Aspiring Writers
Ranked #5,676 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #207,233 overall
Want to Be a Published Author?
So You Wanna Be a Writer, and Get Your Book Published?
First, let's find out what you like to read yourself, because chances are that's what you'll want to write about, too. Do you like to read inspirational books as I do? Do you read a lot of fiction? Are you into sci-fi or maybe horror? Do you like to read funny stuff that makes you laugh? Perhaps you like watching westerns, or suspense and mystery movies, and that would influence what you'd also like to write about. Do you love children's stories or thinking you might like to write for young adults? Do you live in a fantasy world in your imagination? If you love cooking and have been saving lots of family recipes, you may consider putting together a cookbook. Or perhaps as a teen you read romance novels or lots of comic books and now want to try and write your own. Do you enjoy poetry, and always think up rhyming sentences? Maybe you love to sew or do woodworking or another craft that someone has complimented you on and you're good at giving directions to create these items. Are you a world traveler and want to write about your travel adventures? How about your life story in your autobiography? Screenwriting, playwriting, ideas for video gaming, are all possibilities for turning into the books you dream of writing and having published. I've found resources here for you to get started on self publishing.
Start with a pen and paper, and jot down all the things that would interest you in writing about. Think of all those things you enjoy reading about yourself. What draws you to the books you choose yourself? Next, make lists of items to include in the book, such as characters in a fiction book, or instructions in a craft book. Jot them all down, then go back and see if they need to be put in a particular order, such as directions in creating something, or when a character shows up in the story line. See below for some useful books on choosing a plot, and creating interesting characters that hold your readers attention.
Thinking About What to Write Next?
Find a Spot That is Condusive to Great Thinking Time
Do you enjoy quiet time to reflect on spiritual thoughts as I do, or are you a people watcher that wants to get ideas for your story characters in a city full of people? Whatever spot inspires you to get your ideas for writing will work best. Writing about fairy woodlands? Find yourself a wooded path where the birds sing to think on those things. Or perhaps a nice waterfall in the mountains. Writing about gardens? Visit botanical gardens for inspiration. Want to get ideas for people to use in your fiction novel? Sit at a park bench and notice the different people that can spark the creative juices flowing. Short ones, tall ones, slow ones, fast ones, old ones and young ones. What style clothes do they wear or hairstyles? This can help you decide what type of characters to add in your own book. These are just a few ideas I gave you, but you'll think of even more now.
You're on Your Way!
Now that you've got some ideas about what you want to write about, check out my selection of books to help you get it published. And think positive! And never, ever, ever, give up! If writing is your dream, stick with it. Once you're published, be sure to learn how you'll market your work (yes more books on this page can help you with that). Be sure to use everything available to you such as, book signings at book stores, libraries and schools, and newspapers to alert people that your work is out there. Take advantage of the internet to advertise, and why not make a Squidoo lens about your new book(s)!
A Digital Camera to Upload Inspiring Pictures You'll Take
Canon PowerShot D10 12.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-Inch LCD
Amazon Price: $259.00 (as of 05/27/2012)
Technical Details
* 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
* Waterproof to 33 feet, cold resistant from 14-104 degrees (F) and shockproof up to 4 feet
* DIGIC 4 Image Processor; evolved Face Detection Technology plus Face Detection Self-timer
* Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings
* Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)
Product Details
* Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1.9 x 2.6 inches ; 6.7 ounces
* Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
* Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10 in Camera & Photo
Becoming a Published Author
Book Magic: Turning Writers into Published Authors, 2nd Edition
Amazon Price: $10.50 (as of 05/27/2012)
Join the Ranks of Other Great Authors!
Writing for the Young Adult
Writing for Young Adults
Amazon Price: $1.00 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing For Young Adults
Want to Write Children's Books?
