h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello Sneaky,
How is your novel writing going? Thanks for the tip about the Sol Stein book I will try and read it. I have attempted a novel quite a few years ago and I did manage to finish it. It got to about 60,000 words and I rushed it through in quite a short time. Daren't stop kind of thing in case I lost it. (Hope you know what I mean). Anyway, the thing was it read like a runaway train, just like I'd written it in fact, no highs and lows, no peaks and troughs, it just ranaway with itself. I just didn't have the experience to know what to do about it. I know now,I had the makings of a novel there and that what I should have done was re-write and re-write until I'd knocked it into in shape, but I didn't know how and had no advice. I was a member of a Writers' Circle but no one there had written a novel or knew anything about writing one. Most of them wrote poems to read to the group and letters to magazines. Regards Kelly

Could I be of assistance? I, too, am failing to write a novel, but I've managed to get involved with editing/criticising/helping someone else with theirs. I may not have a great insite but I think I have a better ideas than some. I'm also thinking of setting up a 'fiction' writers workshop through h2g2. Would you (now being used in the plural to indicate any reader) like to get involved?

Kelly,

Thank you for your post which I have only just read. I have neglected the site based on the fact that nobody ever replied to my postings. Sorry!

I am still writing, and taking it slowly editing as I write. I have bought a camera and take photographs of things that catch my attention. That means I have to notice something first but the fact that I have a visual record of something that sparked an idea (of which I get plenty) is good as it can help focus the mind when writing.

The Sol Stein book is well worth the money - check his credentials on the web. If you get this message please reply as I will now check every two days for next three weeks (get married soon so time off then). We can discuss your novel and mine - share ideas whatever.

Regards

Sneaky