Ever get the feeling you're being used? Every once in a while, I'll meet someone (on-line or in real life), and we'll chit-chat for a brief moment, then I'll realize what they really want from me. Not friendship so much, but, "So, um, I'd really like to write a book. Can you help me?"

You can't imagine how many people out there want to write a book or be a "real" writer. Maybe you're one of them? If a passion for writing is burning a hole in the bottom of your proverbial pocket, you've come to the right place. No, not so I can share all my morsels of wisdom with you, but so I can't point you to people who can.

Isn't it crazy how we writer-people (and if you like to write, you're a writer-people) feel compelled to crystallize our thoughts, to put our life experiences into words, to share our aha! moments with who(m)ever will listen? It's kinda hard to explain to someone who doesn't have the writing itch/bug/craving. It's a tugging, almost a yanking. A burning, a longing, an urge. A force you can't ignore or stuff down, no matter how hard you try. 

So, what in the world do you do with that??

Hey there. I'm Marla. And I'd love to help you.

First of all, here's my personal story of getting published. In that post, I mention a gal named Rachelle Gardner who's a literary agent. Her blog contains the single most helpful writing advice I've ever gotten. She should be selling this stuff, but she's handing it out for free. Bookmark her blog, read it every day, and comment whenever you can.

I also mentioned Mary DeMuth's blog, So You Wanna Be Published? More good stuff.

Other sites I've found helpful include The Books & Such Blog ,Thomas Nelson CEO Michael Hyatt's blog ,agent Chip MacGregor's blog , Novel Journey. And here's the really cool thing. To save me from typing in a million blog links, each of these folks has a list of important writing blogs on his/her sidebar. Just start clicking and bookmarking and browsing and subscribing and...overwhelmed yet?

And here's something you might not have thought of. Are you Twittering? Click here to find out more info on this hot social networking tool. Follow me--I'm marlataviano. And here's a list of 25 agents/publishers/writing people you should follow if you want to write a book someday. You can also browse my list of people I'm following . Lots of great writer-people there.

Obviously, all this acquiring of knowledge and networking with people in the know isn't going to write a book for you. You're still going to have to sit down and do that on your own. And for more wisdom and advice on that, you'll have to check back soon.

I never, ever discourage someone from pursuing writing. I really believe it's something anyone can do with enough blood, sweat and tears. Some people have more natural talent than others,sure, but there's so much to be said for good old-fashioned hard work.

Bottom line? If there's a voice inside your head telling you to write, either ask it to kindly shut up, or get writing!