Writing References
Writing Sites, Blogs & Books
These are a few of the sites that both inspire me and keep me connected to the craft of writing.
Erika Dreifus:
Writer. Reader. Reviewer. Resource Maven
Lisa Romeo
Writes. This
blog provides consistently informative pieces on just about anything
connected to a writer's life. Lisa teaches writing, works as a
freelance writer, independent manuscript editor and editorial
consultant, ghostwriter, and provides publicity coaching to authors.
Her “Friday Fridge Clean Out” posts never fail to hold at least a
pearl or two!
RachelleGardner is an agent with Books and Such Literary Agency. Although I'm not close to the agent threshold, the posts are still relevant and many have been tucked away for the future when I am "agent ready"!
Podcasts
Pen on Fire blog: The creation of Barbara Demarco-Barrett,the site description reads: "Occasional ramblings about books, writing and life. Answers to questions raised by students and readers. Musings on the life of a writer. A discussion of the joys and challenges of the writing life. And whatever else comes up." I'm working my way through the author interviews on my daily walks. I used to covet this as solitary time, but am really loving the company and discussions!
The Writing Show:
information inspiration for writers.
You'll find a
great archive of podcasts and more. The
Writing Show Slush Pile Workshop stopped producing in Dec 2012, but
you can get previous podcasts designed to
help you practice capturing readers’ attention. Inspired by literary
agent Kristin Nelson’s two-page pitch sessions, Writing Show host
Paula Berinstein, the producer and host plays agent and comments on
anonymous submissions to the show.
Paula B. critiqued a short story of mine, Blind Patience, on episode #15 of the Slush Pile Podcast.
Writing Reference Sites
Of course, the
touchstone:
Writer’s
Digest 12th annual 101 Best Websites for Writers.
Browsing the list is best taken in small chunks, lest you
lose days and not just hours!
The Guide to Grammar and Writing is sponsored by the
Capital Community
College Foundation.
There is any number of great grammar sites connected with schools –
this is one of the most direct and user friendly I’ve found.
You don’t need to become a client of the
Purdue
Writing Lab to utilize its almost endless source of writing
materials for both personal and professional use.
It’s a nuts and bolts place as well as a font of information
of how to articles and exercises to get those creative and writing
juices flowing!
Internet-resources.com. Be careful here – you can lose
hours before you know it!
In the sites own words:
“…this collection of links for writers, researchers and the
terminally curious…we select sites with some consideration and
thought for usefulness, depth, interest and je ne sais quoi…”
Writing Books: Authors and Sources of Personal Inspiration
I've linked each book to the author's website. These are a few of my personal favorites.
Elizabeth
Berg is one of my favorite authors.
Her books and website never fail to bring a smile to my face
and a sense of peace.
Stephen King: On Writing - A Memoir of the Craft. I loved how King blended his personal life with his views on writing and techniques of the craft. Most likely the most inspirational and informative work on writing I have ever read.
The Right to Write. An Invitation and Initiation into the Writing Life by Julia Cameron has been on my shelf for over ten years. It's not a nuts and bolts book, but a book about "why" you write. It's just what it says - an invitation to connect to yourself and the world you live in through words and to write about it.
What do I view as a reference?
My idea of a reference is quite broad. It encompasses anything that helps me reflect on my writing, fuels my passion to write, or educates me in the craft. I've listed a few of the more prominent ones that I regularly reference or visit.