After mulling it over and getting some moral support from online friends (you know who you are – thanks), I have decided what the heck, I’m going to start working on this novel I’ve had in my head for who knows how long.
This means a couple of things…
1) I probably won’t be spending as much time online as I was before, although I’ll no doubt still check in a couple times a day. Just not staying as long.
2) I may be asking for some help. This is a big community, with a lot of diverse experience and knowledge. I may put out a question or two here. Nothing specific, but just sort of trolling (in a nice way) for volunteers with specific knowledge on some topic. Then, the questions can be taken care of in private e-mails.
3) I am asking now for anyone who is interested in following this work-in-progress. Whether you want to offer support and encouragement, constructive criticism, are interested in seeing how I develop the story and characters as it all unfolds, or are just interested in reading some stuff, let me know. I can formulate a group e-mail list and send stuff as it comes out.
The basic idea is a humorous crime novel, along the lines of Dave Barry’s Big Trouble.