Writing Children's Books
Writing For Children
For the Science Fiction Writer
Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy (Writing Series)
Amazon Price: $8.50 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Science Fiction
Fantasy Writing
The Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference
Amazon Price: $6.72 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Fantasy
Mystery Writing
Writing Mysteries: A Handbook by the Mystery Writers of America
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Mysteries
Writing Horror
On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association
Amazon Price: $7.24 (as of 05/27/2012)
Horror Writing
Romance Writing
The Everything Guide to Writing a Romance Novel: From writing the perfect love scene to finding the right publisher--All you need to fulfill your dreams
Amazon Price: $3.65 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Romance Novels
Writing Your Autobiography
Writing Your Autobiography: Write and Publish Your Life Story
Amazon Price: $17.78 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Your Autobiography
Writing Biographies
Writing Biographies and Getting Published (Teach Yourself)
Amazon Price: $19.18 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Biographies
Nonfiction Writing
Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books
Amazon Price: $6.84 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Nonfiction
Writing Comedy?
Comedy Writing Secrets: The Best-Selling Book on How to Think Funny, Write Funny, Act Funny, And Get Paid For It, 2nd Edition
Amazon Price: $10.10 (as of 05/27/2012)
Comedy Writing
Screenwriting
The Everything Screenwriting Book (Everything (Language & Writing))
Amazon Price: $5.73 (as of 05/27/2012)
Screenwriting
Playwriting
The Art and Craft of Playwriting
Amazon Price: $3.70 (as of 05/27/2012)
Playwriting
Writing Westerns
The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the Wild West from 1840-1900
Amazon Price: $14.67 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Westerns
Writing For Comic Books
Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels with Peter David (Writing for Comics & Graphic Novels)
Amazon Price: $3.11 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing for Comics
Writing for Video Games
Writing for Video Games
Amazon Price: $8.32 (as of 05/27/2012)
Video Game Writing
Wanna Write Books?
Writing Poetry
Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Poetry
Amazon Price: $2.96 (as of 05/27/2012)
Poetry Writing
Travel Writing
The Travel Writer's Handbook: How to Write - and Sell - Your Own Travel Experiences
Amazon Price: $22.11 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing About Your Travels
Writing Cookbooks
Recipe For A Cookbook: How To Write, Publish, And Promote Your Cookbook
Amazon Price: $11.63 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Cookbooks
Inspirational Writing
1001 Brilliant Writing Ideas: Teaching Inspirational Story-Writing for All Ages
Amazon Price: $30.19 (as of 05/27/2012)
Inspirational Writing
Writing About Animals
Amazing Animals!: Reading, Writing, & Speaking About Animals (Super-Duper Science Series)
Amazon Price: $3.00 (as of 05/27/2012)
Putting Words to Music
The Oxford American Book of Great Music Writing
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Music
Writing Short Stories
Writing For Magazines and Newspapers
More Great Books For Aspiring Writers
Ideas For Writing
Writers & Artists Yearbook
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2009
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 05/27/2012)
Freelance Writing
Getting Started as a Freelance Writer (Culture Tools)
Amazon Price: $5.05 (as of 05/27/2012)
Careers For Aspiring Writers
Choosing Characters
The Writer's Digest Sourcebook for Building Believable Characters
Amazon Price: $28.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
You Need a Plot
Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) (Write Great Fiction)
Amazon Price: $5.81 (as of 05/27/2012)
Beginners Guide For Writers
The National Writers Association Guide to Writing for Beginners: A How-To Reference for Plot, Dialogue, Nonfiction, Internet Publishing, and More
Amazon Price: $23.12 (as of 05/27/2012)
Punctuation Help for Authors
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
Amazon Price: $4.20 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writers Desk Reference
For Novel & Short Story Writers
2009 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market
Amazon Price: $3.81 (as of 05/27/2012)
Secrets of Bestsellers
Bestseller: Secrets of Successful Writing
Amazon Price: $13.81 (as of 05/27/2012)
Complete Guide to Self Publishing
