The CreATION Process From Idea to Bookshelf

1) Inspiration: Wow, this idea is so awesome. My muse totally loves me and I can't believe I never thought of it before. I am SO gonna write this story so it sings! *does happy dance around the room*

2) Perspiration: Ok, this is harder than I thought it was going to be. I can't think of the right words, the dialogue is not coming out right, I feel like I'm dragging this thing, kicking and screaming, to the end. Oh right, and then I've got to edit. And edit. And edit. I'm gonna need another drink.

3) Elation: It's done! I did it! I can't believe I set my mind to it, I powered through, and I made it. It sparkles, it shines, it's the best story that ever was. Yay me! I so totally rock.

4) Aspiration: I hope hope hope hope hope hope everyone else loves it as much as I do (though how could they not, since it's clearly amazing). I'm going to send it off to multiple agents and I'll have to pick among many who'll call me to offer representation. Hmmm... maybe I should be looking at which one is best with foreign rights negotiations, 'cuz it may well come down to that.

5) Constipation: It's been months of agonizing rejections and no one wants me. Sure, there are still agents left I haven't queried yet, but could that many agents be wrong? I mean, really, I probably totally suck. The story sucks, I suck, everything sucks. I don't know why I wanted to be a writer. Well, maybe if I changed that one thing...

6) Determination: Repeat steps 1 through 4.

7) Desperation: A full request! I got a full request! From a real, live agent! Oh, please please please please please love the story....

8) Expiration: I've died and gone to heaven! The agent's on the phone, saying she loved it and knows just the right editors she wants to send it to. I can't believe it's really happening. Wow, I'm a little light headed and-- wait, why am I crumpled in a pile of drool on the floor? *picks up phone* Yes, I'm still here...

9) Deflation: What? You mean it needs some more work before we send it out? Okay... Repeat steps 2 through 3. Send it out to editors, repeating step 4 (and likely step 5), then steps 7 and 8.

10) Celebration: I'm holding it, I'm signing it, you're buying it. It's finally happened. *grabs a tissue so my autograph doesn't smear on the page* Yes, I'm fine, it's just... *hugs total stranger buying my book* Thank you- what's your name?-Minerva Mingles. Cool name, maybe I could use that in my next book...

And, as they say in the music biz'... Take it from the top, boys!