The Seven Stages of Writing a Book

Hello Darlings!

Recently, I was taking a shower and thinking about the seven stages of grief–don’t ask me why–and I realized that writing and publishing this book has also felt like seven distinct stages.

Some good, some bad. Some full of life, some deflated. All honest and authentic and meaningful in their own way.

So, here they are, the Seven Stages of Writing a Book, according to me.

1. Inspiration

I’m not sure how much explanation this one needs, but if you’ve ever felt that spark of a creative idea, then you know what I mean. It’s the highest of highs, and when you truly lean into the flow, inspiration can carry you for months on end. It’s addictive, and thank the Lord for it. There’s no telling how many creative endeavors for us all would have stalled out throughout the years. 

2. The Grind

It wouldn’t be the creative process without both sides of the coin here, for inspiration alone won’t write a book. It’s quite an effort to sit yourself at a computer, day in and day out, and draft this thing that you swear you were excited about just a few short weeks ago. It’s the long-haul and the least glamorous of the stages, but it’s also arguably the most important. It’s where the work becomes real and the crucible of creation transforms you. 

3. Fear

It’s like the crest of a roller coaster, you’ve worked so dang hard to climb that hill, and it’s finally time for the free fall. There is excitement and nervous anticipation, sure, but there is also fear. Fear of how the book will be received by you all. Fear of being seen in such an immensely public way. Fear so big that it nearly makes you pull the plug on the project altogether. Trust me, it is actually that terrifying, and I did consider calling it all off. 

4. Triumph

The big moment. The big reveal. The overcoming of fear and the giving of your work to the world. The indescribable feeling of accomplishment that comes when you finally share it. Before the reviews roll in, before the accolades that may or may not come, there is a feeling of personal triumph for believing in yourself enough to see it through. Anyone who puts something creative out into the world should celebrate that moment, however fleeting. 

5. Doubt 

Everyone told me there would be a post-publishing come-down. And sure enough, there was. The euphoric feeling of those first few weeks began to wane, and only lingering questions remained. Did I do that right? Am I still on the right path? Was it worth it? What do I do next? The doubts were heavy in those quiet moments. 

6. Emotional Hangover 

Most days, this is where I reside. It has been six long months of launching, promoting, social media posting, emailing, and pitching myself in more ways than I can count. And don’t even get me started on the months of exhaustion that were the drafting and editing process. It’s a slog, an exciting one, but still a slog.

I’m mentally and emotionally tired. I’ve been purposefully and publicly vulnerable for such an extended period that I do think the weariness is telling me something about the need to take a break. Or if not a break, perhaps just a bit of a breather to recharge and find the capability to harness inspiration once again. 

7. Pride

At least I think that’s the next phase. Of course, I have moments I am proud of, last week’s Tattered Cover bookstore event to close out the book tour being a prime example. But pride is not yet a comfortable place for me to linger.

I look forward to a day when it can just be pride. Not pride mixed with doubt, or pride with a side of second-guessing, or pride and the fear of what the heck do I do next? Just a quiet pride and the belief that it was all worth it. Because it was! 

I feel the last stage coming, and I’m ready for it.

Plus, as I finally think about what’s next creatively, I’m slowly eking my way back to inspiration once again for what will hopefully be book number two. I guess I enjoyed the ride enough to buckle up and do it all again. 

With much love, 

Katherine Rose Woller

Ask for a copy of Calling It Off: Memoir of an Almost Bride wherever you get your books!