It's really the only point that matters, Gud. It's your book. You have to be happy with what you created, and then let it stand or fall.

Point taken. I think I'll have surer footing with the next book, having done one.

Eh, I suppose if it's so long I don't think it'll even get a look, I'll split it at the natural spot. I'm not really expecting to sell the first piece of fiction I've written. It's more for the experience anyway.

Yeah but never say never. As others have said, make it the book you want. The chances of a sale are small for everyone right now, but if it is as close to the book you want it to be as you can get it, your chances of a sale are better than if it is a book you screwed up to please others.

Also a good point.

Sorry for the discouragement flare-up.

We all have our Billy Walsh moments, Gud. (Billy being the insano screenwriter/auteur character from Entourage who goes from day to day sometimes hour to hour thinking "I wrote Mean Streets" or "I wrote shit.") Sometimes I get embarrassed watching him. Despite the drugs and gambling, his thought processes can be all too familiar sometimes.

I'm also having a bad couple of days and not a lot of sleep, so it seeps into the hobby as well.

It's interesting to see all the world-building people go through to write a fantasy novel. I have to admit I sort of went with the make sh*t up as I need it approach. I think there is a lot to be said for intricate world-building, but making sh*t up has certainly helped me save time.

Next week is BEA, so everyone in publishing will be away.

The week after that, my agent is submitting my proposal for Gothic Charm School 2 to my editor!

Good luck!