Resources for Writers

Writing a book

First and foremost, you need to write the book.

How does one do that?

Through trial and error in my case.
 

There are many writing resources that I've used along the way and this is by no means an exhaustive list. I think the most important think to remember is that there is no single way to write a book. Figure out what works for you, and stick with it. Or maybe, your system works for book one, and then book two is a whole other beast. In any case, approach the process with grace and be gentle with your creative soul.

Give yourself a permission slip to write a first bad draft. 

Remind yourself that your second draft will be five percent better. 

And somewhere along the way, you will create something that works for you. 

Keep at it. If I can do it, so can you!

Happy writing! 

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• The best advice I got was to just read, in the genre you want to write in, and in the genres you don't want to write in. Read widely and see what works for you and what doesn't. Read books you hate, and figure out what puts you off. Read books you love and try and pinpoint what exactly has captured your attention. It's a great excuse to do something you love, so why wouldn't you?

• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica Brody.

• Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel  by Lisa Cron.

• Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron.

• The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write with Emotional Power, Develop Achingly Real Characters, Move Your Readers, and Create Riveting Moral Stakes by Donald Maass.

• Around the Writer's Block: Using Brain Science to Solve Writer's Resistance by Rosanne Bane.

• Writing with Maggie Stiefvater: An 8-Hour Video Seminar (watch at your own pace).

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.

• The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron.

• Writing with Color: a website dedicated to writing and resources centered on racial, ethnic and religious diversity (FREE).

• Susan Dennard's website on writing: all the resources you could ever dreamed of are here.

• No Write Way with Victoria Schwab: A podcast/vlog (FREE).

• Amy Kaufman On Writing: A podcast (FREE).

• What Are the Guidelines for Formatting a Manuscript? by Brian A. Klems (FREE).

• YALLWEST Youtube Channel: Amazing authors talking about their writing experience and sharing their knowledge (FREE).

• NaNoWriMo: Don't know how to get started? Welcome to a community which will encourage you and build up your confidence (FREE).

• My critique partner Lauren Beltz has a whole DIY MFA page available on her website, sharing her own experience on the writing journey (FREE).

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