In case you are wondering how it is going, I have decided my draft novel is far too long, but I am not just going to shorten it: I am going to cut it in half. Of course, that does not mean it will finish abruptly halfway. It means I am cutting out large sections which will go into the sequel. The first book will have a proper ending. I am also talking to a potential editor who will correct all my mistakes, hopefully. After that will come the marketing and approaching publishers. This all takes longer than you might think.
Watch this space!