Yes Tania, I did and it took me totally by surprise. In my case it manifested as anxiety. My contract is for 2 books but the story will take 3-5 books to tell. I suddenly became obsessed with the idea that I might become ill and not finish the series. That I might be about to have the writing career I'd always dreamed of but that fate would conspire to snatch all that away. I wasn't even sure that I could write another book in the voice of my main character. I started to have full-on anxiety attacks and wake up at 5am, in panic. I suspect this has to do with the fact that both my parents died aged 46, suddenly and at the peak of their careers. I had just turned 40 and...well, that's why these are called 'irrational fears'. Obviously, I'm a nutjob but what are you gonna do?

The cure was to write. I wrote like crazy until I finished the ms for book 2, before the editor had even started to comment on book 1. And I haven't felt bad or scared about writing for a moment since then...

<Added>

ahem, well obviously there have been *moments* - being edited for the first time is quite an experience...but I mean, I haven't been depressed/anxious again. Yet. Book isn't out until Feb...

I think what Jem says about teaching is spot on, too, whether it's on a formal course, or as I do, doing editorial reports, or just talking to aspiring writers on WW and elsewhere. When you're writing your own thing you spend most of the time tackling problems you're not sure if you can solve, and teaching in whatever form reminds you that you do know something about this stuff, that you can do at least some of it, and that you've come a long way since your first, faltering story (or in my case first faltering novel.) It's also some human contact, even if only at one remove!

Emma

I think when I got my first book deal I was thrilled - but also terrified. As it was non-fiction I'd sold on first three chapters, and then I had to write the rest of the thing...aaargh!

Was a real slog and at various points I considered throwing my possessions into a rucksack and just....running away.

Now I'm at work on my 2nd, I'm amazed at how down-to-earth it feels.. it's 'just like any other job' (although of course I'm aware that I'm very lucky). I suppose it's like being married..it (might be) something you really, really want and if it happens that's great..but it's still 'real life', you're not elevated to a higher plane or anything.

Congratulations on your book deal Titania.. despite everything, it really is a wonderful experience.

Yes, I agree, getting published felt like an anti-climax and I was knocked back that it didn't change my life. I put so much into it, and suddenly I'm just looking at a whole range of new hurdles and challenges and things to feel insecure about.
I was astonished at how underwhelmed I was on holding my proof copy for the first time.
I guess it's normal.

As an bit of an aside, I think it’s brilliant that this question can get so many answers. A couple of years ago it would have been a very sparse thread.

Dee

A couple of years ago it would have been a very sparse thread.

True, indeed. Though, as I recall, there was an awful lot of wisdom on many a thread even then (much of it emanating from you, Dee, I might say.)

Emma

It's been wonderful how many of you responded - a good sign that there are a lot of book deals happening on WW!

Tania

Thanks Emma

Yes, I agree with all this - it's frighteningly normal. But whatever the feelings involved (much like giving birth, I imagine - or so I'm told by very honest mothers who think "okay, so what? And what now?") - it's still a great achievement, so well done!

Hugs

A
xxx