Today is the official release day of My Body-Mine, the last book of the My Body-Trilogy. I have completed novels and projects before, but this is the first time I have experienced a kind of sadness at the end. I’m pretty sure that the feeling stems from saying goodbye to Jane, my protagonist but maybe a little bit for Marcello as well.
I didn’t quite understand the phenomenon until I heard an interview with Daniel Day-Lewis. He spoke of his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln and how he missed seeing the world through his eyes.
I have been viewing the world through Jane’s eyes for a good bit of time now, three novels worth, and I will miss her, am missing her.
Some readers struggled with the fact that Jane stayed so long with Luke and yelled in their heads that she should get out, should run in the opposite direction, but Jane, like many women, chose to stay in a sometimes abusive relationship with the hopes that she would eventually get the love she truly needed. I love the story she set before me of struggle, self-reflection, perseverance and ultimate empowerment. Many of my readers have identified with her story and will be cheering her on in the end.
Some of my fans are hoping I write more of her journey in the future, however, Jane and I have parted company because I feel her story is complete, hence the mourning. On the bright side, if the trilogy does really well, I do have plans to write a prequel about Luke and Janice’s relationship prior to Jane. I personally would love to be in Luke’s mind and get to know more about him and his motivations.
I know as a reader, I have encountered this emotion before … of not wanting a book or a series to end. It’s rather more personal and intense on the writing side of things for me. There have been books, though, that I love so much, I had to read them again and still wish they wouldn’t come to an end. The Time Traveler’s Wife, Siddhartha and Replay come to mind.
Colin Firth put it so brilliantly: “When I’m really in to a novel, I’m seeing the world differently during that time – not just for the hour or so in the day when I get to read, I’m actually walking around in a bit of a haze, spellbound by the book and looking at everything through a different prism.”
Have you, as a writer or reader had the experience of mourning the end? Please share with us.
Warm hugs,
Blakely
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How exciting and what an accomplishment it is to have had three books published!! You should be very proud. I thought that your blog post was very appropriate. Coming to the end of the “life” of your characters, so to speak is sad. I also heard the same interview with Daniel Day-Lewis. He also gets into his characters in a full body, heart and mind way and has the same experience when it’s over. Awesome for you too! Hope we hear more from you in the future with more interesting books. And thanks!
Thank so much for the wonderful comment. It is a very exciting time and can’t wait to see the reviews for My Body-Mine.
Blakely
This is a wonderful accomplishment, and I wish you the very best! Congratulations on completing all your hard work!
Thank so much M.!
Blakely
I’ll right away snatch your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any?
Kindly permit me know in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Hi and thanks for the comment. The follow button floats on the lower right corner of the blog. You just submit your email address and then verify that email.
Thanks!
Blakely