We’ve all been there. The elation of finishing a novel followed by the drop in the gut, a day or two later, and the panicked voice in your head that cries “Now what?” Starting fresh on a new Work in Progress after having been immersed for months, or years in some cases, in the previous one, where you know the characters and setting intimately, can be a scary thing. Especially when you’re used to getting up at oh-dark-in-the morning every day and hitting the keyboard while other (sane) people are still snoozing in their beds. Fortunately I never run short on ideas. The challenge is to get that opening sentence on (virtual) paper, thus setting foot in dark, unfamiliar territory. For me it’s a little like attending someone else’s class reunion where you don’t know a soul. You smile and fake it, but on the inside you’re freaking out, wondering “Where are MY people?” When you finally get to meet your hero, it’s more like a blind date than a trip to the Fantasy Suite on “The Bachelor.” As in, Close your eyes and tell me what color are his?
Add to that the stress of awaiting word from one’s agent and/or editor or the beta readers to whom you’ve sent your just-finished WIP for commentary, and you’re looking at an ulcer waiting to happen. Or in my case a flare-up of my OCD. Suddenly everywhere I look, I see something that needs cleaning or fixing or sharpening (on second thought, best not leave sharp objects lying around). Recipes in my clipping file that beg to be seen & tasted. Friends that have slipped off the radar screen while I was in the frenzy of writing that I suddenly feel compelled to call or email. It’s a slippery slope, my friends. And the irony is, it all begins with typing the words “The End.”
But there’s hope on the horizon! I made it to the weekend without losing a fingertip to my Cuisinart blade or eating half the amazing olive oil cake I baked in a fit of OCD frenzy. Then came two blissful days of chilling with the hubby in which I did not spare one single thought (well, maybe one) to the yawning maw that awaited on Monday morning. And hey, guess what? The planets didn’t collide and I’m still here. In one piece. Taking deep, calming breaths. In, out. In, out. Okay, so I’m writing a blog post instead of…um, writing. As in the kind by which you earn your living. But it’s a start. I’ll get to Chap One, Page One after my shower.
