Valuable resources are a writer’s best friend. Naturally, craft books rank high on the list of a writer’s go-to resources, but websites, social media accounts, podcasts, and other writerly tools are just as important. There are seemingly infinite options available, but I count several resources as my favorites, the ones I find myself seeking out time and again. Without further ado, here are my top ten resources for writers, in no particular order:
The Write Conversation Blog
TheWriteConversation.blogspot.com
Author Edie Melson’s blog is full of publishing and writing advice, penned by Melson and numerous guest bloggers. The blog is written from a Christian point of view, which I appreciate as an inspirational fiction writer, and the wisdom is top-notch.
The BRMCWC Blog
I’ve mentioned the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference many times on my blog. The annual conference is a fantastic resource for writers in every part of their journey. The complementary blog is another excellent resource written by countless guest bloggers offering tips, insight, and inspiration for every writer, genre, and level of writer with a strong dose of inspiration to boot.
Writer’s Digest, both the print magazine and the website
The preeminent resource for writers—both beginning and established—Writer’s Digest is a monthly magazine that has been around more than 100 years. In addition to the periodical, the website offers numerous articles and classes, as well as interviews, free downloads, and information on conferences and contests. WD is a rich resource for writers of long- and short-form fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and scripts.
Your Best Writing Life Podcast and Facebook Group
blueridgeconference.com/podcast/
This weekly podcast is another auxiliary resource of the BRMCWC conference. The show offers tips and strategies for beginner to bestselling writers from industry experts in writing, publishing, and marketing. Again, the host and guest are usually presenting from a Christian POV, which encourages writers to see their call as a higher purpose. And I could listen to host Linda Goldfarb engage with her guests all day long; she’s a gem.
Scrivener
A writing software that’s perfect for organizing all writing projects, Scrivener is an affordable, easy-to-use tool, once users traverse the learning curve. Scrivener’s a great option for drafting manuscripts, tracking blog posts, and managing edits.
Writers Helping Writers Descriptive Thesaurus Guides by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
Ackerman and Puglisi have a website in addition to ten resource books featuring description tools for Occupations, Settings, Emotions, Emotional Wounds, Personality Traits, Conflict, and more. The books help writers develop their show-don’t-tell skills and learn to write in layers. I’ve not spent a lot of time on the website, but I use the books on my shelves often. They are fantastic tools!
Jane Friedman
Jane Friedman is a trusted name in publishing, one of the foremost experts in the industry today. She has 25+ years in the industry but is known for keeping her finger on the pulse of the ever-changing world of publishing. Her website offers both free and paid resources, including a multi-author blog, newsletter options, and courses.
Author Media
Author Media is a multi-prong approach to help authors build platform, market their books, and impact the world with their writing. The business offers a weekly podcast, a weekly blog and email, and a social networking site specifically for writers—all for free. Author Media also offers next-level paid resources, as well.
The Writing Gals Facebook Group
Founded by four indie sweet, clean romance authors, the community educates, encourages, and motivates members on their writing journeys. The robust social media group is open to all writers in all genres. TWG is now run by just two of the four original members, but the Facebook group is still a great resource. TWG also has a YouTube channel, but I personally haven’t checked it out.
Writer’s Detective Bureau Podcast
Because I am write some romantic suspense, nailing the law enforcement details is crucial. The Writer’s Detective Bureau is an excellent podcast hosted by a former longtime police detective turned author fielding any and all questions related to criminal investigation and police work. I’m also a member of the Facebook Q&A group, where writers can post questions and requests for feedback from both experts and fellow group members.
The writing and publishing world is full of excellent tools to help writers improve their craft, navigate the publishing industry, and learn how to market their work. These ten resources happen to be my current favorites. Writer friends, what about you? Do you find any of these resources valuable? Are there any you use regularly that I didn’t list?
Great resources! Thank you Laura.
I’m glad you found them helpful, Lindy!