It's a little late, but about a week ago i decided I would do the National Novel Writing Month, which started on November 1st. The basic goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in the 30 days of November. I'm already about 11,500 words in. It's about space pirates. Because I do have firsthand experience at that.
Here is a link to my Nanowrimo profile.
http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/232562

Oh, by the way, here is a picture of Al Roker really really confused.

I've written a trilogy and short stories usually Scifi nothing published.
Good luck hope Publishers clearing house comes to your door.

You ever heard of Critters?

http://www.critters.org/