Getting Started Writing

[khalleron]

Fanfiction - using someone else's characters or world in your own story.

I've written a fair amount, I admit. It's like training wheels-it can be a good way to practice writing with a ready-made audience.

[BookCat]

I haven't read all of this thread, just the beginning. Some useful freebies for writers are:
The Ultimate Guide for Writers
http://juicedonwriting.com/downloads/

The books in the upper right of this page:
http://www.literaryzone.com/

And Holly Lisle's Mugging the Muse:
http://hollylisle.com/downloads.html

I've read them part or all of them (dipping into some, like H.L's book); they're free and useful.

If you want motivation, try this little piece of software. You can use the online version free, or it's cheap to buy: Write or Die
http://writeordie.drwicked.com/
There are a couple of youtube vids by Dr Wicked explaining how to use this simple and effective tool.