Life With Jules, and other stuff

Ok, so I want to get published. I feel my writing is adequate enough, but will it sell? My primary question is where do I begin? Does anyone out there have any suggestions on where to start, publishing houses that may be looking for new writers, etc? How did you get your start?

I am about halfway done with the '68 Charger and I have to admit that it is coming along nicely. The only issue I am having is with the Kreinik Metallic floss. I have never really enjoyed working with metallics, but it is something I will have to deal with, I guess. Fortunately, there is not a lot of metallic floss used within the pattern. Here are a couple of pictures of what is completed so far (actually, I have a bit more done than in the pics, but these are the most recent): When all is said and done, there will be a tree shading above the car. There is also a license plate on the front of the car, so I may personalize it with my uncle's name.

Here is what I have done so far: It's on 28-ct. evenweave. I have found the larger count fabric challenging. I am used to working with up to 18-ct Aida fabrics, so this is a neat change.

I just found a site that has really easy to download embroidery patterns for free. It's http://cross-stitchers-club.com/?code_avantage=swpwbe . Plus, if you click on this link, you'll automatically receive a gift when you subscribe. I use this site all the time; there are hundreds of all different types of patterns, and there are new patterns added everyday. It's really worth a look.

I have added a couple of "Lists" gadgets to showcase the books and magazines I have purchased or subscribe to. Many of the books on my list I have purchased from www.crafterschoice.com . While they don't have many books on cross-stitching, I have found that Crafter's Choice is a great way to purchase books on just about any hobby - including cooking, sewing, paper crafts, etc. One caution on Crafter's Choice is that it is a book club, so it's easy to spend, spend, spend! Lol... Anyway, check out my new Lists!

Well, it has taken a few years, but I have finally finished "Nautical Sampler". Whew! There is a lot of detail in this crossstitch and the back stitching alone took about 20 hours. Here is the finished product: ****************** Now on to a new project. I am still in the mode of making gifts for Christmas this year (even if it is only March). The next one I am stitching is a '68 Charger that I am making for an uncle. I purchased the pattern from http://www.patternsonline.com/ . They have a bunch of interesting patterns to choose from. Here is a picture of the pattern:

I have made some progress on the "Nautical" project.