You can be a writer right now. Just think of yourself as a writer. If you write anything more complex than a grocery list, you're a writer. It takes a lot of practice, for example, to write clear, concise letters and memos. This type of writing is not considered "creative," however. By writer, I think the questioner intends to write things others will want to read and even pay to read. The best source of advice is successful authors. You're in luck because there is plenty of material out there. Here is a sample. Stephen King, David Morrell, Ernest Hemingway, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., and William Goldman have produced fine material on writing. Anyone interested in writing has to read Stephen King’s On Writing. http://www.authorsontheweb.com/features/0101on_writing/013101on_writing.asp David Morrell is a frequent lecturer on writing. I was lucky to attend one of them. He has also written an excellent book on the subject. http://www.davidmorrell.net/ A must is Hemingway's A Moveable Feast. The hilarious tale is packed with insights about writing. http://www.mcgoodwin.net/pages/otherbooks/eh_moveablefeast.html Vonnegut's Wampeters, Foma & Granfaloons gives some good advice to writers. Vonnegut is a national treasure and should be read by anyone who wants to appreciate American literature as its best. http://www.vonnegutweb.com/collections/wfg.html Finally, William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade is one of the finest books I know of about writing. These should keep you busy for a while. http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=68

Write, listen, observe, feel, breath, eat, think, love and live. I don't recommend drinking and jail time; but if that's what it takes to get in touch with your inner writer...

The only way to become a writer is to start writing. However, a good writer is a storyteller. Every story teller has a large cache of stories to draw from, and most love inventing stories or adapting the details from an old one to make it better. Don't be afraid of your imagination. You can take all the English classes in the world, and they may only teach you the mechanics of the language. Don't get me wrong, that's important to know. In my experience though, only reading good books and studying how very different authors write what, is what will let you begin to get your own grip on the soul of language. One word at a time, one sentence at a time, one incoherent idea jotted down haphazardly. It doesn't matter WHERE you start, just that you START and that you CONTINUE. My first efforts would make you laugh yourself sick, or at least go "Uhmmmmmmmm, okay." Here are a few other tips: Love your characters, or at least feel strongly about them. Write what you know. You know your own imagination quite well, don't you? Don't be afraid to Edit, Edit, Edit! Don't be afraid of improper English, its okay to use it, as long as its in your 'voice'. But its a good idea to learn proper English so you know exactly how to 'butcher' it to your taste.<Grin>

practise and practise and practise and practise and even more practising... will help.

If you write, you're a writer. But with so many freelance writers out there, it's essential that you become a business person also. Here's some tips on freelance writing strategy: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/836085/how_to_be_a_more_organized_freelance.html?cat=24 Hope this helps!

start from writing your diary entry then start from writing couplets of rhyming words poetry. before writing anything feel it in yourself and my friend you would be a good writer soon. best of luck.

You just write. There's a really great book by Natalie Goldberg entitled Writing Down the Bones. I loved it, and it might give you some ideas.

Write. Then write some more. Then more. Indigo Echoes mentioned Natalie Goldberg's book "Writing Down the Bones". Can't say enough good things about that book! Also available in audio form if you prefer a "voice" to the written word for these types of books. I liked the audio because it was in the author's own voice. Wonderful!! :) Will also send a vote of praise through for Natalie Goldberg's "Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life". There's a new one out now I've not read yet, but want to: "Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir". But as said, these are books to read a few paragraphs of ... then go WRITE. Then a few more .. then write. I used them as little carrots vs a substitute for writing. lol Lots of things to explore - genres, styles, topics, techniques - but at the start - write. One thing you might also try? Create some habits for yourself .. like a regular time to write each day. Soon, you'll fee strange if you DON'T go write. :) Best of luck to you! :)

Not only do you have to start writing, you have to be a reader also. Both disciplines go hand in hand. Good luck!

Start writing.