Here are some resources that I have found helpful or that other
writers have told me helped them. They are separated into groupings to
help you find what you are looking for. Some will appear more than once,
since they fit into several categories. The list is sure to grow as I
find more websites and blogs to follow.
Writing Books:
On Writing
by Stephen King - I loved this book, not only for the writing portion,
but for the memoir as well. I highly recommend reading the entire book.
King gives some of the best writing advice you can find anywhere.
Story
by Robert McKey - Although this book is geared towards screenwriting
there is A LOT to learn about structure that novelists should
understand. It's a large book with a lot of information, but it is worth
the time spent learning. I have seen several published authors mention
this book as being the one that helped them get published.
Save the Cat
by Blake Snyder - Another great book. While it has significantly less
to read than Story, it has just as much great information. This one has
been recommended by one of my favorite published authors. I've seen her
recommend it to several writers, myself included. Some use it as a
flexible outline.
First Draft in 30 Days
by Karen Wiesner - I highly recommend this book. While the time frame
may not work for most people the information and the worksheets are
excellent. I have altered most of the worksheets Wiesner presents to fit
my needs and I now use them with every manuscript.
Writing the Breakout Novel
by Donald Maass - Another highly recommended writing book. Maass helps
take your manuscript to the next level with wonderful advice on every
aspect that makes a book a big seller. I've noticed other published
authors whose books I love mention this book as one they used or highly
recommend. There's definitely something there.
Writing Irresistible KidLit
by Mary Kole - I added this one to my list when I bought it, before I
had read it simply because of all the wonderful things I had heard about
this book. And seriously, they are spot on. This is such an invaluable
writing book if you are writing for the under 18 crowd. I highly suggest
reading this one. Mine is filled with highlighter markings and I've
created a list of things to keep in mind when writing and editing based
on the wealth of information included.
The Emotion Thesaurus
by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi - This is great! You can get the
Kindle version or the actual book form. I downloaded the Kindle version,
which is very easy to navigate through. But, I found it extremely
helpful to have the print version. Then I can have it next to my
computer and it's super easy to flip through, and bookmark.
The Positive Trait Thesaurus
by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi - Another great one and part of a
double feature from the writing duo. As with the one above I have this
in print version. When editing these three books are always at my
fingertips. So helpful.
The Negative Trait Thesaurus
by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi - As you can tell, I love these
books. Pretty much every thing I've said above about the other two is
the same for this one. Now go get them, all three. lol
Steal Like An Artist
by Austin Kleon - Seriously awesome book for the artistic person.
Filled with great advice that writers, and any artistic person, can use
every day.
Show Your Work by Austin Kleon - For the writer who hates self-promotion. Get noticed without turning into an annoying spammer.
The Steal Like An Artist Journal
by Austin Kleon - This is another way to try keeping a journal. For
those of you who need prompts. I think this book has helped me to find
my own method of keeping a journal. The exercises are fun, though.
Definitely try it out.
Agents, Agents, Agents:
As any writer knows you need to do your homework first before finding an agent. Here are some great places to
stalk
find agents. Yes, if I've listed an agents blog below I do follow them
on Feedly. And, I read each and every blog post. They are invaluable
from a writer stand point.
Writer's Communities:
Writer's
communities are great places to go mingle with other writers and find
critique partners. If you don't have a critique partner/group, go find
one now. They are absolutely invaluable to every writer. Even Stephen
King has people who read his work for mistakes.
- One Stop For Writers
- This site just launched in October 2015, but had to be bumped to the
top of the list. This is from the minds of Angela Ackerman and Becca
Puglisi, obviously it's a great tool.
- QueryTracker - Didn't I say they had a community in the previous section. Well, they do, so head on over and make some friends.
- SheWrites - If you are a
woman this place is for you. I am a member, I just don't do much there.
Check it out and see if it's right for you.
- SCBWI - The Society of
Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - I found my face to face
critique group through this site. I absolutely love them!
- Ladies Who Critique - They are exactly what their name says. Great location to create partnerships and network.
- YALitChat - I definitely do not utilize this site as much as I should. Great place to socialize and join groups. I have yet to do this.
Fun Writer Sites:
- National Novel Writing Month
- Where writers come together and cheer each other on while writing a
50,000 word novel between November 1st and 30th each year.
- InkyGirl.com - Debbie Ridpath Ohi
is amazing. You can follow her on just about every social media outlet.
Visit her website for her musings, blog, and especially her comics for
writers. I love so many of them.
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