The Internet

Okay, the internet is either the greatest thing ever or the biggest hindrance to my new writing endeavor imaginable.  I haven't decided yet.  I guess in the old days I would've just gotten out a notebook and started writing. Nowadays though, with the internet, there is a gargantuan amount of information out there for new writers starting. Some of it probably total garbage and some of it probably fantastic information. How do you sort it all out? I have no idea.

I didn't want to just blindly jump into this because I would like to actually succeed at my goal of writing and publishing a book. I wanted a plan, a method, something that works. Yes, that's right I'm a planner. I plan and research the hell out of something because I want to do it correct the first time. That's just me and how I operate. I realize there is not one truly correct way with this kind of creative process, but I figure a little guidance won't hurt me.

I wanted some sort of reference to what in the hell I'm supposed to be doing here to reach my goal, so I did what everyone does now; I started googling.  A lot, probably too much. Looking at what seems like hundreds of websites on how to write a novel, then of course, I started drifting. I started looking at how to get published, then how to sell, then how to become a rich and famous author. Eventually finding out most writers don't make any money.

Why am I doing this? I haven't even written a single word towards my novel yet besides lots of idea notes, but I want to know everything in the process anyway. Okay, now that I have wasted about two months on research I've come to a few conclusions.  One, I spend entirely too much time on research and not enough time on writing.  Two, I spend entirely too much time on research and not enough time on my writing.