Writing resources
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”
These are some of the many sites, folks, and resources that have helped me develop my craft. None of them are a substitution for practicing, but together with intentional time, the beverage and pet of your choice, there’s much growth to be made. If you’ve had success with another service, teacher, or website, please drop me a line. I’m particularly interested to know if it/they have a free, or accessibility tier as most writers have limited expendable income.
websites
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Jane Friedman is the publishing go-to for the business side of writing. Her website is a goldmine of information, and she offers a free newsletter, Electric Speed, as well as the occasional free Sunday webinar. Her paid content is well worth the investment, and if you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak, take it. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, belongs within reach of any serious writer.
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Writing with Color is a tumblr blog dedicated to providing resources centered on racial, ethnic, and religious diversity. As a white woman, I’ve found this guide to describing skin color particularly helpful. writingwithcolor.com/post/96830966357/words-for-skin-tone-how-to-describe-skin-color
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Literature map is a wonderful tool if you are looking to discover authors who write in similar veins. Whether you just want to try out someone new, or are tracking down comparative titles, Literature map can be a powerful tool. Plus, it’s fun to use.
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I’m new to Query Tracker, but for those who are ready to begin shopping their completed, polished manuscript, this is an invaluable tool. There’s a free and paid tier, making it accessible for everyone.
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For writers and poets dipping their toes into the publishing world with short form work, Submittable is where you’ll find opportunities to query your work. Sometimes specific calls are made by journals, anthologies, or contests, and some publications have open calls. The filters allow you to search by any number of criteria which is extraordinarily helpful. Whatever you do, follow the guidelines closely.
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Home of the Writer’s Digest Magazine, and the go-to site for webinars and classes, competitions, interviews with industry professionals, and other craft resources. Useful for all skill levels, but invaluable for young writers trying to figure out what’s what in the Writing Wonderland.
Industry professionals
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Karen holds a degree in creative writing and film studies, has published four novels with Bloomsbury, and authored a dizzying number of short stories and poems. She’s formerly been on faculty with Women Writing for (a) Change, and has years of teaching and editorial experience to her credit, although now she considers herself more of a “manuscript therapist” than editor. She is extraordinarily skilled, patient, kind, meets where you are, and asks the right questions to help make your project shine and your skills soar—all while instilling a sense of possibility. I’ve learned from many but had no better writing teacher than Karen. Contact her directly at karennovakwrites@gmail.com to get a consult for mansuscript therapy.
Connect with Karen on Substack https://substack.com/@klnovak538
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Ash Theissen is a writer, teacher, editor, and mixed-media artist, and yoga instructor based out of Minneapolis. She holds an M.A. in English from Indiana University and currently works as an academic editor and writing coach. At this time, she does not take clients with fiction projects. If you need early-career academics assistance, particularly in the fields of anthropology, history, education, psychology, and more—you’ll find a gem in Ash.
https://www.ashtheissen.com/editing
She also teaches classes and has meditations/affirmations on Insight timer, both on the free and Plus levels.
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In this day and age, authors need platforms, and platforms are what Amanda is all about. She’s worked for larger players in digital marketing and advertising, and she has a knack for distilling what makes you and your business unique. Her services include:
Website builds/redesign
Ongoing site management
Brand creation/reimagining/streamlining
Marketing plans & tactical execution
Content creation
Email/email list management
Troubleshooting
Amanda has done graphic design work for me in the past and I was thrilled with her concepts. Book a free consultation with her through her website or contact her directly at (513) 843-3939
Amanda is also a talented writer. Catch her on Substack https://substack.com/@ajschwarz
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https://foxprinteditorial.com/bio/
Tiffany Yates Martin is the author of Intuitive Editing, and the Intuitive Author, and is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial. Her courses and services are not cheap, but she is worth every penny you will spend on her expertise. In a world where anyone can hang a shingle and promise you results with your manuscript, Tiffany Yates Martin will actually deliver.
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A writer, cultural critic, a teacher based in Austin, Tx, Jacob’s CV is astounding. He is the founder of A Rough Trade Writing School and the Clifton Creative Agency. I highly recommend his coaching services. He has way of isolating issues and delivering feedback in a way that motivates and inspires.
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https://vickyweberbooks.substack.com/
Vicky Weber is an author, agent, book coach, editor, and speaker. I’ve had the privilege of hearing her present at the Midwest Writers Workshop and all her sessions were phenomenal. I’d strongly encourage writers to check out her Substack. Sometimes her agenting advice is so poignant it’s hard to swallow, but for those who want the cold, honest truth about the industry and what we’re up against in publication, she’s one that’ll give it to us.
Events and residencies
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If you live in or around the Cincinnati area, you do NOT want to miss this free, annual event that features bestselling authors and signing events, author panels, writing contests, kids and family activities, vendor areas, and more. It’s an all-day event that pulls big names and huge crowds. I don’t miss it. It’s a wonderful opportunity to talk with authors face-to-face and ask them questions, not just about their books, but about their process. A good way to network. Bring business cards and be ready to talk about your project and ask them questions about what they’re currently working on.
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https://www.thehundredthhill.com/
If you’ve ever wished you could find yourself a little cabin in the woods and air your brain out, that you’d just be able to finish your novel? Or your album? Or any creative project that’s been mildewing in that desk drawer? Well, wish no further. The Hundredth Hill is an artist’s residency tucked deep in the hills of Bloomington, Indiana. It’s 50 acres of heaven; a place I go to close out the world and concentrate when my project demands it. You can book a retreat, plan an event, or apply for a funded residency. The host, Krista Detor, is a singer-songwriter the world has yet to discover. Check her out below.
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Based out of Muncie, Indiana, this general-content, writers’ conference is an excellent value and has a remote option via zoom for those who can’t attend locally. With add-ons available like manuscript reviews and agent pitch sessions, it holds appeal for writers in various stages of the process. I’ve attended in person, and their online agent fest. Both were worthy investments. Although I do suggest that to get the most out of it, to prepare ahead of time and read up on faculty and staff, come with questions, and be ready to talk with other writers about your WIP (Work in progress).
Podcasts
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The Manuscript Academy brings you conversations with agents editors, and writers who can help you on your publishing journey.
Available on streaming podcast services and on MA’s website
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Presented by the Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library, features interviews with authors, librarians, booksellers, illustrators, publishing professionals, and literary advocates in and from the state of Ohio.
Available on streaming podcast services
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@WordsUnravelled on YouTube Two of the internet’s leading word nerds unravel the stories behind everyday terms, with Rob Watts and author Jess Zafarris in exploring the wonders of the English language.
Bookish Apps
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https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#do-you-have-a-card
The biggest evangelism I do these days is for Libby, the free app available through most libraries that allows you to check out digital materials such as ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks. I use it primarily for audiobooks and haven’t paid for Audible in a decade. If you need help installing it on your smart device, go to your local branch and someone will be able to assist you. Happy reading!
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Online cataloging book/media system that allows you to create collections and tag them. You can simply scan the book’s barcode and load the title into your digital library. If you keep buying multiple copies of the same book, then this app is for you. I use the free tier, and it works perfectly for my needs.
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I’m new to Fable, but it’s an upgrade to Goodreads.
A few of my favorite craft & reference books
“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.”
Thoughts? Have you used any of these books or websites with success? What is missing? What are you searching for and having trouble locating? Would you like to see a blog or blogs featuring particular topic or touch point on the writing process? Let me know. Thanks as always for visiting. Your input is valued and appreciated.