Resources

Below are additional blogs, newsletters, and websites helpful to writers. If you would like to include your own favorites, send us the link.




BLOGS

A Newbie's Guide to Publishing
jakonrath.blogspot.com/J.A. Konrath's A Newbie's Guide to Publishing, provides great information for new (and veteran) fiction writers.  He also has links to plenty of good resources.

Novel Journey
noveljourney.blogspot.com
This site offers a great collection of interviews with authors, editors and freelancers.

The New Book Review
thenewbookreview.blogspot.com
This blogsite is owned by Carolyn Johnson-Howard, author of The Frugal Book Promoter and other books for writers.


NEWSLETTERS

Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine
http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/
A great fiction writing e-zine from award winning author Randy Ingermanson.

The Poetry Market Ezine
thepoetrymarket.com
Get your poetry markets, contests, reviews and news from thisfree monthly e-zine.

Winning Writers
winningwriters.com
Gain access to 150 poetry contests by subscribing to this free e-newsletter. Plus, enter its famous Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest, which searches for the “best humor poem that has been sent to a ‘vanity poetry contest’ as a joke.”


WEBSITES

CATEGORY: GENERAL RESOURCES

Brainy Quote
http://www.brainyquote.com/
Need a famous quote for your article? Stop by Brainy Quote and search by topic, author or type to find the words of wisdom (or humor) you desire.

Dictionary.com Translater
dictionary.reference.com/translate
Do you have an English phrase that you need translated to Spanish? This site will help bring your characters to life—even if they speak a different language than you do.

Merriam-Webster
m-w.com
When it comes to word-lover reference material, it’s hard to beat Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary and thesaurus. Besides the basic functions, it provides word games, a spelling quiz, a Word of the Day and the “Word for the Wise” podcast.

Refdesk.com
ssa.gov/OACT/babynames
Need character names that suit your 1920s setting? The Social Security website has the most accurate list of popular names from 1879 to the present.

Wikipedia
wikipedia.org
Wikipedia makes for an excellent starting point when you’re researching a subject.

CATEGORY: GENRE/NICHE

Christian Storyteller
Great information for Christian writers who are looking for support and networking with other writers.

Crime-Writers Yahoo Group
This group is a must-visit for crime writers and those interested interested in writing crime fiction (including police procedurals, noir, hard-boiled, etc.).

Fiction Factor
This site features tips on writing better fiction, improving your writing, getting published, and promoting and marketing your fiction.

Horror Writers Association
If you are a budding Stephen King, the Horror Writers Association is the perfect place for you to get tips, advice and the latest news on this niche.

Moontown Cafe
A retreat for poets. You’re welcome to post some of your own poetry for feedback—all they ask is that you rate two poems for each poem you post.

Robyn Opie's Writing For Children
This children’s book author delivers dozens of free articles on constructing, writing, editing and publishing your children’s book.

Romance Divas
Join the Romance Divas for advice on the craft and business of writing romances, and share stories about your life and career with this fun writing community.

The Wild Poetry Forum
A poet’s heaven, this extremely active forum welcomes all poetry buffs 13 years old and up. Just be sure to keep your work clean for the children.

Writer Gazette
Find weekly writer-related articles, submission and freelance job postings, contests, resources, tips, and more to help induce, improve, and promote your writing career.

Writer University
WriterUniv.com
Classes on various aspects of writing are offered by email on yahoogroups.

CATEGORY: CHALLENGES/CREATIVITY/JUST FOR FUN

CoolStuff4Writers.com
coolstuff4writers.com
This site has always had some of the coolest novelty items, such as writerly T-shirts, drink koozies and squeezable stress relievers. Now it also offers more content by way of interviews and articles.

National Novel Writing Month
nanowrimo.org
One of the most well-known writing challenges in the writing community, National Novel Writing Month (November) pushes you to write 50,000 words in 30 days.

Smith Mag Six Word Challenge
smithmag.net/sixwords
Can you write your memoir in only six words? This is a thrilling challenge that encourages you to write sharply and concisely.

The Eighteen Questions
eighteenquestions.com
Also known as 18Q, this site is designed to share the views and experiences of published authors for novice writers in a series of 18 questions. More than 100 authors have taken the quiz.

The Story Starter
thestorystarter.com
If a daily prompt isn’t enough to stuff your writing appetite, check out this site. Get a random story-starter sentence from more than 340 million (yes, you read that correctly) choices. Just one click of a button and you’re on your way.

CATEGORY: PROTECT YOURSELF

The Publishing Law Center
http://www.publaw.com/
One of the most notable watchdogs for the writing community, Writer Beware shares information on writing scams, problematic agents and publishers, and more. New to the site is a blog where writers can share info in the comments section.

Preditors & Editors
www.anotherealm.com/prededitors
Telling the difference between a professional contest and a scam can be hard, but thanks to Preditors & Editors you don’t have to sweat it. Dive into this site to find out which writing-related services, contests, organizations, etc., are worth your time and which aren’t.