Writer’s Resources

There’s a lot of good writing help on the web. But there’s also a lot of scumbags offering bum dope–dubious advice for writers–even ripping them off.

That’s why I wanted to give you a list of some of the GOOD GUYS.

We’ll start with my website: www.writerswelcome.com 

 Then, visit some of my friends for more writing help:

http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/

http://procrastinatingwritersblog.com/

http://charitywrites.mightypenediting.com/

http://beingandwriting.blogspot.com/

http://beckylevine.com/

http://kimscraftblog.blogspot.com/

http://scwc.wordpress.com/

http://stirlingediting.com/

http://joefinder.blogspot.com/

http://garysworldappalachia.lefora.com/2009/05/16/top-100-creative-writing-blogs/page1/

If you find problems with any of these sites, please let me know.

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For those folks who like the feel of paper and the smell of ink (does anyone “curl up with a good blog”?) here is a list of some books I’ve found useful (and stolen ideas from) over the years:

A writing friend whom I respect greatly once described Chris Vogler’s book, The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, is “The only writing book you’ll ever need.” It is the classic story structure book, based on Joseph Cambell’s, The Hero With a Thousand Faces. 

Though it came out a few years ago, How to Write a Damn Good Novel, by James N. Frey (not the drug addict phony-memoir guy) remains a top seller. One reason: It’s a damn good book. Mystery writers might want to take a look at How to Write a Damn Good Mystery.

Since I started this page warning you about web-based vermin, I had to include Jenna Glatzer’s excellent book, The Street-Smart Writer: Self-defense Against Sharks and Scams in the Writing World. A breath of fresh air.

The all-time classic, which I often refer to in my writing workshops, is The Art of Fiction, Notes on Craft For Young Writers, by John Gardner. If you find it a little hard going, skip to Chapter 5, ‘Common Errors.’ Odds are good that you’re making all of them. I sure have.

If you have as much trouble with character development as I do, I recommend, The Writer’s Guide to Character Traits, by Linda N. Edelstein

Meg Leder and Jack Heffron at Writer’s Digest have put together a nice list of interviews and articles about writing by a lot of famous writers in, The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing. A nice, comprehensive one-volume reference.

A similar all-in-one reference is, The Novel Writer’s Tool Kit, by Bob Mayer.

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