The Palate Cleanser: Why the Best Writing is Sometimes No Writing

Hi, post-draft “high”!

One of the best feelings when writing is getting to the end of a draft and typing the words ‘The End’. I know this because I am experiencing it right now. I just finished the second draft of my novel sequel and I am over the moon!

After weeks and weeks of editing, I finally cooked the story a little more, removing the original rawness of the first draft. But here’s the thing: in my relief and excitement, the urge to keep writing still burns within me. My fingers tingle, yearning to go back to work on the story a little more. I want to take it through another round of drafting—to add flavour to the story and make it more immersive.

There’s just one problem: That might work against me.

Aside from the fact that I feel like I'm on top of the world and I can do anything, the truth is the best thing I can do for my book right now is nothing.

Yes. Nothing.

The “Revision Itch”

Have you found yourself in a similar position where you’ve finished a draft, yet just want to go back and continue working on it immediately? That’s the revision itch, and its pull is great, especially to beginner authors. It makes us jump back into editing while we are still in the post-draft “high”—where every sentence is a love letter to our ears.

While this feeling is natural and understandable, there are downsides to surrendering to it and editing too soon:

1. Blind spots

Think about it: you have just finished your draft. Every word, every sentence, is fresh in your mind. You can even visualize where they sit on the screen. What happens when you immediately go back to working on the story? Will you see the plot holes, or will your brain 'autocorrect' them because it knows what you meant to say?

Granted, even after taking a break, there are mistakes that may slip by unnoticed until pointed out by someone else, but that happens less than when you immediately jump back in after finishing a draft.

2. Author fatigue

This goes without saying, doesn’t it? It’s like running a marathon immediately after running a marathon. Who can sustain that?

“So I’m supposed to set it aside and forget about it?”

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: You’re too close to the story right now. Too attached. It is your baby. It can do no wrong; it has no wrong. Because you’re too close, there are some things you cannot see, and there are some things you will see but will be in denial about and wrongfully defend.

You need to step back and "forget the book” (you know what I mean) so when you come back to it, you can read it like a stranger would—with a fresh set of eyes. Think of it like palate cleansing. You need to wash away the taste of the draft to truly taste the next course (the next round of editing).

What to do while you wait

Naturally, you will not sit around staring at your draft as you wait for your brain to rest. Here are some things you can do in the meantime:

Read something completely different: Do you struggle to read books while writing because you’re afraid you’ll copy other people’s work by mistake? Well, this is the perfect time to take out all those books and consume them without fear. Not only does reading during this period help you rest and detach, but it also helps you see how other books are written and edited. I benefit from this a lot as it helps me understand how authors pull me into their stories through immersion and “show, don’t tell,” which is one of my weaknesses.
Work on a different project: Sometimes rest can come from pivoting. For example, now that I’m done with the second draft of my book, I can focus my energies on another novel I’m working on in a completely different genre. Life moves on, and work has to be done.
Put on your marketing hat: If you can't stop working, use this time for book cover ideas, marketing plans, or book trailers. You can think of character designs or even font ideas for formatting! Anything goes, so long as you’re able to detach from the story itself and let it breathe.
Catch up on life: I’m not the only one, right, who shuts herself off from reality until the story is done? Catch up on chores, friends, and other life tasks now before you land into another drafting marathon!

Set your “detachment timeframe”

This is very important; do not ignore this. Set a specific date when you will open the file again. It can be two weeks, a month, or two months. When you set that date, stick to it. Resist temptation and keep that file closed! Trust me, it’s worth it.

It’s Not Laziness, It’s Process

It may be hard, but resting is the professional thing to do. You wouldn’t call a man who is taking a break after just finishing a marathon lazy, would you? Breathe. And that’s what I remind myself to do even now: I need to breathe. I just finished Draft 2 and handed it over to beta readers. If I want my story to flourish, I must be patient and wait.

So good luck to you, and good luck to me as well.

Happy writing!

Ready for the next stage of the journey?

If you're still not sure if your manuscript is actually ready to be put in the "drawer," check out my post on the Non-Negotiable Signs Your First Draft is Finally Done.
And once your "palate cleanser" break is over and you’re ready to face the music, here is my guide on How to Handle Beta Reader Feedback to help you stay strong during revisions!