| Tips for your writing journey So, | | | | the library may require a fee for |
| you'd like to be a writer? Congrats! | | | | membership. The book you're looking for |
| Writing not only is a great way to | | | | may not always be at your local library; |
| express you, but can provide an income. | | | | however libraries borrow from other |
| Keep in mind not all writers make a | | | | libraries in and out of state. The |
| fortune, some still can't quit their day | | | | method of receiving outside books is |
| job. Below are some tips to start your | | | | called Inter-Library Loan. Later on, if |
| writing journey. 1. Start Writing | | | | you find the book to be a great |
| Okay, so this tip is obvious. For some, | | | | resource, you may be able to purchase a |
| it's a question of what to write about, | | | | used copy online. 4. Researching The |
| for others how to write. Write how and | | | | Internet is also another good resource |
| what you want. What kind of books do you | | | | for information. Keep in mind that not |
| like to read? Fiction, Mystery, science | | | | every resource you find online is going |
| fiction, how to books? How about | | | | to be an honest good resource. It will |
| articles, reports, maybe you're | | | | take time to sort out which websites are |
| interested in journalism. Whatever the | | | | useful. Most information is free, so you |
| case may be, to get your creative juices | | | | can sit back and research in the comfort |
| flowing, start writing! Don't worry | | | | of your home. If you don't have a |
| about how it sounds, grammar or other | | | | computer with Internet access, check |
| mistakes, you can go back to fix these. | | | | your local library and see if you can |
| 2. Join online and offline groups | | | | use one of theirs. 5. Workshops |
| message boards and chats If you already | | | | Workshops taught by experts is a great |
| know what you want to write about, | | | | way to learn from the professionals, but |
| consider joining writer groups at your | | | | only if you can afford it! Make sure the |
| local library, or online groups, along | | | | topic of the workshop is based around |
| with message boards and chats. It's a | | | | your interest. For instance, if you love |
| great way to network with other writers | | | | fiction...it wouldn't be a good idea to |
| and published authors. It's also a good | | | | go to a workshop based only on |
| place to share your work and receive | | | | non-fiction. It's a good idea to |
| feedback. Many places online are free to | | | | register early to ensure a spot at the |
| join, some require a membership which | | | | event. Bring a new legal pad, plus a few |
| usually consist of a user name, e-mail | | | | writing tools to take notes. 6. |
| address and password for your user name. | | | | Contests After writing a while, you may |
| Some request more information such as a | | | | want to enter contests. Some require an |
| name, address and sometimes phone | | | | entry fee. I suggest staying away from |
| number. 3. The Library You've | | | | the entry fee contests until you've |
| probably heard about some books that | | | | entered some other free ones. That way |
| writers refer to; this could be writer | | | | you can get a feel for how contests |
| markets, e-book publishing, self | | | | work. Spend some time writing and |
| publishing and generally how to improve | | | | re-writing your entries. If you've |
| your writing. But what do you do when | | | | written your entry in 5 or so minutes, |
| you can't afford to buy these books from | | | | the judges will notice it immediately. |
| your local bookstore or online? A trip | | | | You wouldn't want a reputation for |
| to your library is the key. Many | | | | sloppy work. There you are 6 tips to |
| libraries carry writer resource books, | | | | get you started on your journey to |
| which if you have a library card, are | | | | writing. |
| free. If you're living out of the area, | | | | |