I have been wondering about how to go about getting your writing out there. There has been some discussion amongst the Idol group lately, and it seems others are interested too.

First of all, yes, I am trying to write a novel and will aim to push that for publication once I am done with it. But this isn't as much about that (thought advice on how to do that is appreciated as well), it's more about small time gigs and freelancing.

Stuff like writing contests which have some real credentials to them also counts. I really would like to write for contests and whatnot, I think it would be fun and challenging.

Freelancing for magazines and even blogs. Where do we find these opportunities? How do we submit pieces to magazines? Both fiction and nonfiction pieces apply here. Everything from literary magazines to the types of things you see on newsstands (for nonfiction).

Any tips on where new writers can go for opportunities, either paid or unpaid, would be great. Many of us really have no idea where to go from here. We know we want to, but who do we trust? What should we do? I know I am not the only ones who have these types of questions.

So the floor is now open. I really hope to get a good little discussion going here, so pipe in with anything. You don't have to be an expert, but maybe something worked for you once and you think it might help someone. Go for it. Anything and everything, no matter how basic or complex is welcome here since I plan on sharing these suggestions with others who have varying degrees of experience and desires.

Thanks you guys!