Helping Writers Achieve Their Dreams for 12 Years!
Totally Awesome Blogs
- 99U-Insights on Making Ideas Happen, by Behance
- http://99u.com/
- This isn't strictly a blog about writing, but it is about creativity - and is packed with tips and suggestions not only about how to enhance it and use it but also how to avoid some of the major pitfalls us creative types are prone to. When I read the bit on knowing when to cut one's losses and quit a project (http://99u.com/tips/7244/Cut-Your-Losses-How-To-Know-When-To-Quit), I knew I had to put this into the "Awesome Blogs" list. That is SOOO my problem! Thanks to Dawn for putting me onto this one!
- This isn't strictly a blog about writing, but it is about creativity - and is packed with tips and suggestions not only about how to enhance it and use it but also how to avoid some of the major pitfalls us creative types are prone to. When I read the bit on knowing when to cut one's losses and quit a project (http://99u.com/tips/7244/Cut-Your-Losses-How-To-Know-When-To-Quit), I knew I had to put this into the "Awesome Blogs" list. That is SOOO my problem! Thanks to Dawn for putting me onto this one!
- The Book Designer, by Joel Friedlander
- http://www.thebookdesigner.com
- Though this blog is aimed more at the pro self-publisher, it's absolutely packed with information on all forms of self-publishing, subsidy publishing, print-on-demand and any other type of "DIY" publishing. If you're thinking of handling your book yourself, this is the place to start to find answers on what the best approach to DIY publishing would be for your specific project. It's also a good place to find out how not to get scammed by the many companies that promise the moon - but simply want your money. (For that info, start here: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2011/05/subsidy-publishing-proceed-with-caution/ )
- Though this blog is aimed more at the pro self-publisher, it's absolutely packed with information on all forms of self-publishing, subsidy publishing, print-on-demand and any other type of "DIY" publishing. If you're thinking of handling your book yourself, this is the place to start to find answers on what the best approach to DIY publishing would be for your specific project. It's also a good place to find out how not to get scammed by the many companies that promise the moon - but simply want your money. (For that info, start here: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2011/05/subsidy-publishing-proceed-with-caution/ )
- Book Writing World, edited by Elizabeth Stark
- http://bookwritingworld.com/
- "Need to find time to write? Motivation to finish your book? Guidance through the process of planning, drafting, revising and selling your novel, memoir or other narrative book? This is the place for you." That's what the blog says about itself, and I second that - it seems a great place to turn for daily inspiration, encouragement, and tips on managing the writing life.
- "Need to find time to write? Motivation to finish your book? Guidance through the process of planning, drafting, revising and selling your novel, memoir or other narrative book? This is the place for you." That's what the blog says about itself, and I second that - it seems a great place to turn for daily inspiration, encouragement, and tips on managing the writing life.
- Courage 2 Create, by Ollin Morales
- http://ollinmorales.wordpress.com/
OK, I admit - I was a bit tired when I came to this site, so how could I not be intrigued by the article on the importance of rest? There's lots of information for the weary writer here, whether you seek rest or tips to revitalize your energies. This is a blog full of inspiration and empathy -- it's as much (or more) about surviving (and thriving in) the writer's life as about how to be a better writer. Easy to navigate, too, with many excellent guest posts.
- Fuel Your Writing
- http://www.fuelyourwriting.com/
- This isn't just "a" blog--it's really more than half a dozen different regular blog columns on a variety of writing topics. Topics range from inspiration, "writing spaces," "save my writing," and more. The site addresses business issues, personal issues, technical issues, craftsmanship... The big problem, really, is spending so much time reading that you forget to write!
- This isn't just "a" blog--it's really more than half a dozen different regular blog columns on a variety of writing topics. Topics range from inspiration, "writing spaces," "save my writing," and more. The site addresses business issues, personal issues, technical issues, craftsmanship... The big problem, really, is spending so much time reading that you forget to write!
