The first two most important resources for a writer are a notebook and pen! Everything else needed to learn to write fiction can be found for free.
Visit the Public Library
The latest writing books, short fiction collections, and best sellers can be found for free at the library, as well as literary journals, trade magazines in different genres, and the latest edition of the Writer's Market. Most libraries now have computers for public use and some even offer even free Wi-Fi. This makes it possible to peruse a large number of titles and even experiment with reading different genres before purchasing writing reference books and building a personal resource library.
Start a Writing Group
The support and feedback given in a good writing group can be as effective as an MFA program. Writing groups should find time to meet regularly to share prompts, read and comment on each others' writing, and even invite local authors to give talks. Fellow writers can be found through writer's forums and by posting fliers at the library, community college, or bookstore.
Read Websites and Blogs
Many authors, agents, and publishers write blogs containing insider information on how to write and publish. These can be found by looking at a site like Writer's Digest, which is packed with free resources such as articles, market information, forums, blogs, reviews, podcasts, and online workshops.
Utilize Social Media
Writers can benefit from participating in Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn. These social media networks are free to use and are wonderful tools for connecting with other writers, building a community and audience, seeking and giving writing advice, and giving authors a platform for marketing and promoting their work.
Get to Know an OWL
An online writing lab, or OWL, such as the Purdue Online Writing Lab, provides help with grammar, mechanics, and style, with access to MLA and APA style guides, articles on writing and teaching writing, regular podcasts, and even live tutoring.
The writing process can be isolating and sometimes overwhelming, and it's easy to give in to the temptation to drop a great of deal of money on books and software that promise to make writing fast and easy. However, writing is about establishing regular habits and becoming a life-long learner. Beginning writers can find a great deal of writing help and advice without having to spend money on expensive programs and classes. Also, the most important result of engaging with these types of free and readily available resources is that they facilitate the building of a community of writing peers who can share resources, encouragement, and feedback.
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