Mumsnet Talk

I'm currently in the process of writing a novel (and by 'process' I mean I have written the first couple of chapters) and I'm feeling terribly unmotivated and lacking in the discipline needed to continue.
What I'd like ideally is someone or a few lovely people willing to read it, chapter by chapter as it is labouriously produced if need be, in order for me to maintain my enthusiasm. I will be more inclined to keep working at it if I think someone has given me a 'deadline'.

If by any chance you're reading this and thinking 'Oooooh, I fancy doing that' then please let me know and I will send you the first (unedited) chapter. I'm not looking for editors or critics although I will obviously welcome both but I think I will regain my drive if I have someone relying on me to finish the damn thing.

I'm taking DD out for the day but will be about later this afternoon/evening so will answer questions, deflect criticisms etc then. Many thanks!

Yep. Go for it. Just let me know who your intended audience is and genre, etc. Are you sure you don't want critique, or would you prefer me to read it as you do it, then offer that at the end when you would start to redraft?

I might ask the same of you at some point...

I will PM you my e-mail.

You're very very brave! I don't like anyone to see my stuff until it's finished, redrafted, etc etc. However, I'd be more than happy to read it as you go along. And like Kinky, if you want any feedback, etc, just ask.

Will also PM email address.

Brilliant, thank you both very much for your replies. DP is just giving DD a bath so will just write this quick missive and then send the first chapter out to you both tonight. Eeeek!

KinkyDorito great username, we sound like Jackie Collins characters about to set up a bar in Miami (which we'll then lose due to our continued addictions to sleaze and rock stars.)
I think - at this point in time with most of the plot still underdeveloped - the story could loosely be described as a Thriller, probably quite mainstream. Its certainly influenced by Stephen King, and as I have a bit of a taste for the unusual (Alan Moore, Tibor Fischer, Jim Dodge) there is a chance it could become more than the sum of its parts IYSWIM.
HenriettaFarthingay Please tell me that is your real name. It is wonderful. I would normally hate anyone to see the unpolished version of anything I write but this exercise is more for me to have the impetus to continue the bloody thing as opposed to write it well. Does that make sense ? DD is 18 months old and a terrible sleeper so getting out and about to writers groups where I could do this in Real Life is impossible, and I lose interest in all my projects very quickly if I write for myself.

I would find feedback and critique absolutely invaluable but obviously only if you have the time yourselves. If you can do so that would be wonderful and obviously I would be pleased to do the same for either of you in the future. Feel free to post it here as well, so it's open for debate. Obviously any criticism will make me hurl my computer into outer space with a fierce roar also be gratefully received. Will get 1st chapter off to you both tonight. Incidentally its working title is 'Milk & Menace'. I was going to give you a synopsis but so much is open to change that I may just see how it unfolds if that's alright with you both ?

That's fine. I'm looking forward to the mystery.

I totally have an addiction to both sleaze and rock stars (usually at the same time), so I think a bar in Miami might work in real life?

This worked well for me. I'm on my third novel and the previous two were read as I was writing them. It really is a great incentive.

I would love to read your writing. If you would like another one, please pm me.

Imperial Excellent, that sounds very positive. I have such a problem with self discipline when it comes to writing, and I can procrastinate for England.

ElectricSoft will PM you and send you the first bit if you like...

Busty unfortunately no it's not my real name! Mine is much more mundane! Naturally I assume that BustyDeLaGhetto is your real name. It is, isn't it?

I have your first chapter and am about halfway through. Will post more tomorrow/early next week once I have finished and have something to contribute.

Right, am about to send out chapters 3 & 4 - both fairly brief I think, but it's hard to tell on the screen. ElectricSoft I've been waiting to send yours in bulk which I will do now so you get the whole lot at once, and you can get up to speed. (I don't understand that phrase 'up to speed'. I hope I have the context right.)
From here on in (i.e at the end of chapter 4) I have reached a bit of an impasse - I have a nice idea of what I want to write but am aware that it changes the nature of the story somewhat from what it initially appears to be, and I want to make sure that it is headed in the direction I want it to take.
Sorry if this seems a bit vague, I think the heat has softened my brain somewhat.

Have got them .

Hello all, sorry for delay - I'm still struggling with the next chapter but bear with me, should have it done by Sunday. I do sometimes feel that I am influenced by whichever book I am currently reading and have just read Let the Right One In and a Marion Keyes novel so God only knows how this is going to come out! Vampires in kitten heels probably.