Hello from Paul

[paulchernoch]

I just joined this community today and look forward to chatting. While I hope to be helpful to the rest of you in some way, I must confess that my experience in writing is meager, and my list of published works could be listed on zero hands. But I have been an avid reader since second grade so may have something to offer.

In February of last year (2004) I began work on my first novel, titled 'Fighting Extradition'. I noticed that in some posts here people like to discuss their writing habits, so I will too. Once I finished the initial research and outline for my book last September, I set a goal for myself of 1-2 pages a day, figuring that I could write a complete draft in one year at that pace. With a full time job and three kids under the age of ten in the house, this was quite ambitious, I must confess. But to my surprise, after about two months at it, my productivity shot up, and now I manage 2-3 pages a day. Of course, I had to learn how to get up at 5 am on a regular basis, and often burn the midnight oil, but I no longer mind. I am now halfway through the final chapter and my first draft of about 560 pages should be done by June 1st. That means I will soon be needing editorial assistance, and reader feedback beyond the one close friend who has been helping me thus far.

In exchange, I offer my own humble abilities in critiquing your efforts. Writing brings me great joy, a joy I hope we can all share productively.

Pacea! (Peace)

- Paul

[whitehawke]

paulchernoch
Hi there, nice to meet you.
This is a great site and the people are lovely.
I am editing my first novel, of which I wrote the first draft in 18 months, from a dream I had. When my children had their school holidays I was finding it hard to grab time to write, so I asked the Lord to wake me at 4 in the morning. lol He gladly oblidged. Keep up the good work.
Rulan

[paulchernoch]

Funny you should say that. A few days ago I was too tired to write one night. I prayed that I could wake up at - and I specified the exact time in my prayer - 4:40 am. At precisely 4:40 AM my toddler woke up and cried for me to get her. She was soon asleep again, and I was at my laptop, typing away.

An atheist would have used an alarm clock. Of course an alarm clock would wake the rest of the house and I would get nothing accomplished!

[whitehawke]

God is so good and He's the best boss to work for.. :) I love getting up early to write, but you know, there have been times when it's like God looks down and says... "No. Today you need your sleep. You can catch up tomorrow." And you know, I've had peace about it. Then the next day cames and I get so much writing done, I am amazed. :D Indeed, He is a great Father.
Look forward to seeing some of your work.

[kimme325]

Hello Paul,
I just joined and I don't know how to use this site. I can't seem to send a new message to all members? Help

[whitehawke]

Hello Paul,
I just joined and I don't know how to use this site. I can't seem to send a new message to all members? Help

Hi Kim,
in what way are you having trouble?

[dublinheart]

Hi Paul and also Kimmee
It's a pleasure to meet you. I trust you will like it here. If I can help, please don't hesitate to let me know.
John :)

[ellenjames]

Hi Kimmee,

Welcome to Christian Writers! If you want to add a new thread, go to the home page and click on 'community". Then choose 'fiction', 'non-fiction', or 'poetry'. That will put you on the page to write to members. The first message under each of those classifications will give you instructions about when you can write. I believe you must give input a few times on what other members have written. When you do that, you'll be able to add your own message.

Hope this helps. Enjoy the site! !thumbsup!
Ellenjames

[kimme325]

thank you all