Well . . . Legends of Windemere: Curse of the Dark Wind is done. At least the first draft. I focus on outlining, reading, resting, and everything else until . . . I don’t know. I’m unsure if I should start in on Legends of Windemere: Sleeper of the Wildwood Fugue the last week in January or wait for February. I’m at that strange point where I don’t want to leave Windemere, fear I wrote a bad story, wonder if I wrote a great story, thinking about other projects, and feeling simply lost.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve laughed and cried within the last 5 minutes. It isn’t even like this is new to me. This is the 8th book I’ve ever completed if you count the two from high school. 10 if you go for Bestiary of Blatherhorn Vale and Catalysts. It’s hitting me rather hard this time. Prodigy of Rainbow Tower and Family of the Tri-Rune levels of oomph. Maybe the high emotion of one of the final scenes or knowing the tragedy brewing in the next book has me on edge.
Anyway, it is done and . . . uh . . . I need a hug and the toddler’s out of the house. So quiet in here now that I don’t have my characters running around in my head. I mean, it’s like crypt level quiet . . . I think I’m going to go hide now.
Legends of Windemere 
Congratulations, Charles – I hope you find that hug! 🙂
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I forgot to get one from the toddler. I was too busy yelling at him to stay away from the hot sauce on the stove. It was spitting.
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Congrats on finishing the first draft!
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Thanks. 🙂
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It really is a a strange empty feeling isn’t it finishing a book? Your characters seem to stay with you for quite a while. Now you have the gruelling task of editing your novel looming ahead of you, which I don’t know about you, but I personally always dread. Well done and good luck with your next project.
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The editing is going to be a pain, but I have help from a trusted friend. I also do a little editing as I go along. Helps regain the flow after waking up.
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That’s a good idea, I might try that editing a little as I go. Thanks
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Congratulations! And this from a non-fiction writer. };-)>
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Thanks. Do non-fiction writers get this type of feeling? I can imagine it being strange when all your research is done after delving into something for so long.
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It was a relief when I finished the first draft in January 2013. Three years of research (part time) and planning preceded this. A definite milestone. But then the manuscript underwent at least a dozen test reader review and enhancement cycles, each iteration seeing the manuscript stronger than the preceding one.
I had to have the manuscript sufficiently refined before self-publishing it, as I know the book will be attacked due to its controversial nature.
But it was a huge relief getting that first draft done. You put everything you have emotionally into the first draft, and feel drained for a bit after getting there. A good drained, but drained nonetheless.
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Exactly. Nothing wrong with controversial nature sometimes. It means people will talk about it.
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Charles,
Yes, controversy sells. I suspect they’ll be talking about this book (which Linda G Hill has read) and its sequel for a very long time. I’ve already begun the writing and additional research for the sequel, but I suspect the marketing of Book One is going to limit my spare time to write.
The trials and tribulations of self-publishing.
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It definitely takes up a lot of time, but the marketing part eases as time moves on. I’m usually focused mostly on that for the first 2-3 weeks of a debut.
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Appreciate the benefit of your experience, Charles. Thank you.
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A lie down in a dark room is recommended – well done 🙂
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That’s on the list. Mostly because I feel drained and will probably pass out early tonight.
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Congrats on finishing the first draft! I know all too well that feeling of completion. Best of luck when the time comes to edit!
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Thanks. I got time on this one. The 4th book needs to get prepped for February/March release. This one is the 6th. I must confuse so many people with all the jumping around I do.
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{{{{HUGS}}}} The best I can offer is a cyber hug, and a “Good Job!.” Congratulations. Take a week to relax and do nothing….except play with the toddler, cook for the wife, and read.
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Thanks. I’m going to rest for a bit and work on a few smaller projects. Probably start the next book in February once a few events are over.
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Congratulations Charles, sounds like you need a little bit of a break.
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A break will be nice. Hopefully I don’t go stir crazy.
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*Hugs*
Great job on finishing yet another book! That’s awesome! You’re amazing! 🙂
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Thanks. Now for the next project . . . which is sleep.
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Ah, the best kind of project! One where your brain actually gets to take a break! 🙂 Good plan!
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Yup. Beyond that I’ve got no other ideas on what to do.
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Enjoy that awkwardness and lock your to-do list in the attic for a day or two. 🙂
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Thanks. Think I’ll just be reading and resting. Got the notes for the next book prepped, so I don’t have to worry too much. Gather my energy and return to Windemere when I’m recharged. 🙂
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I feel your pain, as I do my final read through of Moonstone. I feel especially connected to this couple, and it kills me to leave them.
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This is why I dread the end of Legends of Windemere. I get a small book afterwards to close up a possible loose end, but that’s it for these characters beyond cameos. I might not extra time to get around to the series after this one.
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Bitter sweet.
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Yup. Perfect song for the feeling too. 🙂
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Congrats on your draft 🙂 I send to you one virtual hug!
I remember how I felt when I finished the first draft of Imminent Danger. I just kind of sat there, staring at the words “The End”, and thought to myself, “Now what?” I ended up almost immediately re-reading it — not something writers advise you do, but hey, I’m just zany like that 🙂
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I usually jumped right into editing because I figured it was fresh in my mind. I’m having someone else read it over before I do it again this time. I think the challenge right now is to relax when I have the outline for book 7 sitting in plain sight. I’ve already grabbed it to read over and alter. I’m really dreading the final book of this series. I fear I’ll become inconsolable for a week.
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Hmm … a perfectly legitimate fear, my friend. Perhaps you might console yourself by remembering that now you get to move on to new and exciting writing opportunities? And you could always hop back into the Windemere universe and do some short stories or something to that effect — maybe release an encyclopedia of the world? Fantasy authors love doing that 🙂
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Thankfully, I still have 9 books of this series to write. So this is more of a ‘recharge before returning’ period. Though, I probably won’t leave Windemere at all. Every series I have planned takes place in there. One might not.
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Hang in there man! You always give me words of encouragement. I saw this quote today.
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/358562-the-worst-enemy-to-creativity-is-self-doubt. You’re very creative, don’t doubt yourself. It is going to be a great book.
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Thanks. I’m only worrying a bit because I haven’t edited this book or the one before it. 4th book has seen 2-3 editing runs. Trying to behave and relax.
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sending a hug, pal. congratulations on your achievement, Charles. sincere best wishes
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Thanks. 🙂
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