- The Guide to Literary Agents Blog, by Chuck Sambuchino
- http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/
- Want to know more about what agents do? Want to find an agent? Want to know what agents want from you? This is an incredible trove of information from Chuck Sambuchino, author of the Guide to Literary Agents. It's packed with interviews with agents, articles about agents, articles by agents, and lots of pieces on "how I made my first sale."
- Want to know more about what agents do? Want to find an agent? Want to know what agents want from you? This is an incredible trove of information from Chuck Sambuchino, author of the Guide to Literary Agents. It's packed with interviews with agents, articles about agents, articles by agents, and lots of pieces on "how I made my first sale."
- Make a Living Writing, by Carol Tice
- http://www.makealivingwriting.com/
- Plugging this blog has nothing to do with the fact that Carol recently invited me to be a guest speaker on a Freelance Writers Den "Open House." In fact, I didn't realize Carol had a separate blog until I found the link on another list! Though a lot of the entries are designed to promote classes and activities on the Freelance Writers Den, there's loads of good information here for writers of every kind. Definitely worth a stop.
- Plugging this blog has nothing to do with the fact that Carol recently invited me to be a guest speaker on a Freelance Writers Den "Open House." In fact, I didn't realize Carol had a separate blog until I found the link on another list! Though a lot of the entries are designed to promote classes and activities on the Freelance Writers Den, there's loads of good information here for writers of every kind. Definitely worth a stop.
- Men with Pens
- http://menwithpens.ca/
- Here's a truly awesome blog for anyone interested in business writing, copywriting, writing for business websites, etc. But it's not just for business writers; articles like Digging Up the Bones of Your Unwritten Novel will be useful to just about any aspiring writer. No wonder this was rated one of the "Top Ten Blogs for Writers" in 2010!
- Here's a truly awesome blog for anyone interested in business writing, copywriting, writing for business websites, etc. But it's not just for business writers; articles like Digging Up the Bones of Your Unwritten Novel will be useful to just about any aspiring writer. No wonder this was rated one of the "Top Ten Blogs for Writers" in 2010!
- No Rules. Just Write. by Brenda Coulter
- http://brendacoulter.blogspot.com/
- Brenda has loads of tips, and does a great job in bringing a bit of common sense to some of the oft-repeated tips that other folks bandy about (such as, is it really necessary to keep a notebook with you at all times to catch those fleeting ideas?) I've only just begun exploring this extensive blog, but particularly liked her insights on the question of whether illegal downloads really cost writers all that much money. Only trouble is, it looks like Brenda hasn't updated her blog since last July - there's loads here to keep a writer informed and entertained, but I hope it will continue!
- Brenda has loads of tips, and does a great job in bringing a bit of common sense to some of the oft-repeated tips that other folks bandy about (such as, is it really necessary to keep a notebook with you at all times to catch those fleeting ideas?) I've only just begun exploring this extensive blog, but particularly liked her insights on the question of whether illegal downloads really cost writers all that much money. Only trouble is, it looks like Brenda hasn't updated her blog since last July - there's loads here to keep a writer informed and entertained, but I hope it will continue!
- Pain in the English
- http://painintheenglish.com
This is an interesting and entertaining site that offers not only basic grammar advice, but discussions on why certain words and phrases are used, and a host of other topics. It covers word coinage, word history, expressions, grammar, punctuation and mechanics, style, usage, and an intriguing section on "opinions." Information and opinions are contributed by a number of participants, which offers a variety of viewpoints; one can pose questions on these various topics to the "group."
- Pen and Pro$per, by Jennifer Brown Banks
- http://penandprosper.blogspot.com/
- If you want to find out more about blogging, here's the ultimate blog about blogs! Banks seems to have infinite energy, and this blog offers a vast array of articles on freelancing for profit, blogging, social networking and more. She likes numbers: Seven ways to do this, five ways to do that, and so forth. My one quibble is that, while in one of her own blogs, she points out the need to have a good navigation system, it's not that easy to find her own "back issues" -- and once one locates the "archive" one can't actually search by topic, only by date. Still well worth a (long) visit.
