I was wondering – and maybe this is a common topic, but I have only recently begun to get more involved with my fellow writers – do you feel a little blue when you finish your book and it’s out there, and there is nothing left but to…I don’t know… read it for yourself? Do you miss your characters? The intimacy you had with them, creating or solving their problems? Breaking their hearts, or introducing them to the love of their life?
I remember one evening I had hurt one of my characters – ripped her heart out – just as I was going to bed. I even cried as I wrote it. I woke up very early the next morning and the first thing I did was make it better for her. And for the whole day I felt a little wrecked about the incident that was undoubtedly “my fault.” I just laughed at myself for even admitting this. The thing is, her heart was supposed to remain broken but I couldn’t. I literally had to go back and fix it for her.
A week ago I self-published my first novel length book, The First Love. While I was writing it I was so consumed by my characters that I missed them whenever I was away. There was a constant longing to be back with them as soon as possible, and I remember even feeling grumpy when forced to stay away too long.
But now that it’s out and even as I prepare my next story, I can’t stop thinking about Calli, Justine, and Fenne. I miss them 🙂
I wonder where they are now.
Erinne Bates 