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 Erika Dreifus writes The Practicing Writer, a newsletter that's comprehensive, informative and inspiring. You can sign up for  The Practicing Writer on her website. Her debut novel, QUIET AMERICANS, is a collection of short stories that explore the experiences of German Jews before, during and after the Holocaust.  The grace and elegance woven through her stories and characters is first rate.

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!

Writer Unboxed.  A wide variety of contributors from the not-yet-published to bestselling authors and industry leaders–share their take on "the craft and business of fiction".  I never fail to take something away - every day. 

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.   Escaping into the Open - The Art of Writing True was the first book I read of hers and I return to the writing exercises often to stir things up in my writing. And it ends with some great recipes - all her books have some type of food connection - my type of writer for sure!

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.