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
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.
- 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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