So now you’re done?
What comes next? Now you’re free!
Alright, Hamilton references aside, seriously – what do you do when you’ve finished the challenge?
Notice that I didn’t say “won the challenge.”
The reality is, not everyone finished the 50,000 words in just thirty days. Honestly, it is hard. Not just for new writers, and writers trying new things, this is difficult for even the most seasoned writers our there. There’s a reason that 4 weeks feels like it goes by so fast… because it f–king does.
Here’s the deal, self-care is not your top priority during Nanowrimo. I know it’s not because it definitely wasn’t for me. It takes a strong person to stick with something they’ve started, but it sometimes takes an insane one too. Most of us didn’t breathe and enjoy free moments throughout November because we wanted to do this thing that meant so much to us.
So, whether or not you missed the finish line by mere seconds, by a mile, or flew right past the goal, December is a month of healing. You need to leave this project alone for one month. Don’t look at the manuscript. Don’t try to edit it. Don’t try to query it. Don’t do anything!
You need to take a break!
Write some fanfiction, do some crafts, enjoy time doing other hobbies you put to the side. Do literally anything else that has literally nothing to do with this project. You can’t get a clear enough mind to make it your best work until you’ve put some distance between what you wrote and what you want to share with the world.
Don’t make your relationship with this project unhealthy. I speak from first-hand experience, if you don’t get some clarity away from the manuscript, you can’t see it for the flaws that it has and forget that your work can grow and change over time. In many ways, distance makes the heart grow fonder.
But, if you feel up to it, I’d love to hear how you did. Leave a comment, find me on Tumblr or Twitter. Part of being a successful writer is having connections to other writers. You learn from each other, and I would absolutely love to learn from you. How did Nanowrimo 2019 go for you? What went well? What was awful? What do you wish you’d known before you started? Tell me literally anything.
I promise I’m all ears (and eyes).
Until the next challenge,
be well friends.
XOxoXO – ab
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