I think the picture says it all... RED PUFFY EYES - SWOLLEN FACE - DEHYDRATION - LACK OF SUNLIGHT
I spent the last 10 months (Everyday) editing my manuscript for my debut novel, and let me tell you, I am mentally fucking exhausted, considering to book myself into a clinic and sleep for as long as I possibly can.
Don't get me wrong - I am grateful. I would do it again and again and again. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to have my debut novel published with some support from a publisher.
But I don't think we actually talk about how stressful the editing process really is.
I had to change quite a bit and as time went on I've re-written entire scenes and cut at least over 30 000 words from my final manuscript. Then you need to consider the pacing and the plot development - and look for potholes. Then it's the character arc and ensuring the main themes comes through in the novel all the time. And of course - then - you have to consider - will people like this? Have I done enough world building? Will people read page to page or lose interest? Have I added enough horror - but then again not too much of it?
You know how many nights I literally lay awake thinking how the hell am I actually going to do this?
Even reading through my book - probably more than a hundred times - I still found typos and small mistakes. It's crazy how our brain can read over a mistake time and time again.
The big question is this - Is it worth it?
Absolutely fucking yess! Even if I end up booking myself into some mental institution.
It's terrifying that people will soon read my inner thoughts and feelings - but I'm excited as well. I think anyone who picks up my book will be immersed into the Strasbourg 1518 dancing plague. I know it!
Now - it's off to my next story!!