Complete Guide to Self Publishing: Everything You Need to Know to Write, Publish, Promote, and Sell Your Own Book (Self-Publishing 4th Edition)
Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 05/27/2012)
List Price: $19.99
# Paperback: 521 pages
# Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 4 edition (January 15, 2002)
For Self-Publishers
Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book
Amazon Price: $11.71 (as of 05/27/2012)
List Price: $19.95
Used Price: $7.00
Release Date: 12/31/1969
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Self Publishing
Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book (Volume 2)
Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 05/27/2012)
List Price: $14.95
Self Publishing
Guerrilla Marketing
Guerrilla Marketing for Writers : 100 Weapons to Help You Sell Your Work
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publicize Your Book
Paperback: 320 pages
Publicize Your Book (Updated): An Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book the Attention It Deserves
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
From Publishers Weekly
Everyone in the publishing industry, and many not, have heard the stories-of authors who spend a year or more writing a book only to see it sink into oblivion when the publisher releases it with no fanfare; of authors left out in the cold when their editors are gone before pub date. Then there are the flip stories: of authors, sometimes self-published, who manage their own publicity campaigns or supplement their publishing house's and sell thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of copies. To avoid the former and promote the latter, Deval (Reckless Appetites), publisher of Hearst Books and former director of publicity for William Morrow, Doubleday, Villard and Book-of-the-Month Club, has written this book, easily the most incisive and expert guide to book publicity ever. Deval covers every conceivable aspect of generating and participating in book publicity, from creating press materials to engaging in a publicity tour, from getting on Oprah to marketing on the Internet, from conducting media interviews to hiring a freelance publicist and much more. And she gives advice that's applicable to both veterans and novices, authors with publishing houses backing them and those who are self-published.
Writing a Book Proposal
How to Write a Book Proposal
Amazon Price: $0.30 (as of 05/27/2012)
# Paperback: 288 pages
# Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 3 edition (February 2004)
Book Proposals That Sell
Book Proposals That Sell: 21 SECRETS TO SPEED YOUR SUCCESS
Amazon Price: $7.25 (as of 05/28/2012)
Product Description
This book reveals insider information to help you avoid the pitfalls of rejection in writing a book.
Marketing Your Books
1001 Ways to Market Your Books (1001 Ways to Market Your Books: For Authors and Publishers)
Amazon Price: $17.25 (as of 05/27/2012)
Marketing Your Self Published Books
Getting a Literary Agent
How to Get a Literary Agent
Amazon Price: $6.36 (as of 05/27/2012)
-- How to know that you're ready for an agent
-- 7 ways to find an agent
-- Writing a cover letter that grabs attention
-- What to do with an agent once you've got one
-- What you can expect and what you'd better not hope for
-- Making sure this is the right agent for you
-- Congratulations, now you have an agent AND an editor
-- How to avoid the 7 worst pitfalls for aspiring writers
-- And much, much more.
Promoting Your Book
The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't
Amazon Price: $5.96 (as of 05/27/2012)
Paperback: 288 pages
Get Your Book Noticed
Journals for Writers
Becoming an Author
The Newest Kindle You've Heard About!
Go Digital and Carry Lots More Books!
Go Digital With Your Books!
Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device (9.7" Display, U.S. Wireless)
Amazon Price: $220.00 (as of 05/27/2012)
Kindle DX: Amazon's New Addition To The Kindle Family
Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines
Carry Your Library: Holds up to 3,500 books, periodicals, and documents
Beautiful Large Display: 9.7" diagonal e-ink screen reads like real paper; boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and sharp images
Auto-Rotating Screen: Display auto-rotates from portrait to landscape as you turn the device so you can view full-width maps, graphs, tables, and Web pages
Built-In PDF Reader: Native PDF support allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go
Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle DX, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, no annual contracts, and no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots
