If you want to be a writer...

If you want to get started on a writing career, first of all, start writing!

I can't tell you how many people I have met who say they want to be a writer, but if you ask them what they have written, they reply "Well, nothing, yet, it's still all in my head."

Weeks, months or maybe even years later, they are still saying the same thing.

Then there are those who write, or have written something, but never have the nerve to show it to anyone.

I ask you, what is the point in that?

If you want to be a writer, you must have readers. And you have to start somewhere. Find someone, or better yet, many people, to read what you write and give you feedback. It helps to have a broad spectrum of people who can give you various perspectives.

A great way to both get feedback as well as learn by giving others feedback is to join a critiquing group. If you can't find one, start one.

Once you've started writing - and getting some feedback - get out there and meet people! Go to bookstores, look for writer's groups, attend conferences. Network, network, network. Tell everyone you meet you are a writer and continue to learn more about writing and publishing. The more contacts you make, the more opportunities you have. Be outgoing and friendly, but not obnoxious.

And do what you can to help others as well - what goes around comes around, and there's no one more anxious to help you than someone you've helped.