Pride and Prometheus: The Post-Perusing Depression of Great Novels

I finished a fantastic book for my Jane Austen book club today. Pride and Prometheus was supposed to be my “reward” for getting work done.

But I read a little bit during breakfast–I just wanted to get to the end of the chapter I fell asleep on last night–and I couldn’t make myself put it down. It had fascinating characters. It had remarkable pacing. It stayed so true to the timeline and events of the source novels, that as I approached the climax I was incapable of tearing my eyes from the pages to focus on my own writing tasks.

Despite the fact that having read the other two novels I knew exactly what would happen, and when it would happen, I was unable to stop reading. If you have recently read Frankenstein and/or Pride & Prejudice (both of which I heartily recommend) it is exemplary.

Reading exemplary books is rewarding…and intimidating. I finish them and wonder how I could ever write something so complete, so affecting…so FINISHED.

I regularly feel like I will never finish my book project. Then I remind myself I have finished projects before; Things can be completed (even if they are far shy of perfection).

In case you are a writer suffering this same affliction, the antidote to post-perusing depression is in Author Notes and Dedications. So many people are thanked and acknowledged for making each and every little book happen. I don’t yet have a team, and that is in part what makes my project so daunting.

Now slumped in my blue and white wingback chair, my throbbing toe elevated and a warm laptop on my thighs, I am completely drained of all emotions except gratitude and admiration. There’s definitely no impetus to write. This moment is given over completely to basking in awe of what another author has made for me to enjoy.

Now you know how blog posts get written: I committed to writing today. And when I cannot write what I am “supposed” to be writing, I drop a line to you, Dear Readers.

Feel free to use the link I’ve provided to buy the book if you’re intrigued (and willing to boost my Amazon Affiliate sales). I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, but if you didn’t, please comment below and let me know what you thought of it or what didn’t work for you.