It’s taken months, maybe years to finish your work. There were little interruptions called ‘life’ along the way (an illness, divorce, computer crashes, or other) or the Muse caught an attitude and walked out (albeit temporarily) or research (or lack thereof) hindered the work’s progression. But, whatever the obstacles, the work is done, you’ve placed a period at the end of that last sentence and closed the deal. It’s been a literal road of blood (papercuts and pen pricks), sweat (typically during the air-conditioning’s energy-conserve modes), and tears (of frustration, of joy).
And along this toiling road of rewrites and hair-pulling and writer’s block and laborious worrying over plot development, pacing, and story structure, there remained the constant and annoying ‘check-ins’ by casual others: “Is the next book ready?”; “How far along are you?”; “When’re you coming out with something new?”
Secretly grinding their teeth, writers smile politely, providing answers to those questions in the shortest, most convenient, and vaguest of forms (“Not yet.”; “Getting there.”; “Soon.”), before hurrying away and avoiding a follow-up question.
The informal ‘status checkers’ mean no harm. Usually, they’re family and friends who’ve enjoyed a work and are curious and anxious about reading the next one. Writers get that. Still: our teeth hurt from the grinding while smiling politely. Some of the more cantankerous members of our group however, go the more direct route. No polite teeth grinding for them: they’d just as soon cut their teeth on your feelings by chewing them to pieces for asking such irritating questions.
Unfamiliar with the intricacies of the writing life, our ‘status checkers’ simply have no true idea what’s involved in getting a concept fleshed out into a manuscript with tens or even hundreds of thousands of words. Most likely, they have an image of us secluded, only the glow from the computer monitor illuminating the surroundings, our fingers moving rapidly over the keyboard and generating page after page of prose … until the coffee break (or tea, in my case). They’ve heard of writer’s block but have no real understanding of it.
I’ve heard many, who, having written nothing more than a college or high school essay, approach the entertainment of writing a book with: “Anyone can write a book if they put their mind to it.” And, for those with that approach, that line of thinking, writing a book is an ‘entertainment’ to them: a trifle of curious indulgence likely to end once the shine dulls. There is a passion from the heart and soul missing in that response which drives the serious writer. Putting your mind to it is one thing. Bleeding for it is quite another.
That isn’t to say it isn’t fun. Of course, it is. But it’s also nerve-wracking and heartbreaking and … time consuming.
So, if you’re a non-writer ever so curious about your writing-neighbor’s next work, instead of asking ‘When?’ or ‘How long/far?’ offer encouragement. Hearing “I can’t wait until your next one comes out!” feels so much better than the pressure behind “So, where is book two/three …?” and certainly avoid, “I hope the next one’s just as good.” Yes, it’s a compliment—but loaded with passive-aggressive pressure we can do without.
Besides, you’ll know when we’re done. We’ll go into the yard or on the street, screaming and crying the joy of relief. We may announce it via social media. Maybe you’ll be invited to a Thank-Goodness-It’s-Finished! party. Or, honestly, you may just see us more—because we’re not otherwise ensconced with writing (for the time being). But, if you’re dear to us, we’ll simply tell you: because finishing a work is a special event often shared with those that matter most.
Until then, sit tight, offer encouragement when you can, and enjoy the anticipation. It’ll save your writer visits to his or her dentist.
Speaking of next books, Broken Benevolence, book three in the Dr. Naomi Alexander series, will be available later this year. Books one (Like Sweet Buttermilk) and two (Obscure Boundaries) are available now.
