I want to be a writer?

I don't know about books (I'll go do some research on them now) but I do know a few tips of my own, if you'd like to hear them :)

1) Read lots. Books do three important things:

They show you what published books are like and thus demonstrate the quality you need to aim for in your writing.

They extend your knowledge of the world. I have learnt so much from reading, knowledge which I wouldn't have gained otherwise.

They get your mind flexing and creative juices flowing, both of which you need to be a writer.

2) Practice, practice, practice. Everyone says it, but it's unbelievable how experience, gained through practice, can help you. The more you write the easier it becomes. You find out your writing style, what works for you, where your strengths are and where your weaknesses lie. As cathrl69 said, you can read as many books on writing as you want, but in the end you're going to have to write the thing, so practice is crucial.

Your first story won't be perfect, and neither will the one after that (unless you're some kind of miracle worker) but don't be disheartened. Published authors had to redraft and rewrite tenfold before they were ready to send off their work, and they're usually experienced, so you have to be in for the long haul if you seriously want to improve.

3) Learn about know to use punctuation properly and about correct grammar. The sooner you learn, the easier it is to write. It appears very daunting when you first start to learn about grammar, especially with all the long, complicated-sounding words, but, as I said previously, the sooner you begin, the sooner you'll start to understand it. You'd think you would learn about this stuff at school, but actually you rarely cover the actual mechanics and technicalities of the English language. I had to teach myself by using helpful websites on the internet, but there are also books on the matter, as well as teachers (who are essentially walking books), if any are willing to help you.

4) Write a little (or a lot) every day. Writing's like any other muscle in that if you don't exercise it, it'll get flabby. Write a little bit every day, even if it's in a diary (though try to write properly rather than in abbreviated terms, as this will improve your writing skills) or a few paragraphs of the story you're writing.

Well, that's all the advice I can think of for the moment. I'd highly recommend Holly Lisle's Create-A-Plot-Clinic, which is a step-by-step course in developing the plot of your story. You'll have to order it, but it's well worth the money. (You can get it here: http://shop.hollylisle.com/index.php?crn=211&rn=37... There are other clinics she does too for developing characters, cultures, etc. which are well worth buying.

I hope this helps! :)

You won't learn to write from a "how to" manual unless you plan to become a technical writer. If you truly have a passion to become a writer, then you already have the instincts necessary to see story ideas including plots and settings. My best advice is to start reading books from all genres of fiction and non-fiction. Pay attention to the use of imagery, character development, language, or anything else that catches your interest and draws you into the story. Make notes on those things for use later. Some of the best examples for structure, grammar, and the above mentioned techniques are found in the classics of the 19th and early 20th century. Read those as well. While doing your "research", write your own stories whenever the mood strikes you or an idea comes to you. Eventually, you will have the comfort level to pursue you own story ideas. The important thing is not to quit. Keep working at it just as you would anything else.

I don't support asking other people for ideas just because it's lazy (although that is part of it). I think the process of creating your own ideas - finding them, analyzing other books or the world or whatever - teaches you and makes you a better writer so much more than taking other people's plots will. Writing a story isn't all, it's also having a deeper understanding of it next time you do it. And I don't really feel that getting plots from other people with teach you that.

You start by writing. Lots and lots.

When it comes down to it, you can read as many "how to" books about writing as you want. They will improve your writing about as much as reading "how to" physical training books will improve your fitness.

It's okay to be a beginner writer. It's okay for the first thing you write not to be publishable standard. And the second. And the third. You get better with practice, just like every other skill. If you don't practice, you don't get better.

lso, in addition to books, if you want to be a writer, you have to get started. Start writing now. anything you can think of. It is good practice.

On Writing by Stephen King

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Writing-Dummies-M...

That book has really helped me write my novel (part of it, only written 3 chapters lol)