Dear es, we've all been there, writing that first dreaded sentence of the first chapter of the first novel. One thing these online writing sites are for is to help people just like yourself. Just be prepared, there are writers here (from all different levels, backgrounds, genres, etc.) who are going to tell you like it is. If you truly wish to learn, you will take their advice and see if it applies to your writing. You need a tough hide, so to speak, because as tough as it may be here, it's that much tougher in the publishing world. Asking family and friends with no writing experience will usually not get you anywhere.

Start by reading the reviews posted on this site to other writers here. They are loaded with lots of valuable information, which you can then apply to your own story. And also check out the Writing Tips Forum, even go way back in the archives. There are some excellent posts there.

Perserverance is the number one attribute a writer must have. If you don't have it, then you won't ever make it as a writer.

There are tons of free articles online on how to write a novel, start educating yourself.

The mechanics of novel writing can be taught, but natural writing talent cannot. You either have it or you don't. Asking friends to critique causes the problem you outlined in your post. Dealing with other writers places your work in the proper venue to better help you learn and improve. Remember that we are all here to learn, and we all had to start at the beginning. Sharon

There are certain axioms in life such as "don't piss against the wind" or "don't lend friends money or your sweetheart if you want either back" et al, and now you can add "don't let uncouth friends read your writing until it's published"  - unless you have very thick skin or are into sadomasochism, lol. Take care. Vern

Esmeralda (beautiful name, btw), just wait until you start getting rejected FOR REAL, haha. That'll always make you feel awesome. (I don't know why, but I tend to receive rejection letters in the MORNING, right before I leave for work. It's an awesome way to start your day!) but trust me, once you get the ONE acceptance letter (and all you need is one!) it'll make all the pain of rejection worthwhile. It helps, in this business, to have a tough skin, and as many additional layers as you can grow. I agree with everyone who stated that writing is all about perserverance. I am currently working on my first novel (well, it might be a novella. Same diff)... as a writer of primarily short stories, it's HARD, but so worthwhile, so I sympathize with you there. The important thing to remember is that 99% of what you'll write (at least with me, haha) will not be perfect the first time around. It's rare that I write a chapter, or even a paragraph or sentence, that I don't want to tweak. But I actually enjoy the revision process - it is tremendously satisfying in its own right.

I'd be happy to look at anything you have on the site - I love reviewing. The best thing you could have done for yourself was join this site... I joined in February and have had three pieces published in four different lit journals since then. These people are miracle workers.

Thanks for the advice, everybody. I know I need to work on my thick skin, and this has been a good lesson (albeit an awkward one).

After stewing for a while last night, I got inspired to do a major revamp of some pretty key plot details (and an age shift of the main character), and I think it's going to make a huge difference. So in the end, I think this was a blessing in disguise, and I'm going to try not to let it drag me down.

Thanks again for the helpful tips!

Yes but non-writers as much as they think they understand...do  not usually.  Those of us use to seeing rough drafts can often see the pearls among the swine.

When people who are not use the amount of polishing a writer has to do see an early work...they see the swine.



Tirz