My first novel has been availible through Lulu.com since 2006. Does anyone know of any "real" publishers that might pick it up?

You should read through all the LULU info, there have been changes since 2006. They are doing some new marketing tricks. I have a friend who is doing quite well through LULU and has an inquiry from another publisher.

And keep in mind that with your ISBN you can list at Amazon etc on your own. You can build a website or several, to promote your own work. The money is out there and if you start making it there's a good chance a "BIG HOUSE" may find YOU!

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.