- If you want to find out more about blogging, here's the ultimate blog about blogs! Banks seems to have infinite energy, and this blog offers a vast array of articles on freelancing for profit, blogging, social networking and more. She likes numbers: Seven ways to do this, five ways to do that, and so forth. My one quibble is that, while in one of her own blogs, she points out the need to have a good navigation system, it's not that easy to find her own "back issues" -- and once one locates the "archive" one can't actually search by topic, only by date. Still well worth a (long) visit.
- Publish Your Own E-Books, by Gary McLaren
- http://www.publishyourownebooks.com/
- I've always been a fan of Gary's "World Wide Freelance Writer" site and newsletter. Now he has put together what seems to be the definitive blog on e-book publishing, covering the latest advances in e-book platforms, how to format books and get them published, how to promote e-books, and even how to write e-books. If you'd like to know more but don't have time to track down all the news and articles on this topic, well, Gary's done the work for you. I expect to be spending a lot of time here!
- I've always been a fan of Gary's "World Wide Freelance Writer" site and newsletter. Now he has put together what seems to be the definitive blog on e-book publishing, covering the latest advances in e-book platforms, how to format books and get them published, how to promote e-books, and even how to write e-books. If you'd like to know more but don't have time to track down all the news and articles on this topic, well, Gary's done the work for you. I expect to be spending a lot of time here!
- Query Shark, by Janet Reid
- http://www.queryshark.blogspot.com/
- Wondering why your fiction novel query has been rejected 22 times? A quick scan through Janet Reid's marvelous "Query Shark" blog will give you an idea of what works, what doesn't, and why--but better yet, you can submit your own query for comments. (Brace yourself, though; the comments are likely to be barbed!) Just be sure you follow the instructions--which, as Reid points out, is a vital skill whether you're submitting to her or to an actual editor or agent. Writers who can't follow instructions simply aren't going to succeed (gee, I may have pointed that out myself a few times...)
- Wondering why your fiction novel query has been rejected 22 times? A quick scan through Janet Reid's marvelous "Query Shark" blog will give you an idea of what works, what doesn't, and why--but better yet, you can submit your own query for comments. (Brace yourself, though; the comments are likely to be barbed!) Just be sure you follow the instructions--which, as Reid points out, is a vital skill whether you're submitting to her or to an actual editor or agent. Writers who can't follow instructions simply aren't going to succeed (gee, I may have pointed that out myself a few times...)
- The Renegade Writer, by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell
- http://www.therenegadewriter.com
- When I hit the blog, do I find it hard to leave? Do I read one blog entry, smack my lips and click a link for more? Do the links keep drawing me deeper and deeper into the (often un-navigable) depths? Do I surface blinking at the clock and wondering where the time has gone? If so, it's an Awesome Blog -- and The Renegade Writer certainly qualifies! The range of topics is too vast to describe, but I've particularly enjoyed the pieces on breaking out of dead-end writing jobs (like content mills) and overcoming the personal fears and excuses that keep writers from achieving their potential. I also love the links to related posts that appear at the end of each article; this is a great way to draw people on to more information. Visit Renegade Writer when you have time to sit down and immerse yourself in good advice!
- When I hit the blog, do I find it hard to leave? Do I read one blog entry, smack my lips and click a link for more? Do the links keep drawing me deeper and deeper into the (often un-navigable) depths? Do I surface blinking at the clock and wondering where the time has gone? If so, it's an Awesome Blog -- and The Renegade Writer certainly qualifies! The range of topics is too vast to describe, but I've particularly enjoyed the pieces on breaking out of dead-end writing jobs (like content mills) and overcoming the personal fears and excuses that keep writers from achieving their potential. I also love the links to related posts that appear at the end of each article; this is a great way to draw people on to more information. Visit Renegade Writer when you have time to sit down and immerse yourself in good advice!
