BIG NEWS, I Am Actually Writing A Novel. Just Wanted To Share With You Guys!!!

[Miss Vicky]

Originally Posted by sasja

Yes, and it's always slow going. I have been working on my YA novel for over 5 years now, and I weigh every word for beauty, effectiveness, style and power AND then in context with the words before it and after it, so you can just imagine.
Then, to be original, and distinctive and with mass-appeal in the material as well....

And then, keeping the different characters and their distinct voices in the dialogue consistent, and the characters' developments logical to the climax and the conclusion.... Besides writing good, literary prose, with correct
syntax, style and modern appeal.... Sigh.

It's gone through lots of editing already. Maybe in 7 years when I am 50 I will try and dare to send it to some publishers as my 50th birthday present to myself. I harbor no illusions though.

Man does this sound totally familiar.

I've been working on my novel for six years now, with no real end in sight. I need to write oh... about another 20-30 THOUSAND more words before I can consider it a true novel, and I struggle to even add a sentence or two each time I sit down to write. Why I didn't just stick to writing short stories for my own entertainment, I'll never know.

Maybe I'll finish mine in another 5 years or so and give it to myself as a 30th birthday present.

[Musicman408]

I say we start our own publishing company, and sell all of our books...

[Miss Vicky]

BTW...

Here's an early bit of criticism on your work:

Writing has only one T.

Invest in a good dictionary and thesaurus.

And since you're writing fiction, another thing you might want to pick up is a good book of baby names. I've found that a name can make or break a character.

[sasja]

Oh absolutely invaluable advice there from Victoria! Take it Ethan! Take it! Free advice is great!

Sasja

[sasja]

Beh no, I am a snob. I want a real good quality publishing house, that publishes the kind of literary and important work I esteem!

Plus, I don't have the millions laying around to start one, alas. Wish I did!

Sasja

[Miss Vicky]

Originally Posted by sasja

Beh no, I am a snob. I want a real good quality publishing house, that publishes the kind of literary and important work I esteem!

Absolutely. And you really do need to be careful about which publisher you choose and BE SURE TO READ EVERY WORD OF THE CONTRACT BEFORE YOU SIGN.

I nearly had a publishing deal (through a small publishing house), but backed out when I discovered that the contract gave them the right to "modify" any content that they deemed "objectionable." The terms of their contract also did not require them to gain my consent or approval of such changes. After I read this, I contacted the publisher to ask if they had found any such "objectionable" content in my work and was told that they would only give me specifics about my own submission after I signed the contract.

F*ck that.

[irishgrl]

My mom is trying to break into the children's stories market. anything we need to know? (I am helping her........)