• Published in MCRW's monthly newsletter, Love Notes, July 2004, Volume 6, Issue 7.
• Five Phases of an Author’s Journey
  by Lori Kolin Mofield
  

In my opinion, a large majority of writers work through phases in their journey to publication. I believe that these phases take place without boundaries, guidelines or rules and are controlled by some type of time machine where fate slows time or speeds it up depending on their mood. Although, I wouldn’t begin to question fate, I do wonder if its sense of humor dictates our destiny.

Phase One is one of the most difficult phases to overcome, but once you push forward, it becomes a walk in the park. However, until you take that first step, fate shall dictate the slow pace until you begin. You must begin right now, after all, someone may interview you about your road to success after your novel hits the New York Times Best Seller’s List.

So, you’ve decided that you’re going to write a novel and you’re ready, the excitement is overwhelming. You’ve told everyone you know that you’re going to do this and today is the day. You’re coffee is next to you, sweetened to perfection and temperature just as you like it. You reposition items on your desk so they are perfect, that everything is where you might need it, keeping distractions away. You inhale deeply, exhale slowly and sit up straight. You watch the cursor blink, your fingers are adjusted to the correct keys on the keyboard and fate intervenes. Time slows.

The first word, which may consist of only one letter, becomes difficult. Seconds tick by as minutes and slowly your attention is diverted by little defeating voices in your mind telling you that can’t do it, or you’re not good enough, and even possibly, who’d want to read it anyway. Your eyes begin to look around the room and your fingers are no longer poised and ready. You sip your coffee, stand up and stretch your back, maybe I would be inspired after I fold the clothes in the dryer or clean the bathroom, maybe.

So, why does fate slow time at this juncture? I believe it’s a test. It’s a test of strength to endure the writer’s journey, which is not for the faint of heart. Perseverance must prevail in order for the words to flow from your heart to your mind to your nimble fingers and finally, into the pages of a book. It’s a test of self-confidence, inner strength and stubbornness, because that first rejection can extinguish the writing fire faster than you can say Nora Roberts.