When I started out, I told myself that if my goal were to be a doctor or lawyer, I would assume it would take about ten years of schooling and other training, so I was going to learn everything I could about the publishing business and not give up too soon. In fact, since I respect books fully as much as medicine or law, I would give myself ten years of apprenticeship before I gave up. Since my first self-published book was released in August 2008, I'm anticipating it will take time to get that first contract from a major publisher. Since my schedule was hectic working 2 full-time jobs, I couldn't really get away to attend conferences, which would have helped. I did (on the advice from an editor) join forums and book writers review boards, and I read books about technical writing as well as reading hundreds of books and novels.  I loved everything about the world of books, so my few years of writing my first technical release was satisfying and fun as well as frustrating.  My motivation to write is inspired by the driving force within.  I think we all have personal desires and goals that we embrace.  The challenge in my writing efforts is to defeat procrastination, to persevere, to approve the thought of succeeding the impossible.    http://www.AuthorsDen.com/adstorage/98120/Brochurefront.pdf http://www.AuthorsDen.com/adstorage/98120/Brochureback.pdf