Wednesday 16 February 2011

My novel in Book Form!!!

I am soooooo excited!!!

Last November I participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). For those of you who don't know what this is, it's basically a challenge where you have to write a 50,000 word novel in just one month, this averages as about 2,000 words a night. You have word counts, and encouraging videos, and people you can network with and race to finish your word counts.

It was very hard work, some nights I would be struggling to get anything down, I wasn't in the mood or had no inspiration, or on the opposite side I would have so much to say but not enough time to sit down and get it out. There were some very late nights during November as I just couldn't stop! :D

However, I completed my Novel with 2 days spare, and since then have spent time, editing, re-arranging, and cutting, etc. I have given it out to some close friends to read, and received some very positive feedback. I have had it beta read and all grammatical errors fixed.

When you complete NaNoWriMo they offer you a special promotional code, linked with 'CreateSpace' where you can input your novel information, create a simple cover and basically set up your book. Then using the code provided you can order a FREE proof copy of your book! I made sure I was happy with my book and struggled quite a lot with the uploading, but finally I got it in.

Today I got home from work and was happy to find a parcel. Opening it up I found inside my very own novel, looking up at me, all shiny and new, with real pages and binding, and book wonderfulness!!!
It really is a special feeling, holding your own book in your hands, It's like walking on clouds, clouds of fluffy candyfloss with happy music and sunshine!!!

I can go back on the site now and order more proof copies (for a cost of course) and if I so choose I can also follow steps to get my novel self-published. I won't be going that far yet. I am currently waiting to hear about the results for 'Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award' which is a publishing competition, if I get through that the prize is a publishing contract with a well known company. If I don't get through that, I may consider other options, but for now I'm just happy to hold my book in my hands. *excited squeel*

The cover isn't exactly how I envisioned it as I had some problems with the online cover creator, but it looks better than I thought it would!!!

What do you think?
My book, with MY NAME!!!!

Can't get over how excited I am.

here's the blurb for my novel:

There was an alliance between all mythical creatures, a truce that had gone on for years, but now the Gnomes have turned rogue and stolen the most treasured possession of all the clans, and then lost them. The Golden Web is the one thing that stops humans from seeing the world of myth and magic, without it, they are all in danger.
Can the Fairies find all the pieces before it's too late, can the Dryads be trusted, What have the Gnomes got planned, and who is the mysterious force that put them up to it?


So, would you read it?

8 comments:

Unknown said...

That sounds like an interesting story. I've also got my Nano novel which I want to take advantage of the free novel. Thought I was ready until I got some comments from beta readers... the ending's nowhere near reading.

Your book looks fantastic.

Unknown said...

That is so exciting! A sight I wish to see with a book of my own one day. I am going to have to try NaNoWriMo this year. Congrats!

Alison Can Read said...

Congratulations! I hope to do Nano someday. That is so cool that you had the persistence to finish.

Must Love Books said...

Congrats! That is very exciting! I hope to one day be able to hold my book in my hands!

barmybex said...

Thanks everyone!!!
Keep going with it Cheree, you'll get there soon!
And everyone else, keep perservering! :D

brandileigh2003 said...

That looks awesome!

Kulsuma said...

Wow! That's so exciting! Good luck with the Amazon breakthrough!:)

barmybex said...

Didn't get through on the Amazon Breakthrough contest :(
Will have to look at other options to get my book out there.
Thanks for the great comments though :D