I'm writing a novel

Okay here goes. (Deep breath). I have committed to writing the rough draft of a novel in the next 8 weeks. Wish me luck. I need to announce this, so that I will stay focused and motivated. Eep! Cathy (who is madly sharpening her pencils, so to speak)

Starting is half the battle. Best of luck Cathy. Let me know how it goes. Carolyn

Thanks, Carolyn. I will! Cathy.

Congrats on the novel writing!!! I'm having a devil of a time finishing my second book even though I'm one or two chapters from the end! I think perhaps your announcment will motivate me too. I need to get on the stick!! So what's your novel about? Dawn

Dawn, I just posted a question...you might be a good person to ask. repost: Hi, everybody!! Whenever my roommate/family and I want to do something, but don't know who to turn to, we all say "...do we know anyone who...?" So, now I'm turning to you--because I KNOW someone knows. Let's just say you were writing something that you want to get published. Who would you turn to? How do you get something published/looked at?? Thank you, in advance, for your input. Sandi

Sandi I would advise u to first get a copyright...if u cant afford to go the regular route u can file what they call a poorman's copyright...all you do is put your novel in an envelope address it to yourself have them stamp the the date on the back where the envelope seals..when u receive it put it in a safe place and do not open it....You need to get names and addresses of publisers..u need a short letter of introduction telling a little about yourself and what your book is about...you dont want to send your whole novel just pick out a few pages of what u consider your best work and mail into several publishers and say a lot of prayers....

what is your first book called and what is it about?...

Cathy, Congratulations on writing your novel, but may I ask "why 8 weeks?" That's awfully ambitious! I have been working on the same novel for a year and a half. Of course, if I were more disciplined I could maybe fini**** in 8 months, but never 8 weeks! I applaud your drive and self-discipline. As to the question of how to get published, it is best to find an agent first. You can get books listing agents from the book store or library. DO NOT send your book to ANYONE who will charge you money to read it! Also, be sure you have a completed manuscript before you start shopping for an agent or a publisher. If you send them sample chapters and they are interested, they will want to see the whole thing right away--be prepared. The 2005 edition of The Writers' Market is a good place to start. It gives all the publishers' guidelines. Good luck to both of you!