Today is the 37th in a series of posts by San-Diego-based writer Thomas Shess, who has decided to keep a journal on his journey to find a publisher for his novel.

The Big Picture-When I began this journey to chronicle my search to find (in no particular order) a publisher for my recently completed first novel or for a literary agent to represent said work, I heard many say being good magazine writer doesn't mean you'll be a good novelist. For a while, I agreed. Not any more. I've decided my main crusade is to network with other writers as much as possible. I've learned to open my eyes and ears and to accept I know very little compared with what I don't know. So far, this introspection has run 37 weeks in Mediabistro.com. Along the way, I've become a better magazine writer and I have new appreciation for my chosen career in periodicals. I'm damn lucky to have made my living for "a long time" by writing. The exciting part is class isn't over.

Two Mistresses--My love for fiction is also stronger. I've gained new respect for both. There are no guarantees, but the one quick exit to oblivion is to stop creating compelling stories to readers. Fiction or non-fiction good writers need to keep stories simple. Have a beginning middle and an end. Invest in complete research. Create interesting leads. Be truthful and don't whine.

Men Don't Read Books-As part of my promise to beef up my networking with other writers, I joined a literary club. A recent speaker, Pat Williams, author, VP with the NBA Orlando Magic and a motivational speaker spoke at San Diego's City Club. Williams, an author of several best sellers, told a packed house that 85% of books sold in America are purchased by women. What does that tell us? What's that say about the future of publishing, especially if young men follow male leaders?

Men Read Magazines-I found some comfort in statistics. Men do read, but not as many books as magazines. A check of data provided by a regional publishing group, a confederacy of magazine publishers, reveals that male/female ratio is about 50-50 when it comes to buying magazines. That still puts male readership in a sad state of affairs. Yes, I want to be a novelist, but I'm sure as heck not going to give up my day job.

Write and Lose Weight-Exactly 37 weeks ago at the debut of this column, I was 37 pounds heavier. Is becoming a weekly columnist for mediabistro.com's MB Toolbox a panacea for weight loss? Absolutely. The stress of a weekly deadline is a great way to cut those calories? And, no, it isn't a sub-rosa hunger strike: "I won't eat until I'm published." Not quite so dramatic. Truth is I'm nearing a significant milestone birthday and I want to be around to see family read my books. And, of course, taking up ballroom dancing with my bride is in the mix as well. Did I hear a snicker? Try fox trotting for an hour before popping off.

Meanwhile back at The Zoo, the author of this column is searching for a publisher or a literary agent for my recently fine tuned first novel, a thriller based in San Francisco loaded with plenty of suspense, a damn good story, and a plot that works-Drop me an e-mail for a look at the first 20 pages.