Tuesday Tip: Three general resource websites (Part 2)

Are you feeling stuck in your writing? If you'd like some websites for general resources, here are a few sites to  check out: 


1. The Internet Archive: This site is the ultimate site for research. It's a non-profit library which includes free movies, books, music, websites, and more. There's so much to learn on this site.

2. Grammarly: This site offers a free web browser extension that can help when self-editing your work. The blog and social media accounts offer tips, facts, and other advice for writers.They have a YouTube channel, as well.


3. Canva: If you need to design an ad, book cover, or meme and want some assistance, then this site is for  you. It offers a number of free templates and photos. There's a paid version available, and you can upload your own images, as well.

Tuesday Tip: Three general resource websites (Part 1)

Are you feeling stuck in your writing? If you're looking for some general resource websites, here are a few sites to  check out: 


1. Behind the Name: Creating names for your characters can be challenging. This search engine can help find various names based on history, location, or meaning.


2. Publishing ... And Other Forms of Insanity: Author Erica Verrillo collects and reports on opportunities for writers, including which publishers are accepting unagented submissions, hot markets, free writing contests, and more.

3. U.S. Copyright Office: This site can answer your questions about copyright law. You can also learn how to register your work, what's protected, and more. There's a helpful FAQ section.

Tuesday Tip: Websites about agents (part three)

Welcome to the final set of websites pertaining to agents. I hope you have found them useful.

• Manuscript Wish List (http://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/): This is the website for Twitter's popular #Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL). There is an easy-to-search database of agents, each with a detailed bio page with what they're seeking and how to submit.

• Pub Rants (http://nelsonagency.com/pub-rants/): Kristin Nelson has politely ranted about the ins and outs of the publishing industry for years. Her site explains contracts and negotiations and how to succeed at queries.

• QUERYTRACKER (https://querytracker.net/): This contains a searchable database of literary agents and publishers' response times and preferences. You can use this site to keep track of when and where you've queried, as well.

Tuesday Tip: Websites about agents (part two)

Welcome to part two of websites pertaining to agents. As there are a number of useful sites, there will be one more post on this topic in two weeks.

• Rachelle Gardner (http://www.rachellegardner.com/): Rachelle is an agent, editor, and publishing coach. She has a well-organized archive of posts covering a wide variety of topics (from blogging to publishing).

• Bent on Books (http://jennybent.blogspot.com/): Jenny Bent shares resources on marketing and working with an agent. She has an Agents' Wishlist tab for a monthly update on what her colleagues are currently looking for.

• Janet Reid, Literary Agent (http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/): Janet is a longtime literary agent. She offers advice on pitching, querying, and revising. She has a checklist and FAQ section which are useful for anyone pitching a book.

Tuesday Tip: Websites about agents (part one)

This week, I want to highlight some websites which may be useful resources for those of you who are searching for an agent. There are a lot of good websites, so this is just three of them. I'll list more in upcoming posts.

• Between the Lines (http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/): The agents at Books & Such Literary Management blog about a variety of topics (from platforms and branding to working with an editor and finding your writing routine). Their posts offer inspiration and encouragement.

• Bookends Literary Agency Blog (http://bookendsliterary.com/category/blog/): This site is full of tips on perfecting submissions and figuring out how agents communicate. It's useful for writers at the submission stage. 

• Red Sofa Literary (https://redsofaliterary.com/): Agent Dawn Frederick shares clients' success stories as well as her best advice. There are numerous guest posts from authors and agents.

Tuesday Tip: Online Writing Communities

This week, I want to highlight some online writing communities which may be useful resources. There are many of them, so I'm only listing three this week.

• Figment (http://figment.com/): This site was founded by two former staff members of the New Yorker. This is a place where writers can share their stories or poems, as well as collaborate with others and receive critiques. There is also a chat section available where you can ask questions of industry professionals.

• StoryADay (http://storyaday.org/): This is a site to promote creativity, and there are challenges to write a short story every day for a month. Accountability groups and the option to subscribe to a podcast are also available.

• WritersNet (http://www.writers.net/): This is a place where you can find directories of writers, editors, publishers, and agents organized by industry. 

Tuesday Tip: Websites for Mystery/Crime Writers

This week, I want to highlight some websites which may be useful resources for those of you who write mystery/crime stories.

• Jungle Red Writers (http://www.jungleredwriters.com/): This site  has daily chats about suspense writing from eight crime fiction writers. There is a lot to investigate on this site.

• Elizabeth Spann Craig (http://elizabethspanncraig.com/): This is the site of a bestselling cozy mystery author. She offers advice on topics such as publishing, motivation, and self-publishing.

• Miss Demeanors (https://www.missdemeanors.com/): This set features six suspense and mystery authors who share advice on writing, research, reading, and much more. 

Tuesday Tip: Websites for Fantasy/Science Fiction Writers

This week, I want to highlight some websites which may be useful resources for those of you who write fantasy or science fiction.

• Mythcreants (https://mythcreants.com/): This site delves into the inner workings of spec fiction. There are daily blog posts, podcasts, and other items which share techniques in world-building, characterization, and writing, in general, which can be applied to your stories.

• Fantasy Author's Handbook (http://www.writersdigest.com/prompts): This site features Philip Athans, the New York Times bestselling author, editor, and writing coach. He offers practical writing advice with weekly blog posts and through his Twitter account.

• Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (http://www.sfwa.org/): This site offers numerous free resources for the craft, queries, and publishing tips. There is a fee to access some information, and you must meet certain eligibility requirements (such as being published in the genre).

Tuesday Tip: "Just Write" (book recommendation)

I'm doing something a bit different today for "Tuesday Tip."  I'm posting information about a book which might be one to add to your writing resources. It would be beneficial for beginning and veteran authors.

Book blurb (per Amazon)...

Enthrall your readers, love the process, and become the writer you are meant to be!

Writers are given a wealth of opportunities to cultivate a successful writing life, break out, and find an audience for their work. Yet so many writers, from beginners to veterans, find their careers stuck in neutral.

The solution is simple: Just write. Write yourself past fears, doubts, and setbacks, and use your desire for writing excellence to deeply immerse yourself in the craft.

In Just Write, best-selling author and veteran writing coach James Scott Bell shows you how to develop unforgettable stories while leading a rewarding writing life. You'll learn how to master the nuances of fiction, discover what readers really want, and persevere through the challenges of getting started, conquering writers block, and dealing with rejection.  Look inside to discover how to:

• Brainstorm new concepts for your fiction and develop a believable premise.
• Create memorable characters that keep your readers coming back for more.
• Study classic and contemporary novels to improve your writing.
• Manage your time to maintain peak efficiency.

Fulfilling writing careers are developed through hard work, an investment in practice, and complete dedication to the process. Don't succumb to excuses or procrastination. Dive into your career with gusto and enthusiasm.  Fall in love with writing every day.

Amazon link for purchase...

http://amzn.to/2llvC1O