In my experience, writing the manuscript is the quickest part of the process, not to mention the most fun. Someone that writes, edits and markets their work will spend a very small percent of their time doing actual writing, but this person is called a writer. This is the root of the tree.
(This page is still a work in progress. If you know of, or have written, any particlarly enlightening articles on writing, please give me a heads-up.)
Stephen King gives my favorite advice, "Read a lot, write a lot." Maybe you'll listen to him.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (book)
by Stephen King
Whether or not you are a fan of, or have even read, King's fiction, I think this book is invaluable to anyone serious about fiction writing. I've read it more than once, and plan to read it again. Also, it's hilarious.
Walking on Alligators: A Book of Meditations for Writers (book)
by Susan Shaughnessy
I was introduced to this book in high school, and soon had to own it. Each page has some insight into the craft, and it showed me how much my process of writing resembled that of other writers.
NaNoWriMo: The Value of National Novel Writing Month (essay)
by Kevin Bridges
National Novel Writing Month is a great tool for any aspiring novelist, because it provides him/her with the tools to overcome procrastination, writer's block, and the uncertainty that accompanies any long writing project.
