If you yourself are interested in writing, that's what this post is for. I will be doing a fair few like this. Some will relate to writing in the fantasy genre, but most will apply to all types of genre, from non-fiction, to memoirs, to crime, to horror, as well as fantasy.
If you're already writing pieces, know what genre you're interested in, and have a bit of an idea of your audience, that's great. You have some really important points covered already. If you're not sure of what genre you want, pick a couple you like, and go from there. Don't worry if you can't decide. Many authors have more than one. As for an audience, share some of your pieces with family or friends, or post them online and see who reads them. That's your audience. Posting online is also really helpful for the next step.
Maybe you already have know some writers. As I mentioned in Not Everyone's Special. But You Are Awesome you'll be surprised who your parents might know, so it's a good idea to ask them what some of their friends do. They can point you in the direction of useful sites, books, and possibly some local conferences or writing groups. They can give you tips on agents and publishers, and, if you're genres match up, can even review some of your work for you. They might also be able to help with exposure if you're lucky. Thanks to the internet however, it is very easy to create exposure yourself.
The first way to create exposure for yourself and your writing career is through social networking. You probably already have an account on one social networking site or another e.g.Facebook and Twitter. All you have to do is gear them towards writing. Follow authors you like, especially those in your own genre, and every time you read something interesting on writing or similar, considering posting it on your timeline, or tweeting it. If your on a site like Facebook, look for writing groups to join. You're better off searching for a specific genre like fantasy writing. Remember to check back and be active on them. You can also start a blog like this one to tell others of your writing journey and what your up to. Often people (meaning agents and publishers) 'discover new talent' through something posted online, so pick a few of your pieces and post on relevant sites. If it's a fan fiction, choose a message board. If it's a short story Writers Cafe. Whatever it is, there will be somewhere it will fit in. Afterwards, you can place a link to it on your social media sites so more people can see and share it.
There are a number of sites that I have found useful, which not only give writing tips, but also deal with setting up exposure for your writing, and finding agents and publishers. Writers Digest is an excellent one in all aspects of writing. It gives you all the tips you need to make your writing better, with posts made by authors and publishers alike, both on all types of writing, and on specific genres. It can also direct you to some excellent hard copy resources you can purchase on amazon (or write down the title and author and look for it in your local library). It also deals with finding agents and publishers, and just about everything else you need to know to be a successful part-time or full-time writer. If you live in the US, it will be extra helpful because it will give you
a list of the big upcoming writers conferences around the country. If you ever have a chance to go to a writers conference, I really encourage you to go. Talk to as many people as you can. It's a great way to build up contact, and you might just find out the person you've been talking to about your work for the last ten minutes, is a publisher or agent who wants to represent you!
Another great site to join is Critique Circle. This is a site that allows you to post part, or all of your original work, for other writers to comment on, so you can get it ready for a publisher. It also has many articles on writing written by the members, prompts to get the creative juices flowing, and daily wring tips, and inspirational (or funny) quotes by real authors. Critiques from other authors , and even learning to critique others work, can be an invaluable resource to any writer.
If you are thinking of starting a blog, either for exposure, or it's just the best place for the sort of writing you want to do, I suggest visiting The Write Life. It contains stories about how writers and bloggers became successful. Tips and tricks for getting your blog noticed, and even blogs and articles that they will pay you to write! Even if you're not looking to start your own blog, this site is definitely worth a visit.
Finally, if you need an extra push to write that novel, try NaNoWriMo. It stands for National Novel Writing Month, which is in November. Throughout the year, you can log on and see what anyone else planning to join in is up to and saying about writing. During the writing process you'll have access to loads of resource and encouragement. The end product is meant to be novel written in November.
One person who I've found really helpful is Bob Baker. He writes a multitude of books to help make your writing better. His website also gives links to blog posts, you tube videos, free podcasts, and upcoming webinars (the last of which you'd only attend live if you're in the US or up at 2am). I urge you to follow him on social media. Search Bob Baker, Buzz Factor, and Mr Buzz Factor.Last, but not least, Keep Writing! No matter what you're doing in your life, just jeep writing. Even if you've hit a dry spell and you can't come up with anything more interesting than describing what paint drying looks like, write something. Something is always better than nothing. Every time you write, no matter what it is, you are improving your writing skills. If writing by hand you can improve your hand writing, and if typing you can learn to touch type. If you truly have a day where you just can't write, read. They say you have to read fifty great books to write one good book, so read as much as you can. And above all, enjoy it!
I wish all of you the best in life, and good luck with your writing!
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