Hi Michelle,

You don't need a degree to write a novel. You might want to do your own
"studying" from books you get at the library or bookstore, however. I
think if you get a few books like the ones I list below, you'd be off to
a great start!

The thing you need most as a writer, is the patience to keep working on
your style and technique. Write as much as you can every day. I like to
write 3 pages as soon as I get up. That way I can clear the clutter from
my brain and eventually some quality writing comes out of it.

I've also listed a few Web sites you can check out to get started. Good
luck and let us know how it goes!

-bonnie

WRITING BOOKS:

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0877733759/

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0874776945/

The Vein of Gold : A Journey to Your Creative Heart by Julia Cameron
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0874778794/

2002 Writer's Market
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1582970440/

Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0028638352/



WRITER WEB SITES:

Girl At Play
http://www.girlatplay.com/
Have you ever been at a job that was sorta dull when all you really
wanted to do was follow your dream to be a writer or an artist? Sure,
leaving the security and stability of a 9 to 5 job is difficult and
scary, but the end result could mean that you are doing what you really
want to with your life instead of wishing for it. Meet Alex. She did
just that and documented her transformation from a corporate assistant
to an accomplished writer. In her section "The Days," you can read day
to day experiences of what Alex went through when she quit her job and
decided to pursue a career in writing. She has self-doubts, successes
and tons of inspirational things to say.

A Writer's Life
http://www.awriterslife.net/

Writer's Digest
http://www.writersdigest.com/






cameraqueen86 wrote:

> Hi...
> I was wondering something, and although this question is directed
> mainly at Bonnie, everyone else is more than welcome to hop in as
> well. I am an aspiring writer, and I was wondering how important
> formal writing education is to getting published anywhere. I guess my
> ultimate goal is to write a novel, but right now I'd be satisfied to
> just get an article published in the newspaper! LOL Any input?
> Advice?
> Thanks,
> Michelle


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