The concept refers to the impulse or feeling of intense relief and even a desire to destroy or significantly alter a piece of writing immediately after its completion. This phenomenon often stems from a culmination of stress, self-doubt, or vulnerability experienced throughout the writing process. For example, a novelist might feel a strong urge to delete the entire manuscript after finishing the final chapter, even after months of dedicated work. This urge isn’t necessarily rational but rather an emotional response to the project’s completion.
The importance of recognizing this feeling lies in preventing premature destruction or drastic revisions of potentially valuable work. Understanding that this emotional response is common allows writers to step back, gain perspective, and evaluate their writing objectively. Historically, many notable works have been saved from destruction by authors who resisted this immediate impulse, allowing for a more measured review and eventual publication. Overcoming this initial reaction is a crucial step in the editing and refinement stages.
