Hibernating bear syndrome

I’ve spent the past couple of weeks looked away in my editing cave… putting final touches on the next book before it goes out into the world.

Editing is both a technical and emotional process…. Here’s the emotional…

I feel like I'm going into hibernation - into a tiny dark space (OK - I have a light) where I cut myself off from the world for what seems forever. — I feel like I’m going into hibernation – into a tiny dark space (OK – I have a light) where I cut myself off from the world for what seems forever.

There’s a fair bit of stress involved – the book might be terrible.

There might be a deadline just out there ... oh dear! — There might be a deadline just out there … oh dear!

It’s dangerous to disturb a sleeping puma – or an editing author.

I do growl - unless a cup of tea is pushed through the door first. — I do growl – unless a cup of tea is pushed through the door first.

There is so much to do…

And all that work requires intense concentration.

But it does feel very good once it’s all over and I can relax.

Most post-book meltdown usually involves curling up in the sun with a book, and vowing never to go near a computer again... until the next time. — Most post-book meltdown usually involves curling up in the sun with a book, and vowing never to go near a computer again… until the next time.

For the technical bits – pop on over to the Take Five Authors blog – where I am this week talking a bit more seriously about the actual process of editing and why I have never ever read one of my own published books.

P.S. Thanks to webmaster John and his camera for such great photos – although I think the out of focus bear is one that I took.