Help for the Newbie Writers

It's still dark outside when I drag myself out of bed and slowly make my way to the kitchen. My husband is still asleep as it's way too early yet for him to get up. The kitchen clock reads anywhere from 4:30 - 5:00 in the morning. Like a mindless robot, I go straight to the coffeemaker and grab a clean mug. The warm aromatic liquid passes my lips as I turn around and walk through the dark livingroom to the office - myoffice - which is also used as the guest bedroom. Still in my pajamas, I turn on the computer, the desk lamp and put on a nice New Age music CD to play. My desk is reasonably organized with books, paperwork and writing materials. I sit down and place my coffee on a mug warmer, then after a few minutes of staring at the blank page on my laptop monitor, I begin another day as a writer.

To many of my friends this type of life seems ideal and so easy. They see the movies and read the books from well-known authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice and J.K. Rowling, who have made millions from their writing. My friends and relatives envy me sometimes, never knowing just how much is needed to become a successful writer. Many don't even realize the different types of writing fields one can go into, some more profitable than others. They don't understand the number of hours spent each day in not only writing, but in promoting my work. It is with this thought, I have decided to offer some advice and recommendations for the new writer who is eager to give this craft a try.

Writing is not for everyone. Just because you can write a good sentence and you have a substantial vocabulary does not mean you will be a good writer. Writers are like artists. They need to have time, courage, patience, persistence, and imagination. And all writers can use some help and good resources. We are fortunate to live in a time where information and help is easily obtainable. Take a look at this brief list and see if writing is something you could do:

Join a local or writers group: These groups can help get you motivated to write, especially if you aren't sure where to start. Writers help each other through projects, inspiration, and helpful criticism as you practice different types of stories and articles. They are usually free or charge a small yearly fee. Check your yellow pages, local library or Chamber of Commerce for clubs in your area.

Participate or subscribe at Internet writing websites: The Internet has hundreds of sites to go to. Many are free and many are starting to pay for your writing projects. Go to your browser's search tool and type any of the following: Writers Groups, Writers Clubs, Writing, Online Writing. Anything that comes to mind about writing, look it up on the Internet and you will see there are lot of places to learn and write for. A few of my favorite writing sites are: www.writing.com, www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/ and www.forwriters.com/

Read writers' books and magazines: There are many good books available that offer great advice and information. I look forward to my monthly subscription of Writer's Digest (www.writersdigest.com) and I visit the local bookstores and library for resource books about writing. Some of the books that I recommend are:

Writing for Money by Loriann Hoff Oberlin

1,818 Ways to Write Better & Get Published by Scott Edelstein

Building Believable Characters by Marc McCutcheon

The Well-Fed Self-Publisher by Peter Bowerman

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creative Writing by Laurie E. Rozakis, Ph.D.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

Learn how to market your work: Your writing is only part of what it is to be writer. Writers have to advertise and promote their books and articles just like any other business. If people don't know about your stories, who is going to read them? Once again, I recommend learning what you can about marketing and promoting on the Internet. There is a lot of free information at your fingertips from websites, e-books, articles, social networks and forums. Get a website of your own or create a blog. Write for forums and online content publishers like Associated Content, Triond, Helium, and find local opportunities to share your work. Marketing involves networking with other writers, joining clubs, and giving out samples and promotional materials.

Writing can be very lonely work but only if you let it be so. Not everyone can afford to write full time either. Many people write as a hobby or moonlight after working hours. Some people take only a few minutes to write while others struggle for years to reach their goals. There are so many forms and avenues of writing that it make take you a while to decide what you are best at. Try different projects and find your nitch.

Whatever you do, never stop writing. Even if you are never published, as long as you keep writing, you are a writer. Do it daily to improve your style and creativity. Whether it is short short stories, journaling, poetry, articles, blogging, screenplays, or novels, keep at it and don't let things like being too busy or writer's block keep you from it. Writing takes courage because writers have to deal with rejections. Surround yourself with people who will support and inspire you. Like anything else in this life, writing can be hard work, but if you truly enjoy it then it will be worth the disappointments, the struggle and the lonely hours. When you finally see your work published either on the Internet or on hard copy, I hope you will feel the wonderful sense of achievement that I did, and still do often. Good luck!