Where to Start?

The options are seemingly endless, the resources are vast, but the consensus is clear;

write today and every day.

Schedule it into to your life. Whatever path to writing you pursue start with Writing Today!

Write

To begin writing you must exercise your writing muscles everyday. Begin journalling, write letters, begin a blog, or start a story the important thing is to just write. Don't worry about your grammar and spelling (just don't send anything to a publisher or editor until you do). You can pick up the rest along the way.

Read

Find your favorite books. Why you can't put them down? Why do you Love them? Why do you love to hate them?

Mentors

Look up your favorite authors of this period. Find their web pages. Many authors share valuable advice about their craft on their web pages. Be sure to check my space and goodreads for sites as well. Often your critique group leader is your most valuable resource. Some writer's societies/groups also offer a mentor program for serious writers.

Writer's Groups and Conferences

Writer's societies and groups are very helpful in getting to know other aspiring writers and to learn from veterans in the field as well past and current editors. Writer's groups can open many doors for the aspiring writer.

There are many writing groups out there. Search the web, ask anyone you know, and be sure to check with your local bookstores. In Boise near where I live Rediscovered Bookshop hosts writer's groups, conferences, and book signings. I've belonged to Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators and love the being involved with them. I've also come across teen writer's groups online. There are conferences all over the country every year to meet different needs of writers. Check them out!

Critique Group

The best leaven for a manuscript is a good critique. Search out your area for knowledgeable writers. Join their group. One good critique can save the aspiring writer days if not weeks of labor. Remember a critique is not personal and nothing ventured nothing gained. Take a deep breath and share. Most people are sensitive to newcomers but if their not be all the more determined to make the best of their advice. More on this another time.

Self Education

Books on writing can be invaluable. Try not to get too caught up in the technicalities of writing at first. Allow your stories to evolve naturally. Thus said, I'd also like to say a little knowledge about characterization, plot development, and writing for your audience will greatly increase your quality of work.

Some books that were referred to me were Writing the Natural Way by Gabrielle Rico and Bird by Bird by Anne La Mott. There was another but I've forgotten it now. It basically tells of the rise and fall of a good story line. I'm currently studying Characters Make Your Story by Maren Elwood. It's an older book but it's full of timeless advice.