Bean - This is a simple word processor for Mac. Simple but effective. Best of all it's free. While it doesn't include some of the features a writer might need, such as footnotes, it can be an effective writing tool for someone who doesn't have the money to spend. With the promised upgrades, Bean should turn out to be a good little word processor. Bean is only available for Mac.

Final Draft - Screenwriting software that is often referred to as the best on the market. It's got a simple, clean interface, but it doesn't hold a candle to MM Screenwritier, in my opinion. Both Mac and Windows.

Movie Magic Screenwriter - For screenwriting, this is the software that can't be beat. I've tried all of the screenwriting software on the market and always come back to Movie Magic Screenwriter. Great for Mac or Windows.

Movie Outline - This is an awesome program for screenwriters.  Story outlining features and screenwriting tools all in the same package. I've tried this program and found it very useful. It uses a scene by scene approach to writing a script as opposed to writing in a continuous form. It's great for creating an outline and treatment as you go.

Nisus Writer Pro - Nisus Writer Pro is an excellent word processor for Mac users with all the features a writer needs, including a live check thesaurus. A clean interface and no junk features make this one you might want to take a look at.

Pages - Pages is a word processor for Mac. If you're on a Mac, give it a try. It's an elegant word processor with all the features you need as a writer, along with some very powerful desktop publishing capabilities. Pages is part of the Apple iWork package that also comes with Keynote (presentation) and Numbers (spreadsheet).

Power Writer - I used this software for years and recommended it. It has a great set of story development tools. The problem is, there have been no updates to the software to address a few minor flaws, and the interface could use a more modern look.

Scrivener - If you like your word processing with a complete dashboard of story development tools, Literature and Latte's Scrivener might be worth checking out. It's available for Mac right now, with a Windows version in the works. This is a cool program for writers who enjoy keeping notes, research, and story outlining together.

StoryMill - This is a word processor with built-in story development tools by Mariner, a company that offers writing software for the Mac. Not as cool as Scivener, but it serves the same purpose.

Word - There's a reason Word is the leading word processor in the world. It does what it's supposed to do. I use it.

Wordperfect - Another classic. This was my first Windows word processor.

Write - A Mac word processor by Mariner. Write is a standard word processor with all the features you need to write and format your manuscripts. It's more affordable than other word processors on the market and may suit your needs.

Agent Query - If you're looking for an agent to shop your work around, check out the Agent Query database. It's a listing of agent contact information you can use free. This is an awesome resource.

Duotrope's Digest - Extensive market listing with submission guidelines.

Erotic Readers and Writers Association - This web site has an extensive list of erotic writing markets for writers whose work is erotic in nature. There are also resources for both readers and writers of erotica.

Night Owl Paranormal - A wide selection of erotic paranormal stories to take to bed with you.

Ralan's Webstravaganza - One of the finest market listings available for writers of fiction. Check it out.

United States Copyright Office - While your intellectual property is automatically copyrighted upon creation, you should still consider registering it with the United States Copyright Office. This will come in handy if you ever need to file and infringement lawsuit.

Virtual PitchFest - If you want to pitch a movie script and can afford Virtual PitchFest, use it. You're guaranteed a response to every pitch you make. There's a fee involved, but Virtual PitchFest provides online access to some major movie production companies and agents.

Bartleby.com - A nice collection of references spanning a variety of topics. This one is worth a bookmark.

Guide to Grammar and Writing - An extremely useful interactive web site that will help you stay on top of your grammatical skills.

Screenwriting Info - Useful information for screnwriters. The web site uses plenty of examples to illustrate.

Writing World - A comprehensive web site with articles on a variety of writing-related topics.

Angeline Hawkes - Great speculative fiction.

Brian Keene - Amazing writer. I've been reading this guy for a while.

Jack Ketchum -Love his work.

Stephen King - What is there to say?

Debbie Kuhn - I dig her writing style, depth of characters, and storylines.

Edward Lee - Ed's official site

Graham Masterton - Great writer, great guy.

William Todd Rose - Author of Sex in the time of Zombies, Cry Havoc, and Shadow of the Woodpile. I enjoy his work and believe you will too.