@Buddha -- If you have a desire to write, there is no such thing as being in over your head, and there is no question you can ask that doesn't deserve a serious and weighed response.

Writing for a living is a tough nut and there is a sound reason for the saying, "Never give up your day job until you're being asked by publishers for your work." For most of us, that means until the reaper comes calling.

No writer does well unless he/she knows language well, can spell more words correctly than most, and has a grasp of grammar that is impeccable. The reason for this is that no writer can get away with breaking the rules intelligently without those three basics. It doesn't mean you have to be able to diagram sentences, but it does mean you have to have an intimate knowledge of the rules.

After all that comes the mechanics of storytelling if you're thinking about creative writing, or the mechanics of whatever type of writing you are motivated to do. This is certainly complex, but not beyond anyone with a functioning brain to learn.

There are several publications you need to have on hand. They should be physical books. One of these is a book of style for the type of writing you will be doing. The most common one for creative writers is Strunk and White: the Elements of Style. It is a small and inexpensive book that is available everywhere. Some of us have several different books of style because we write in several venues. Another is an incredibly good thesaurus. These two are the ones you will be using most. A good dictionary is also a must.

Understand that if you have not learned at least the basics of story construction, it won't matter how well you write. Editors are masters at recognizing things most folks don't see. If you break the rules but don't know the rules, they know it and you won't sell. If your spelling and grammar are flawless, but you haven't mastered the art of storytelling, they know it and you won't sell. If you have great ideas but your writing sucks, they might want to talk to you if they see promise, but you won't sell. If your writing is wonderful but your ideas are not great or are slightly worn out, you might sell, but not to pro pay markets.

Probably the two most difficult elements to get a grip on are the discipline it takes to keep you at the QWERTY and the ability to take criticism and rejection. Remember, "Keep your day job until publishers are asking you for your work." Even then, it pays to keep lines of communication open so you can slide back into the workforce without much delay if things go south. I know this is a mite cliche, but most of us actually do make great sacrifices for our art and we do it joyfully.