- The Self Editing Blog, by John Marlowe
- http://www.selfeditingblog.com/
- It's great to find this truly awesome blog on the subject of grammar and a host of other topics that will help you improve and polish your writing skills. But this blog isn't just about grammar and punctuation; it also covers such topics as choosing good character names, avoiding bad endings, the misuse of coincidence, and much more.
- It's great to find this truly awesome blog on the subject of grammar and a host of other topics that will help you improve and polish your writing skills. But this blog isn't just about grammar and punctuation; it also covers such topics as choosing good character names, avoiding bad endings, the misuse of coincidence, and much more.
- Women of Mystery
- http://www.womenofmystery.net
- The list of topics covered by this blog, run by (as you can probably guess) women who write or who are devoted to mysteries, is so awesome it must be seen to be believed. It covers writing, reading, true-life crime and much more. A link of particular interest is their list of other writing blogs, at http://www.womenofmystery.net/2007/07/writers-who-blog.html
- The list of topics covered by this blog, run by (as you can probably guess) women who write or who are devoted to mysteries, is so awesome it must be seen to be believed. It covers writing, reading, true-life crime and much more. A link of particular interest is their list of other writing blogs, at http://www.womenofmystery.net/2007/07/writers-who-blog.html
- Write Now: The Writing Skills Blog
- http://www.writing-skills.com/blog/
- One look at the list of topics in the right column of this blog will tell you that you could spend a lot of time here and never get bored! With topics including such diverse subjects as advertising, conferences, grammar, jargon, language abuse, social media, pitches and proposals, plain English, style, and writing for the media, I was curious to see what actually might fall into "uncategorized." Answer: An excellent piece on why it is, in fact, OK to end a sentence with a preposition. The blog is also packed with entertaining quizzes. The only problem, for our American readers, is that this is a British site and focuses on correct British grammar and spellings, which are not, alas, always "correct" on the US side of the pond.
- One look at the list of topics in the right column of this blog will tell you that you could spend a lot of time here and never get bored! With topics including such diverse subjects as advertising, conferences, grammar, jargon, language abuse, social media, pitches and proposals, plain English, style, and writing for the media, I was curious to see what actually might fall into "uncategorized." Answer: An excellent piece on why it is, in fact, OK to end a sentence with a preposition. The blog is also packed with entertaining quizzes. The only problem, for our American readers, is that this is a British site and focuses on correct British grammar and spellings, which are not, alas, always "correct" on the US side of the pond.
- The Write Report: A Blog for the Informed Writer, by Donna Ballman
- http://writereport.blogspot.com/
- This blog covers legal issues for writers. It has a particular focus on how stories and TV shows get legal issues wrong -- but what keeps me coming back is the incredible number of news items that Ms. Ballman manages to pull together in every issue. If you want to know what's happening in the publishing industry, and especially on the legal side of the publishing industry, this site will keep you occupied for hours.
- This blog covers legal issues for writers. It has a particular focus on how stories and TV shows get legal issues wrong -- but what keeps me coming back is the incredible number of news items that Ms. Ballman manages to pull together in every issue. If you want to know what's happening in the publishing industry, and especially on the legal side of the publishing industry, this site will keep you occupied for hours.
- Writer's First Aid: A Medicine Chest of Hope, by Kristi Holl
- http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/
- Here's a wonderful blog that is designed for all of you who wonder, "why do I feel this way? Why do I do/not do this? Why is this so hard?" It's a realistic look at the writing life, and at the issues that keep us from writing, hinder our writing, or make us feel as if we have no chance of succeeding in our writing. It draws on quotes and tips from a variety of experts, and has a huge archive of topics. Just the thing when you're feeling blocked!
