[JamesP81]

I decided to become a writer one day in my college dorm, when I tossed aside a paperback sci-fi novel I'd paid good money for at the campus bookstore and thought "This is CRAP!" My next thought was "Heck, if that guy can get published, I'm a shoo-in."

I had exactly the same experience the first time I read a David Drake novel. He's got great ideas as far as plots but his writing is just not so great. That's why I'm still trying (albeit with poor success) to write my own novels. I have about 4 good ideas to work from. My problem is that I seem to get started out strong then run out of steam by about the 4th chapter...

[Oberon]

My problem is that I seem to get started out strong then run out of steam by about the 4th chapter...

You want some advice?

I'd just give it...I've been doing it throughout the thread so far...but it occurred to me that unwanted advice can be awfully annoying.