Glad to hear about the Steve Manning Way. I have toyed with the idea of sending for it. I, also, am a writer that likes feedback (am in a critique group) and part of the fun of writing, even though it is to make money, is the journey. I love the research, getting to know my characters, my issues and plotting it all out.

I am sure I would not like to work on my books like that. I understand you can do it that way, but not enjoyable and I cannot disconnect from the world like that.

There is a national/world challenge for writers every November. It is National Novel Writing Month and you can find information on it at www.nanowrimo.org. You sign up to writing everyday. The idea is to try to write 50,000 words of fiction for the month. If you do so by midnight November 30th they'll validate your count and you get to use some icon of theirs and be in their hallowed list as well as get a certificate. You are the real winner because you will have worked on your book all that time.

There is a guide to the month long noveling called, "No Plot? No Problem" by Chris Baty. I have it and it's a good book. Signed up last year but was unable to participate due to time constraints. Am going to try again this year.

Sandpiper