Books In Under 60 Seconds: You get free wireless delivery of books in less than 60 seconds; no PC required
Long Battery Life: Read for days without recharging
Read-to-Me: With the text-to-speech feature, Kindle DX can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book's rights holder made the feature unavailable
Big Selection, Low Prices: Over 300,000 books; New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases are only $9.99, unless marked otherwise
More Than Books: U.S. and international newspapers including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, magazines including The New Yorker and Time, plus popular blogs, all auto-delivered wirelessly
"Future Author" Tote
Canvas Tote Bag Black " Future Author " Occupations
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Tote For All Those Books and Journals
Polo Ralph Lauren Canvas Tote (Red W/ Navy Blue)
Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)
More Tote Bags For Your Books
More Book Bags
Summer Totes for Beach Reading
Pen For Writing
Paper Mate(R) PhD(TM) Multi(TM) Multipurpose Writing Instrument, Pen/Pencil/PDA Stylus, Medium 1.0 mm Point Pen, Fine 0.5 mm Point Pencil, Blue
Amazon Price: $6.50 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writing Paper For Taking Notes
TOPS 75111 American Pride Writing Pads, White, 8-1/2 x 11-3/4, 50 Sheets/pad, 12 Pads/pack
Amazon Price: $13.01 (as of 05/27/2012)
Laptop For Your Writing
Toshiba Satellite A355-S6931 16.0-Inch Laptop
Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)
PC For Your Writing
Writers Desk
L Shaped Computer Desk With Storage
Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)
Comfortable Chair For Writing In
"Willard" Leather Executive Office Chair/ High Back w/ Gas Lift & Tilt and Ergonomic Lumbar Support
Amazon Price: $79.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Writers Lamp
Normande Lighting BL1-103 60-Watt Banker's Lamp with Mica Shade
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Gifts For Your Favorite Writers
Charm Pendant For Book Lovers
Book Auctions for Writers
Helpful Links
- Aspiring Authors | Facebook
- Sign up for Facebook to join Aspiring Authors. ... for more information as we really are dedicated to showcasing new authors and getting new works in print. ...
- Aspiring authors: Finish the book, get an agent, keep your day job
- For aspiring writers seeking to become the next Clancy, Grisham or King, one local author has some advice. "If you do decide to write the great American ...
- Seth Godin's advice for aspiring authors
- @Ramit you may enjoy this bit on aspiring authors: http://tinyurl.com/3vbl3w. Books Are The Souvenir Edition For Your Idea | bitbucket.kylewelsh.com ...
- Aspiring Authors - Digital Book Publishing
- ColorCentric will print one paperback copy of each novel entered in the Xerox Aspiring Authors Contest. (Photo by Burr Lewis) ...
- Aspiring Authors Writing Contest
- The winners for the 2008 Aspiring Authors Writing Contest: ... Fiction Mix Tape, the Aspiring-Authors 2007 anthology is now available! ...
- Bookrix.com Launches Program to let Aspiring Authors get Published ...
- I previously informed you about Bookrix.com, flickr for writers and I wanted to keep you updated on some exciting news.
Any Comments?
-
-
Sami4u
Dec 2, 2010 @ 11:22 pm | delete
- Hi,
A sprinkling of Angel Dust for Christmas :)
-
-
-
aesta1
Sep 14, 2010 @ 4:36 am | delete
- Came back to give this one a thumbs up. I
-
-
-
aesta1
Sep 14, 2010 @ 4:36 am | delete
- Came back to give this one a thumbs up. I
-
-
-
aesta1
Mar 26, 2010 @ 10:47 pm | delete
- I really like the way you integrated the ads. They seem to be so much a part of the lens. I read through it and enjoyed it. It is so coherent. Learned from this.
-
-
-
perciavalle
Mar 21, 2010 @ 4:48 pm | delete
- I love the digital books!
-
-
-
Nielsen
Nov 12, 2009 @ 5:50 am | delete
- Check out www.bookrix.com, a community for writers and readers. It's free! You can read books online, create and present your own books and build a network. Exchanging experiences with other writers is priceless! It's also great to get feedback on my work from readers. You'll also find forums, groups and regular writing contests there.
-
-
-
Tiddledeewinks Aug 28, 2009 @ 3:19 pm | delete
- Thanks for the positive comments everyone! Write on! (Pun intended).
-
-
-
mukunda22
Jul 4, 2009 @ 8:20 am | delete
- Great place to come and buy stuff for the writer's office!!
Lot's of fun and beautiful pictures!
-
-
-
GumboWriters123
May 31, 2009 @ 10:14 pm | delete
- Very useful lens
-
-
-
lollyj
May 31, 2009 @ 7:22 am | delete
- Wow, wow, and WOW!! I think this surely is the most comprehensive information I've seen in one spot. 5 - fave - lensroll to my book and writing related lenses. Good job!!!
