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One of the most frequent questions heard by seasoned writers around the world from aspiring authors is "How do I get started writing my book?"

My answer to that question is usually quite blunt, "Writing a book is neither easy nor cheap". Some will ask why should it cost me anything to write a book for the first time? Putting the "not easy" aspect of that statement aside for the moment, I will expound on the "cheap" portion a bit.

If you've never gone skydiving would you run right out and jump straight out of a plane? No. You would, I hope, go out and get some lessons from certified instructors and make sure you had all the proper tools and equipment you needed wouldn't you?

Writing is the same way. When you are sitting down thinking about writing that first book, or article or whatever else, do some research first before you jump ahead. Go online and find as many articles, like this one, about beginning writing. Join blogs or forums that deal with writing and talk to people who have done it before. This plays a bit into the "not easy" thing I mentioned before but also the "cheap" part since it will cost you time.

I would especially recommend getting as many books about writing and getting published as my budget would allow. Don't cheap this out. You are investing in yourself and that investment will pay dividends down the road.

If you're not willing to invest in yourself, forget about writing and find something else to do.

One of the most important things to remember about writing is that it is truly a learned skill. Nobody is born a writer. You have to practice but before practicing, I recommend getting some guidance on what exactly you should be practicing.

Go to school, so to speak.
Many universities and community colleges have basic writing classes or workshops such as creative writing, grammar and style, writing improvement, getting published and many more of that sort. These are almost certainly taught by professionals in the business and you have so much to gain from taking one. Just getting to speak with one of these seasoned writers to glean some advice is worth the price of admission let alone getting them to review your material.

If you need some help looking for these workshops or classes try www.writers.com and www.writersonlineworkshops.com . Don't forget to look at your local colleges and universities, neighborhood recreational facilities, and your local newspaper for information on classes.

Again, this will cost you something but I can't stress enough

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