Allow me to introduce myself

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 12:27 am

Hi all, I'm Richard. I joined the Forum because I have just finished writing my first book, and I need to learn more about the historical fiction market and online community. My book is a historical novel that tells the story of the theft of Saint Mark's Body in the year 827. I became fascinated with the legends surrounding this event when I visited Venice several years ago. I was surprised that something this juicy never had a story written around it, so I took on the job myself. Two kids and some years later, I've finally done it.

I have always been writing, although up until now I have always abandonded my projects. In my day job I'm a research engineer. I'm married to a librarian (what a combination for historical fiction!)

My favorite books to read in the genre include O'Brien's Aubrey-Maturin series, to a lesser extent the Hornblower saga, and anything medieval by Umberto Eco.

I look forward to meeting you all, and thanks for letting me into the playground!

donroc · Post by **donroc** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 12:45 am

Welcome, Richard, and enjoy.

pat · Post by **pat** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 12:48 am

Welcome Richard! There are a few authors on the site, which is nice! How far along the process are you? Have you published yet?

MLE (Emily Cotton) · Post by **MLE (Emily Cotton)** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 1:05 am

Welcome, Richard.

boswellbaxter · Post by **boswellbaxter** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 1:14 am

Welcome, Richard! Good to have you here.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 1:52 am

[quote=""pat""]Welcome Richard! There are a few authors on the site, which is nice! How far along the process are you? Have you published yet?[/quote]

Well, after 2 years and 6 drafts it's complete at 99,600 words. I have queries out to a few agents and am going to wait until I hear back before I send to the next batch. I'm very hopeful, because I think it's a story with quite a hook - but I also know the market is a capricious beast, especially this year.

cw gortner · Post by **cw gortner** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 7:00 am

Welcome, Richard. Great site; that's a great idea to have something online for agents / editors to look at while you're querying.

Good luck! Sounds like a fascinating novel; I'm sure you'll get bites from interested agents.

Carine · Post by **Carine** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 7:07 am

Hi Richard, welcome here !
Your book sounds very interesting !

diamondlil · Post by **diamondlil** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 8:50 am

Welcome Richard!

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Tue February 24th, 2009, 8:59 am

Hi Richard

Hello and welcome! Hope you enjoy it here.

Good luck with your book.