We all start somewhere! Step one imho is to start going to some local shows to see what it's all about. This will either encourage or discourage you but either way you will see what the guys and girls go through. Be sure you go to prejudging in the morning where the work is actually done.
Also paruse the below site and check out the competitors in your class in contest around the U.S. Click on "galleries" then "recent contests" if the link doesn't take you directly to it. You'll enjoy it.
Contests | NPC News Online