Tips and Links for Writers
For years I was a "closet" writer. I never let anyone read my writing but talked about it endlessly. I drove my husband nuts and he finally challenged me to "do something about it...or shut up."
Challenge accepted.
Little did he know he would become a writing widower. He now spends countless hours watching TV alone while I bang on the keyboard, peruse craft books or disappear to workshops and conferences.
I dreamed of becoming a published author as soon as I picked up my first Harlequin book. But it was one of those dreams I kept secret because I never thought it could actually come true. I can say this has been the most marvelous journey I've ever been on. I've made life long friends, met fabulous people, including some of my favorite authors.
If you dream of becoming a writer, my first piece of advice is to find a core group of like-minded writers. They will become your cheerleaders, critique partners and prayer warriors. Professional organizations such as the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America) are just a few of the many groups available. Find one that fits you.
In addition, I read a lot of craft books. Some I read and put aside. Some I use every time I start to write. It is my pleasure to share some of the resources I've come to rely on.
Websites for Writers
The Ambitious Author - Fabulous advice on marketing, email lists and launch teams. A must for anyone interested in Indie publishing
Babbles from Scott Eagan - Even before he became my agent, I visited his blog often for tips and advice.
Creative Pen Coaching - I met Denise Agnew when I first began my writing journey. I was struggling with where my story was going and even how to write a story. A few sessions with Denise got me past the hump and busy writing.
Grammar Girl - Have questions on using affect vs. effect? Where to put that comma? This site is super helpful.
Helping Writers Become Authors - K.M. Weiland always has amazing tips and advice on her blog. She has some great books on writing as well.
Story Sensei - Camy Tang is a wonderful author who has a website that is packed full of worksheets to help writers. Need help with a synopsis? She's got it. Want to deepen your POV? It's covered. She has worksheets from everything from self-editing to the hero's journey. Don't forget to sign up for her helpful newsletter while you're there.
Writers Helping Writers - From the fabulous Angela Akerman & Becca Puglisi, this site is packed with tools for writers.
Stephie Smith - great resource for writing and contests
Jami Gold's website is a terrific resource, especially if you're as addicted to beat sheets as I am.
Seekerville - A must visit site! I've met more people through this site and learned more from the fabulous ladies at Seekerville than I could ever imagine.
Babbles from Scott Eagan - Even before he became my agent, I visited his blog often for tips and advice.
Creative Pen Coaching - I met Denise Agnew when I first began my writing journey. I was struggling with where my story was going and even how to write a story. A few sessions with Denise got me past the hump and busy writing.
Grammar Girl - Have questions on using affect vs. effect? Where to put that comma? This site is super helpful.
Helping Writers Become Authors - K.M. Weiland always has amazing tips and advice on her blog. She has some great books on writing as well.
Story Sensei - Camy Tang is a wonderful author who has a website that is packed full of worksheets to help writers. Need help with a synopsis? She's got it. Want to deepen your POV? It's covered. She has worksheets from everything from self-editing to the hero's journey. Don't forget to sign up for her helpful newsletter while you're there.
Writers Helping Writers - From the fabulous Angela Akerman & Becca Puglisi, this site is packed with tools for writers.
Stephie Smith - great resource for writing and contests
Jami Gold's website is a terrific resource, especially if you're as addicted to beat sheets as I am.
Seekerville - A must visit site! I've met more people through this site and learned more from the fabulous ladies at Seekerville than I could ever imagine.
Craft Books for Writers
Gwen Hayes - Romancing the Beat: Do all the different writing processes and structure leave you confused and frustrated? This one is designed especially for romance writers and really breaks things down and make it simple. Download a free PDF beat sheet here. But do yourself a favor and buy the book, too!
Debra Dixon: GMC - Goal, Motivation and Conflict: A MUST! Ever story, no matter what the genre, falls short if it doesn't contain these three essential elements.
Liz Fielding's Little Book of Writing Romance
James Scott Bell: Writing Your Novel From the Middle. Or any of his books on writing.
Angela Akerman & Becca Puglisi: The Emotional Thesaurus. You MUST HAVE this book!!!!!!!!!
K.M. Weiland: Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success AND Structuring Your Novel
Jodie Renner: Fire Up Your Fiction
Jill Elizabeth Nelson: Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View
Michael Hauge: The Hero's 2 Journeys. The 6 stage Plot Structure really struck a chord with me.
Julie Lessman: Romance-ology 101
Susan May Warren: Conversations with a Writing Coach. Also, The Story Equation. Both of these are fabulous!
Melinda Curtis - Frankly My Dear: Creating Unforgettable Characters
Laurie Schnebly Campbell - Believable Characters: Creating with Enneagrams
Debra Dixon: GMC - Goal, Motivation and Conflict: A MUST! Ever story, no matter what the genre, falls short if it doesn't contain these three essential elements.
Liz Fielding's Little Book of Writing Romance
James Scott Bell: Writing Your Novel From the Middle. Or any of his books on writing.
Angela Akerman & Becca Puglisi: The Emotional Thesaurus. You MUST HAVE this book!!!!!!!!!
K.M. Weiland: Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success AND Structuring Your Novel
Jodie Renner: Fire Up Your Fiction
Jill Elizabeth Nelson: Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View
Michael Hauge: The Hero's 2 Journeys. The 6 stage Plot Structure really struck a chord with me.
Julie Lessman: Romance-ology 101
Susan May Warren: Conversations with a Writing Coach. Also, The Story Equation. Both of these are fabulous!
Melinda Curtis - Frankly My Dear: Creating Unforgettable Characters
Laurie Schnebly Campbell - Believable Characters: Creating with Enneagrams