Its not uncommon knowledge that writer's have interesting and cluttered minds but what really happens in their writing process. What is going through their heads throughout the writing process?

The conception.

The first thought about a story comes at any time, even while you are about to fall asleep. It is a marvelous feeling when the epiphany jars you out of reality unless you don't have something to take down this idea quickly. Then you search frantically while trying to keep the idea in your head.

The brainstorm.

Planning the novel can be as complex and organized as you would like but at the end of the day, there is a pretty good chance someone might find the scribbles, that you consider totally coherent, and question your sanity a bit.

The beginning.

Words flow onto the page like you are possessed. Honestly, when you are first inspired by the story is the time to take up pen or pencil or keyboards and write away. Nothing and no one can stop the writers streak at this stage in the writing process.

The distraction.

Distraction is the penultimate villain for a writer. It strikes when you least expect it and can last for days. It could even attack when you are busy researching facts for your novel and end up on a nice eight hour break on the internet.

The procrastination zone.

Procrastination is the writer's worst enemy - and their favorite. Procrastination can be a good tool to recharge yourself so you don't get burnt out writing so much in such a quick amount of time. That being said, it can last too long and often will influence your discipline even when you begin writing again.

The "It will be okay" stage.

You've passed the hurdles of writing. It's feeling better now. Getting into the swing of things was never easier after distraction and procrastination visited. You can feel it, it's going to be alright. You can finish this novel.

The ego boost.

That's when it hits. The feeling of utter fabulousness. Every word you write has a purpose, the plot can be seen and maybe its all coming together. You will win the hearts of editors and publishing houses and readers everywhere. Your name will be on billboards and you will sign autographs for a living. Your novel is royalty and no one could tell you otherwise.

The motivational slump.

Your novel is royalty and no one could tell you otherwise... except when the motivational slump comes in. You start to doubt your hubris, thinking maybe this isn't gold. Maybe you will never become published and doubts begin piling onto you like you had just won the lottery for upsetting thoughts.

Showing to friends.

You decide to send a copy of your work in progress to your friends, to try and cheer yourself back up. But the waiting game is killing you. Will they love it? Will they hate it? Or worse, will the story evoke no emotion what-so-ever. Your nail beds will have seen better days as you wait impatiently for their response.

Character killer slump.

To reassure your passion for this work in progress, you start slashing characters out left and right. If they aren't important enough for the main plot, their position isn't necessary. Need a plot line to keep going? Kill a character and see how your main character reacts.

The home stretch.

Here is where words don't seem to flow, so instead you type whatever comes to your head. You know you have reached the point of no return. All it takes now is to get to the finish line.

The end.

You've done it. You've finished the novel. You've written "the end" and saved it on your laptop about fifteen times to be safe. It's time to jump around and celebrate because you have just finished the last draft of a novel.

Bonus: Realizing you still have to edit.

Cutting half your novel never seems appealing. Especially paired with removing or reviving certain characters. Don't worry too much about edits yet, though, revel in your success first and then tackle the revision another time.