For anyone else who wants to start/progress/finish writing a book in 2011

[artifarti]

As the title says really!

Me: After several years of dithering with short stories, I committed myself to Nanowrimo last month and managed to bash out a 50,000 first draft of an idea I've had for ages. There is some excrutiating crap in there but also the bare bones of a plot and some interesting characters. So I'd really like to spend 2011 trying to develop it into something better.

But I need some company so that we can mutually kick each other's arses when the temptation to watch Holby City is proving too great. Anyone else?

lurking ... dandy I'm curious too!

Hello ninah

Hi belle, great to see you. Haven't been writing (or anything else much) since gtp started this sep but have a peep at the thread from time to time to see what I am missing out on! how's things, any update from your publisher?

How's the course going? I was given the contact details for an editor in a larger publishers, she was looking for a series of mythical based picture books. I've sent her one and have written a couple more based on the character, she's in Frankfurt this week so I may hear from her next week or so, she likes the sound of my character though so I have my fingers crossed. I'm rewriting my novel, the last half didn't seem quite right so I'm not holding anything back this time I'm working on a new picture book as well and have some freelance note taking work for a few hours a week so I'm keeping busy. How are you?

the myth series sounds right up your street, good luck! Am loving the course but it's all consuming. Have ideas for a second novel but it will have to wait a while to get written. Keep mulling it over though! It will definitely happen. I rewrote my other book with a more dramatic ending this summer, and I've sent it out again, still no luck with agents so far.
You sound very positive and productive, am sending you lots of good wishes. If anyone can make it happen you can! (angles for invite to juggle canapes and fizz at launch party )
Now I have to go to bed. Up at 6 then off to work til 9 for parents eve. Arggh! can't wait til half term to spend some more time with my own dc. Take care!

Yeah, I decided it needs some goblins and things in it. I have a plan. Keep jotting the ideas down, one day you'll just have to write it or you'll feel as though you're going to burst. The agents are not vital, you can send it to some publishers first if you want to. I've learned that 'no unsolicited submissions' really means 'just ask us first'. Of course you can come to the launch, whenever it may be. I think it will be punch and sparkley jam tarts rather then champagne and canapes though.

Almost half term, I hope tomorrow goes OK. Sleep well.

How come this thread never shows up in my 'threads I'm on'?

Anyway, I'm editing my book now. Keep going through stages of hating it, and then loving it. Currently loving it after MJ Hyland told me she thought the underlying plot was 'awesome' and 'brilliant' and she 'wants to read it'.

Needs a lot of work, though. Still, trying to edit at least half a scene per night, and have 30k more words to write, but a lot of fleshing out needed in second half, so I don't foresee that being a problem.

Turns out I fancy my MC's love interest, though Pity I know he turns out to be a shit!

Hi all. Have been lurking with interest from time to time. Very interested to read about other people's writing routines (or lack of...). I recently decided I must write something every day or else the momentum just fizzles out, though have yet to stick to that intention for more than a few days! I am progressing slowly with a novel I'm writing, but at least it's moving forward.

I was wondering if anyone else on here has any experience of writers' groups? I have been asked to join one but am wondering if it's for me. There are around six members and they basically critique a couple of pieces of work every three weeks (so my turn would come round every couple of months). I am slightly nervous about putting my work up for that kind of scrutiny, but on the other hand I guess it could be useful to get others' input. Would love to hear any pros and cons that any of you might have. Thanks in advance and good luck with all your writing ventures!

Two chapters to go until I finish draft 2 of the novel :)

Have taken the liberty of starting a new 2012 thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/creative_writing/1377323-For-anyone-else-who-wants-to-start-progress-finish-writing-a-book-in-2012