker! Are you the Supreme Pep Talk Pixie too? If not, we need to make it so!! 😉
Love the stress-reducing ideas. The bath sounds heavenly. With a book I can READ instead of having to write. LOL!
PC, lunch always works!
SP, back away from the desk?! But, but, but — my Internet, my email, my connection to my writer pals!! What would I do with myself?
But you are right that worrying about it won’t help. 🙂 I’ll be fine now, I’m sure….. 😉
I’m the Queen of Insomnia (and doubt, sometimes) and I concur with all of the above. Disengage from your PC for a while. Go through your TBR pile, pop some popcorn, grab some chocolate, and curl up to just be entertained.
Oooo I second the vote for chocolate! 🙂
Nikki
SQUEEE! for turning in the book! Way to go, Lynn.
Enjoy your favorite dessert, kick up your heels, have a glass of wine to celebrate and throw your glass into the fire ala Kathleen Turner in Romancing the Stone. Oh, don’t forget to serve an extra special meal to kitty on a pretty dish too.
(International Talk Like a Pirate Day has ended… pity, that. I’m in mourning.)
Congratulations!!! 🙂
Can’t wait to read it when it comes out.
I had the twisted knee and holes in my shin. Otto had the dental surgery.
But, I think I am going to be dropping all my other stuff and work on my vasculitis stuff… 🙂
Cyn
Hope your birthday was very very happy.