Writers are a fortunate bunch, because we have access to tons of helpful information, some without ever have to leave our homes. I recommend these useful resources.
BOOKS ON WRITING AND EDITING
Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors by Brandilyn Collins
The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Stories for Children by Nancy Lamb
On Writing Romance: How to Craft a Novel That Sells by Leigh Michaels
Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin
Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee
Technical Editing (4th Edition) by Carolyn D. Rude
Chicago Manual of Style by University of Chicago Press Staff
Edit Yourself: A Manual for Everyone Who Works With Words by Bruce Ross-Larson
WRITING CONFERENCES
Society of Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) national and regional conference
Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program for pre-pubbed and lightly pubbed writers
Big Sur Writers’ Workshops, writing for adults and children
Romance Writers of America (RWA) national and regional conferences
Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference
WRITING WEB SITES AND BLOGS
drydenbks, editorial and creative consultant Emma D. Dryden
The Purple Crayon, advice and resources from children's book editor Harold Underdown
Cec Murphey's Writer to Writer, writing advice from teacher and best-selling author Cecil Murphey
Advanced Fiction Writing, Randy Ingermanson’s innovative newsletter for writers
Institute of Children’s Literature, site for writers of children’s literature
Writer’s First Aid, Kristi Holl gives practical tips and encouragement for writers
WRITING TIPS
Writing is a tough, often lonely business—but there are rich personal and professional rewards. Here are some tips to help keep you going:
- Take your writing seriously. Consider yourself a professional writer working for a writing business, and treat yourself like the CEO. If you don’t take your writing seriously, you can’t blame other people for treating it like a pastime.
- Write every day. Set aside the best time of your day to write, and set a goal of finishing a word count, a page count, or an amount of time each day. Some days you’ll finish only one page or write for only 15 minutes. No problem—what’s important is that you make writing a part of every day.
- Form a teachable heart. A closed fist can’t receive a reward, and neither can a closed heart receive a blessing. Most advice you’re given as a writer is to help you grow. Be willing to humble yourself to the advice and wisdom of others, and you will grow as a writer.
- Go to conferences. Conferences are where you meet your people—other writers who “get” you. Plan to talk not only to editors and agents, but to other writers. They become your best friends, confidants, allies, and colleagues along your journey.
- Join a writers’ group that encourages and challenges you. Or form one of your own.
- Get involved in a critique group, if you have the time. Not everyone has the time to critique other members’ work and write their own stories, hold down jobs, and take care of their families. But if you can make the time for an in-person or online critique group with people whose abilities you admire and advice you trust, your writing will improve by leaps and bounds.
- Keep learning. Attend writing classes in person or online, read (and read and read) authors who write what you write and those who write very differently from you, get to know your local librarians and booksellers, and don’t forget to write.
- Help other writers along your journey. 'Nuff said.
FREE STUFF FOR WRITERS
Congratulations for reading this far on my Web site! Please help yourself to these free resources. (You’ll need the latest version of Adobe® Reader® to read them. If you don’t have this free software, visit the Adobe® website to get it.)