- Here's a wonderful blog that is designed for all of you who wonder, "why do I feel this way? Why do I do/not do this? Why is this so hard?" It's a realistic look at the writing life, and at the issues that keep us from writing, hinder our writing, or make us feel as if we have no chance of succeeding in our writing. It draws on quotes and tips from a variety of experts, and has a huge archive of topics. Just the thing when you're feeling blocked!
- WriteToDone, edited by Mary Jaksch
- http://writetodone.com
- Here's another blog packed with tips, inspiration and guidance, plus a nifty feature called "scene stealers" that provides a regular writing prompt. Like most blogs, this could use a more detailed navigation menu, but you can easily reach the different topical categories on the site, including: Art of Writing, Blogging, Copywriting, Creativity, Fiction, Freelancing, Scene Stealers, Uncategorized, and Writer's Toolbox. Loads of guest blog contributions, which keeps the content varied and interesting.
- Here's another blog packed with tips, inspiration and guidance, plus a nifty feature called "scene stealers" that provides a regular writing prompt. Like most blogs, this could use a more detailed navigation menu, but you can easily reach the different topical categories on the site, including: Art of Writing, Blogging, Copywriting, Creativity, Fiction, Freelancing, Scene Stealers, Uncategorized, and Writer's Toolbox. Loads of guest blog contributions, which keeps the content varied and interesting.
- Writers' Treasure: The Definitive Guide to Creative Writing Success
- http://www.writerstreasure.com/
- As the intro to this blog declares, "If you are looking for information on creative writing tips, search no more, for this blog gives plenty of tips and tricks away about fiction writing, poetry writing, creative nonfiction writing, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Check out our beginners’ guide to creative writing, Creative Writing 101, to learn more." So what makes it awesome? Well, it really is a treasure trove of information... and its host, Idrees Patel, is a truly awesome blogger -- at the time of this posting, he just turned 14!
- As the intro to this blog declares, "If you are looking for information on creative writing tips, search no more, for this blog gives plenty of tips and tricks away about fiction writing, poetry writing, creative nonfiction writing, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Check out our beginners’ guide to creative writing, Creative Writing 101, to learn more." So what makes it awesome? Well, it really is a treasure trove of information... and its host, Idrees Patel, is a truly awesome blogger -- at the time of this posting, he just turned 14!
- Writer Unboxed, by Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton
- http://writerunboxed.com
- Since this site has been named to Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for five years in a row, I figured it was time to take a look. It's a fascinating site packed with articles and interviews - dozens of author interviews and "industry" interviews with editors, agents, publishers, etc. My one quibble is that I'd like to see the author interviews focus more on tips than on "tell me about your latest book" -- but it's a small quibble. The authors (and contributors) have put in a truly awesome amount of work on this site!
- Since this site has been named to Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for five years in a row, I figured it was time to take a look. It's a fascinating site packed with articles and interviews - dozens of author interviews and "industry" interviews with editors, agents, publishers, etc. My one quibble is that I'd like to see the author interviews focus more on tips than on "tell me about your latest book" -- but it's a small quibble. The authors (and contributors) have put in a truly awesome amount of work on this site!
- Writing and Publishing News, by Patricia Fry
- http://www.matilijapress.com/publishingblog/
- This blog by Patricia Fry always makes me feel guilty - first, for never having enough time to read all the many, many articles here, and second, for not having anything near the incredible output of the author. Where does she find the time? If you want to find out ways to promote your book, this is as great place to start.
- This blog by Patricia Fry always makes me feel guilty - first, for never having enough time to read all the many, many articles here, and second, for not having anything near the incredible output of the author. Where does she find the time? If you want to find out ways to promote your book, this is as great place to start.
- WritingSpark.com, by Alicia Sparks
- http://writingspark.com/
There's loads of good stuff here; I particularly liked the article in the "advice" section on how to set up a weekly to-do list. In the October 2011, Alicia provides loads of links to free stuff for writers.
 Blogging All-in-One For Dummies |
 Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) |
 Create Your Own Blog |
 Creative Blogging |
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