Writing Guidance for Fiction Authors.
(Click on the titles or names in the list below to get to the sites. The rest of the links will be added in the next few days)
I started writing over 20 years ago, but I only began to seriously study the craft and teach myself how to write for publication in the last 7 years. I’m still learning, still growing, and I’m by no means an expert, but I’ve improved by leaps and bounds in that time. Below are some of the best resources I’ve found that provided guidance in all areas of the craft, from first drafts, to editing, and beyond. If I had been aware of the resources listed here 7 years ago, I would probably be a multi-published author by now, maybe even a best seller.
No, I’m not kidding. And I’m not being arrogant. Okay, maybe a little. 😀 But the creators and founders of the blogs, apps and resources below have gone on to help some of the best authors in the business become successful in their fields. If you use what’s here, you will save yourself a lot of heartache, rejection, and painful rewriting. I’m talking years of work, shaved off what is already a very long road.
No matter what stage your at, if you want to be a GOOD, published author bad enough, you’ll find a way to get there. There is no guarantee of success, but these resources will give you your best chance.
You can do this. I believe in you.
Blogs and Sites
Kristen Lamb
A social media Jedi, and one of the most incredible writing mentors I know, this woman has done more to help myself and so many other writers than all the books, blogs, and mentoring I’ve had combined. She offers advice on every aspect of storytelling craft and creating a story that sells. Better yet, she explains things in a fun, interesting, and easy to understand way, telling you, not only what does work, but also what doesn’t, and WHY. Much of her advice is free, and on her blog, but she also offers a slew of great specials to help authors reach their goals of publication, whether it’s traditional, self publishing, or a mix of both.
Jami Gold – Paranormal Author
Author, editor, and Story Fixer, Jami Gold has an entire site chalk full of writing resources and advice for authors of all genres. She also has helpful advice specifically for romance writers, including her well known Romance Novel Beat Sheets. Kristen’s blog is where I learned to write good stories. Jami’s blog is where I learned to make readers swoon.
Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents
This site has everything you want to know about agents and publishers. Who’s looking for authors, what genres, who’s new to the business and therefore looking to build their client list. New agents are more likely to take on new authors, and new ones pop up there often, so keep an eye out.
Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month)
Every year, in November, thousands of writers from around the globe pledge to write a novel (150 pages, or 5 pages a day), from beginning to end in a single month. The idea is to write the book without worrying about getting it right, or making it publishable. It’s getting the first draft out, teaching you to finish above all else. It teaches you how to work on a deadline, gives you the satisfaction of finishing a book, and helps you get in the mindset of a professional writer. I haven’t won, but I did “win” twice in Fast Draft, a class that fulfills same purpose, only more advanced. The link for Fast Draft is further down, under Classes. More recently, Camp Nano, a midsummer version of Nanowrimo has developed, and that takes place in July.
Books On Writing
Writing The Breakout Novel – Donald Maass
Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook – Donald Maass
Self Editing For Fiction Writers –
Manuscript Makeover – Elizabeth Lyon
Rivet Your Readers with Deep POV
Story Engineering
Save the Cat!
The Emotional Thesaurus (and companion books)
On Writing – Stephen King
Apps
Freedom
This is my favorite internet blocker. If you struggle with staying off the internet, just set it for a block of time, anywhere between 15 minutes and 8 hours, and write, distraction free. What’s great is that if you need the internet for an emergency, you can shut your computer off, and Freedom is immediately disabled. It costs 10$, but you only pay once, and it’s a worthy investment for the time you’ll save.
Hemingway App
Cliche Finder
Write or Die!
Videos on the Craft
Martha Alderson – The Plot Whisperer
K.M. Wieland
Kristen Lamb
Classes
Fast Draft – Candace Havens
Social Media Guides
Rise of the Machines: Human Authors in a Digital World – Kristen Lamb
More will be added as I find them. If you know of other helpful resources that aren’t on this list, let me know, and I’ll look into them.
Now stop looking at my site and go write.
R.C.
- Image courtesy of Aaron Davis (AaronDavisAuthor) via WANACommons
