I didn't start writing until I was 26. I started out with the Writer's digest Novel and Short Story market book that comes out every year. I went through it and found some small press places that published horror and sent off a tale to four of them. Two weeks later I had a contract. It only paid in copies but starting out what can you do? The magazine was called Burning Sky and my first tale saw print in it's 9th issue. I suggest going to a library rather than shelling out the cash for the book and sending off a tale or two. You never know what can happen. Heck, your first sale may be a 5 cent a word professional short story!!!!!
Only you can make yourself write and send out your stuff but I wish you all the best if you. GOOD LUCK.
Oh and free bit of wisdom, if you want to get published in a NICE color zine and see you work in print and DON'T MIND doing it was for copies check out
www.blackpetals.com It's a great place to start and they are VERY open to new writers. Heck, if you think it will help, tell them I sent you. : )
What you had on your site was good man.
NOW GO ORDER DYING DAYS. (just kidding, kind of.)
ESB