Nothing Is Better Than the First Time

That's why page 137 exists -- to remind us why writing is so dang hard sometimes. And how good it feels to persevere.

Heck, I'm just happy when all the convoluted threads of my serials FINALLY tie together neatly and I can stop worrying that maybe I dropped a thread somewhere or all of this big mess isn't going to lead anywhere at all. It doesn't matter how many times this same situation happens, I always panic, then always feel so relieved (and yet perplexed--how did I manage?) when I figure it out. You think I'd learn that things will work out in the end, but no, I always start gnawing my fingernails. Those unforeseen plot elements are the very reason why I don't dare feel relief until the ENTIRE story is done. But yes, once I reach that point, it's a good feeling.

Hey I not only had that, but I had a couple stories involving the same people. Sequels anyone?

I just finished my first novel 70,700 words, the plot came to me in a dream last July and I carried it in my head until December. I decided to start writing the story and finished in 5 weeks. All of the twists in the story came together too easily. I don't know that I could do it again, and that is a scary thought to me anyway! I think I experienced the euphoric feeling you described, popmuze.

I am not a writer in my mind, but just a storyteller who wrote it down. Now how do I get it published???

That, ChristineP, is something none of us can tell you unfortunately or we'd all be there.

Persevere. Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Work on the next novel. Send out query letters. Respond to partial requests. And above all, persevere.

You've done the easy part. Now comes the hardest part of all.

Now that you have finished the rough draft, step away from the story for a few weeks. clear your head a little, and after those few weeks start editing the work... When you think it's polished and ready for "query hell", find a few people who will be beta readers for you... I trust the people on this board with thier knowledge and they have really helped me... Good luck and have fun with it...