has anyone ever got a book published?

[MichiganWoods]

I'm writing a fantasy series too. I'm only about 11,000+ words into book 1, but I have my storyline completely written out. I've also created a lot of reference material for myself so I can keep my storyline more consistent. This includes character bios and portraits, an illustrated map (including an interactive version for my PC that I created to make for quick reference of city names, agricultural details, government information, terrain and any other pertinent information about that region), an extended history of my world throughout its ages, an illustrated flora and fauna guide etc. I'm not rushing on these books. I want to be happy with the first one before I try to find an agent to represent me. I expect that this means I won't be looking to get published for at least 5-6 years, and since I've been working on this since 2003, that puts me right at about the 10-year mark. That's how long it took JK Rowling to write her first Potter book.

 

[HorseFeathers]

Wow, MichiganWoods. I don't have a plot line for myself, since I completely made up the world the novel takes place in I don't need to cross-reference. I do, however, have a MENTAL list of creatures and history. How did you make an interactive thing?

 

[MichiganWoods]

Mine is completely made up too.

But there is so much detail in my story that I didn't want to make an error within my own parameters. As per the map, I had to teach myself how to use Macromedia Flash (no easy task). That took me a year or so without any real training. I stuck with the online tutorials and fumbled my way through it, but now I can code decently at least.

 

[HorseFeathers]

Oo. I think I'll just stick with the mental map for now.

 

[cknmom]

I am 3/4 of the way through a murder-suicide novel. I wrote out character bios and plot and story line a few years ago. Had to take a break for a couple of years because of family things, but am back on track now. Hope to have it finished and in the mail by the end of Feb.

I also have several children's stories ready to go and a couple of short stories and hundreds of poems and essays. Need to get off my butt and send them.

I set a word minimum per day(mine is 1,000) it goes quick and you feel like you have accomplished something. If I'm blocked on a day(or two, or three..) I do writing exercises, to stimulate my brain.

Monica

 

[risurocket]

I too am working on fantasy/scifi urban action sort of stuff. With a touch of romance thrown in and as much suspense as I can manage. I am "just writing" right now. Hoping someday to be published. Been writing since I was little. A bit afraid of both success and failure. I have a degree in English Lit and Creative Writing, so they warned me all about the tons of rejections you get before you get lucky.

Just write. Keep writing and eventually polish what you find in your gut to be the most readable. But write write write and as someone else said, don't worry about getting it perfect right away.

I am not published, but my good friend is and rather successful. He is very willing to help out people who want to be published. He gets a lot of email so might be slow to respond, but if you send a concise question and read his blog and FAQs, you will probably glean some good info.
http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/index.asp

Miss Prissy is very correct. Publishing is a SLOOOOW process.

Good Luck Fellow Writers! Keep Writing! (Maybe we could start a BYC version of the nanowrimo - or a BYC writer's swap....

)

 

[dkvart1]

At the request of my daughter, a huge dean koontz fan, I am working on a story, have about 45,000 words so far...

 

[BillQuick]

I'm a self published author. I did it through a website called Lightening Source (not sure of the link, Google it!). Basically it's sold on all the biggest websites and they only print when they get orders. That way I only make profit and I don't have to worry about dealing with publishing agencies!

Good luck with the book!

 

[The Chickens' Maid]

I've never had anything of mine published; I've been writing for 5+ years, working on the same story. I'm not trying to get published, and I don't really think I want to. I prefer taking it slowly, making a map, writing the history, ect . . . I love my story, so I like to draw it out as long as possible.

The key is, whether you set a deadline or write slowly, you have to believe that you CAN do it. If you start something that you don't believe you can finish, then you won't finish it.

Good luck!