Head on over to author Donna Schlachter's website to check out my guest blog post about women in medicine, and in 1870s.  Whether or not you are interested in the field of medicine, the facts pulled from the census, and the stories of a few of these women are quite fascinating. 

 www.donnaschlachter.com/medicine-in-the-1870s-with-spotlight 

​Recently, I was asked this question. Like most anything else that requires time, effort, and relative quiet, it varies. The longer you have been writing, the faster it goes. For myself, because I've been a writer for a very long time (though I didn't start actually doing something with my writing until recently) I can get a first draft of a novel around 25,000 words in about six weeks. It could be less, if I've really thought about what I want to write and how I want the story to unfold. 

Writing that first draft isn't the end though! It's not ready for you yet! After writing that first draft, I go through and reread, and add the small details that were lacking the first time. I get it as polished as I can, and send it off to beta readers. About four weeks later, it comes back, (hopefully!) filled with feedback to make my story even better. 

Another four weeks later, I've gone through the feedback carefully, made changes, and started another round of edits. But...it's still not done! That's the time that cover, blurb, and another round of edits takes place! Why so many edits? Because it's so easy to misspell a word or leave something out. 

After that round, I format my book, upload it, and get ready for the launch day! The writing process is actually a little nerve wracking for me. There's imposter syndrome (will anyone like it?!) along with worry (did I remember to add page numbers before I uploaded?) and of course, the marketing worry (how will people find my book?!) and while those nerves never get less, because I am not a great in your face self promoter, it is really quite, quite fun to write and publish. 

The best part is when YOU enjoy the story! I'd love to know more of what YOU want to see!