Are you a beginning writer and have plans to start on your first book or want to start writing for magazines? Look no further, my blogged is packed with advice on what you need to do to start your writing plans for the new year!

If you want to become a writer, the first thing I would suggest is to find time and a place to write. I address more in detail of how you can do that here.

The second advice if you want to be a writer is to buy yourself this year's copy of Writers' & Artists' Yearbook. It's packed with contact details of every publisher, agent and magazine that you need to send your work to.

My third advice if you want to be a writer is to read the writer's guidelines that most magazines and publishers have. No one is going to look at your work without it being fully finished, you therefore need to finish and correct it yourself before you send it in. Even agents can have these requirements.

Short stories, articles and book manuscripts often have to use double spacing, large margins and be printed on only one page. Make sure you follow these requirements to the letter. If you want to receive a reply, send a stamped envelope with your address along with your manuscript.

Often magazines, agents and even publishers wants to know if you have more things that you've been writing on. Therefore, don't contact them after the first mauscript you've written. Contact them after you've atleast got three or more in your backpack.

Best of luck on your new career and keep following your dreams!