I am always on the lookout, searching for the right utility, script, information, etc. -- anything that I can use to make my life easier and/or more interesting.

Writing Tools:

If I had to choose one site that has helped me the most, I would have to say it's this one. The guy who runs it, Andrew Burt, is, to me, a God. The site is pretty much automated. You post your story (f,sf,h) that you want reviewed and within 3 - 4 weeks, your story, along with about 20 others, is available to be picked apart. What's great is that everyone has to participate -- at least read and review one story a month -- and you get advice from novices, intermediates, and experts re: your style, grammar, plot, etc. I highly recommend this site.

Holly Lisle:

Another site which I highly recommend is this one by Holly Lisle. She has done something so selfless -- it really amazes me. She basically put together a little "How To" book for fantasy/sci-fi writers. What I really like about it is the personal stuff that's in there: how she got into writing, how she used personal tragedies to her advantage, etc. And, she put it all together in a pdf book that's FREE! It's called Mugging the Muse: Writing Fiction for Love AND Money. Now, I have to admit that I haven't read her fiction but I plan to, so hopefully, this will change soon (written on 6/14/2007).

Books:

I had, and still have, a lot of problems with grammar. I think that everyone has to find his or her own voice and style. It takes years, some say, to find out what type of writer you are. However, I think the basics of the English writing language are something that can be taught and learned. Thus, I would just suggest going to the library and getting a couple of books on grammar and punctuation, BUT don't stop writing!!!!

However, if I had to recommend a few books (besides a good unabridged dictionary and thesaurus):

Merriam Webster's Guide to Punctuation and Style

A little book that pretty much covers all the punctuation rules. I use it daily.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

By Renni Brown and Dave King

Immediate Fiction

By Jerry Cleaver

That's it. Sure, there are books on style, cute little books on punctuation told in story form, and books on world-building, characterization, plot, etc., and you can surely get all of them if you want; however, I have learned the more books I buy, the more confused I get and the less writing I do.

My advice: Write, stick to the basics, write, build from the basics, read the genre you want to be published in, write, learn from your mistakes, read more, write, and write.

Every day you will get better; every day you will learn something new.

You're never too old (or young).