Good thread with some good information. For me I try and write everyday, at least 3 pages of random garbage (it doesn't always happen.)

Don't listen to any one who is telling you it's a competition, or that it is not real, or any other bullshit. It just gets in the way of what you're trying to say.

That doesn't mean there aren't certain skills you'll need to sell your work. Pitching and what not. But even that doesn't come until you've actually finished something.

Competition really only comes into play if you're trying to get a 9 to 5 type job, writing for television, or as an assistant to an already established writer, or you're just an asshole with inferiority complex (A dime a dozen.)

Before you even start writing it might be best to have an outline and know your characters and their major dramatic curve.

[link to 5writers.com]

I don't write novels, so most of my information probably doesn't apply the same way.

Remember your first draft is always going to suck!

I don't show anyone anything until I have at least re-written it once or twice.

Zoetrope is a good site, as some one stated earlier. I currently have a screenplay in that competition.