-
-
-
0ctavias0fferings
Apr 30, 2009 @ 12:02 pm | delete
- Very useful lens 5* and a sprinkling of Angel Dust
-
More Literary Lenses
Great Authors of Lenses to Check Out
Index of Contents
- So You Wanna Be a Writer, and Get Your Book Published?
- Thinking About What to Write Next?
- Tips For Aspring Writers
- Find a Spot That is Condusive to Great Thinking Time
- You're on Your Way!
- A Digital Camera to Upload Inspiring Pictures You'll Take
- Becoming a Published Author
- Join the Ranks of Other Great Authors!
- Writing for the Young Adult
- Writing For Young Adults
- Want to Write Children's Books?
- Writing Children's Books
- Writing For Children
- For the Science Fiction Writer
- Writing Science Fiction
- Fantasy Writing
- Writing Fantasy
- Mystery Writing
- Writing Mysteries
- Writing Horror
- Horror Writing
- Romance Writing
- Writing Romance Novels
- Writing Your Autobiography
- Writing Your Autobiography
- Writing Biographies
- Writing Biographies
- Nonfiction Writing
- Writing Nonfiction
- Writing Comedy?
- Comedy Writing
- Screenwriting
- Screenwriting
- Playwriting
- Playwriting
- Writing Westerns
- Writing Westerns
- Writing For Comic Books
- Writing for Comics
- Writing for Video Games
- Video Game Writing
- Wanna Write Books?
- Writing Poetry
- Poetry Writing
- Travel Writing
- Writing About Your Travels
- Writing Cookbooks
- Writing Cookbooks
- Inspirational Writing
- Inspirational Writing
- Writing About Animals
- Putting Words to Music
- Writing Music
- Writing Short Stories
- Writing For Magazines and Newspapers
- More Great Books For Aspiring Writers
- Ideas For Writing
- Writers & Artists Yearbook
- Freelance Writing
- Careers For Aspiring Writers
- Choosing Characters
- You Need a Plot
- Beginners Guide For Writers
- Punctuation Help for Authors
- Writers Desk Reference
- For Novel & Short Story Writers
- Secrets of Bestsellers
- Complete Guide to Self Publishing
- For Self-Publishers
- Self Publishing
- Self Publishing
- Guerrilla Marketing
- Publicize Your Book
- Writing a Book Proposal
- Book Proposals That Sell
- Marketing Your Books
- Marketing Your Self Published Books
- Getting a Literary Agent
- Promoting Your Book
- Get Your Book Noticed
- Journals for Writers
- Becoming an Author
- The Newest Kindle You've Heard About!
- Go Digital and Carry Lots More Books!
- Go Digital With Your Books!
- "Future Author" Tote
- Tote For All Those Books and Journals
- More Tote Bags For Your Books
- More Book Bags
- Summer Totes for Beach Reading
- Pen For Writing
- Writing Paper For Taking Notes
- Laptop For Your Writing
- PC For Your Writing
- Writers Desk
- Comfortable Chair For Writing In
- Writers Lamp
- Gifts For Your Favorite Writers
- Charm Pendant For Book Lovers
- Love Books?
- Book Auctions for Writers
- Helpful Links
- Any Comments?
- More Literary Lenses
- Great Authors of Lenses to Check Out
- Charitable Donations
Charitable Donations
The mission of First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) is to eliminate the killing of dogs and cats in our community through free and low-cost spay and neuter programs.
by Tiddledeewinks
Hello world. This is my bio. I'm Jeannie . I sing classic country and some old rock on karaoke. I love fabric and sewing, collecting old... more »
- 170 featured lenses
- Winner of 7 trophies!
- Top lens » Favorite Old Time Song Lyrics
Explore related pages
- Anne of Green Gables Anne of Green Gables
- Kevin Hawkes-Maine Children's Book Illustrator Kevin Hawkes-Maine Children's Book Illustrator
- Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mystery Books Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mystery Books
- Days of the Flapper~The Roaring 20's Days of the Flapper~The Roaring 20's
- Walking Sticks and Canes Walking Sticks and Canes
- The Queen's Many Hats The Queen's Many Hats
