When I started writing, I wished there was a list of sites that I could go to when I needed to look some information about writing.  Being a new writer, I felt I needed to learn a lot:  styles, terminology, guidelines, common procedures, and many other things that writers should know.  It was overwhelming, and discouraging at times.  So I set out to hand pick the best websites that I could learn from and could keep me current on writing matters.  It took some hard work and long hours.  There was no method to my madness, just sit down every day, coffee at hand, and navigate the net for hours, searching for the sites that in my opinion would fill my immediate writing needs.  I emerged from the daunting task feeling more at ease and comfortable with what I had learned.  It would be the beginning, the starting point to what I intend to be my long life career, which happens to be my passion.  It was the push I needed to get serious.  It took some research, time and effort to compile this list which I would like to share with any aspiring writers out there.  The following sites are full of information and can help you hone your writing skills.

1.    www.writersmarket.com

2.    www.yudkin.com

3.    http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com

4.    http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/income.htm

5.    http://www.asja.org/

6.    http://www.authorsguild.org/

7.    http://www.iwwg.com/

8.    https://nwu.org/

9.    http://www.newslink.org/

10. http://freelancewrite.about.com/od/breakingintofreelancing/u/GettingStarted.htm

11. http://www.nanowrimo.org/

12. http://www.evanovich.com/qa/steps

13. http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/

14. http://www.publishersweekly.com/

15. http://www.shelf-awareness.com/

16. http://www.absolutewrite.com/

17. http://www.writing-world.com/

18. http://fmwriters.com/

19. http://www.megchittenden.com/writingtips/

20. http://www.thesuccessfulwriter.com/

21. http://www.learnthenet.com/english/index.html

22. http://www.searchengines.com/

23. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

24. http://www.bartleby.com/141/

25. http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com

26. http://www.writersweekly.com/

27. http://textalyser.net/

28. http://www.podpublishing.org/

29. https://www.createspace.com

30. http://www.lulu.com

These websites have been very useful and informative; however, don’t forget to check best-selling author’s websites.  I find they are full of tips that can help you with your writing – plus they are a source of inspiration.  One of my favorites is Janet Evanovich’s site which has tons of information on writing.  Another site that I would recommend is James Patterson’s; to me, it is full of inspiration and gives you an idea of what this genius has created.  Also has many interviews that you can learn from.  One site, that I find very entertaining, and interactive is J.K. Rowling Official Site; simply, it is out of this world.  I also enjoy the website of Kaleb Nation, a very young author.  Through best-selling authors websites you can gain an understanding of the life of an author, and a small glimpse of what the business of writing entails.  I encourage you to find the websites that fuel your writing passion.  But for now, I hope this list will help the aspiring writer, and cut out some painful research time that can be used for improving your writing skills. 

So, my best to you and Happy Writing!