Find lots of links for hobbies at http://www.searchingforhobbies.com or http://www.ivillage.com.

--Create a novel journal. In this journal, write down ideas about novel and its characters. Your vision of what you want book to be. Be very specific. You could create a virtual journal on your computer disk/hard drive. Or you might try blogging. (A blog is an on-line journal.)

There are web sites that give free blog space, such as http://www.crimsonblog.com and http://www.mindsay.com.

--If you're not a member of a writers' organization/group/workshop, join one. The sense of camaraderie is so helpful. It's very isolating to write a novel alone, as I did--with no writers' group or class for support. I've since joined a writers' organization, which provides a feeling of help and support as we attain our dream.

Find writers' organizations at http://www.writerswrite.com.

--Of course, read writers' magazines/e-zines for technical tips on writing. But you should also choose a favorite author to read and re-read exclusively as you write your novel. Realize that author's writing will influence yours--so he/she should be great.

Some writers choose not to read other writers while writing a book. Some novelists--like Barbara Kingsolver--read a favorite author. Think of this book or author as a literary comforter; mine is "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte.

Find your favorite author's work at http://www.sunsite.berkeley.edu/Libweb and http://www.literature.org.

--On revising: Ideally, revising ends when you begin your next book. In meantime, have someone else read your manuscript. In my case, no one but editors read entire manuscript. Several of my family members and a writer-friend read chapters/chapter.

But if you're not ready for your cousin to read your novel, work on an article, begin another book or just take a break and re-discover world.

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Web sites of interest to novelists-in-the-making:

http://www.author-network.com/saevig1.html

http://www.Suite101.com/welcome.cfm/novel_writing

http://www.writepage.com/excerpts/exmchtw.html

http://www.writeyournovelnow.com

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2004 Copyright by Y.A. Reid

In addition, a professional-looking site – one that features your published writing, not pictures of your dog and boyfriend along with your latest Ebay stats – will prove to an editor that you’re on ball, that you take your writing seriously. In turn editor will take you more seriously.

Even freelancers with very little computer knowledge can set up a website; check with your Internet service provider to find out how to start your own (often free) site. Or, if you have some knowledge of HTML or are willing to learn, you may be able to set up your own site. There are also many web-design companies that will set you up for a fee.

If you decide to go with a web-design company, here are a few important things to consider:

* What are total costs? Be sure to read fine print, otherwise your bill may be higher than you’d intended.

* Is maintenance included? If so, how much does it cost and what is turnaround time?

* How many pages are you allowed? Some budget companies only offer six or so pages, which is hardly enough to showcase your clips.

* Do they work with writers? Web-design services that cater to exotic dancers or widget-sellers may not know much about a freelancer’s needs.

Whichever method you choose, get your resume and clips online today and start wowing editors and making sales tomorrow!