Yes, but my refrigerator is clean
Writing Sites That Make Writing Right
Behold some of my favorite writing sites, to which I return again and again. Or they return to me, because many of them have newsletters with perky, pertinent writing advice and encouragement. Some have even published stuff I’ve written, but don’t hold that against them.
WriterUnboxed
One of the best, with its daily postings on craft, marketing, personal writing foibles, the publishing industry and much more, written by a splendid range of seasoned experts, newbies and specialists. Equally as helpful as the sound writing advice is the collective community of peers and writing chums, who share comments in the sandbox that are insightful and warm, but without too much mush. The spirit of the site is open, generous and deep. (And they’ve even let me post a few times, despite my hairdo.)
Jane Friedman
Friedman covers all things publishing, which is a lot of coverage. Tons of info on self-publishing and indies, with example best practices and how-tos. Her material ranges from good cover design to Amazon analytics (and speaking of Amazon, her information covers the industry practices as well). There are also guest posts on matters of craft for fiction and nonfiction writers alike. Her The Business of Being a Writer book is good too. She is on top of the latest writing-world developments—and offers clear interpretations from that peak.
The Creative Penn
An established thriller writer and writer of nonfiction books on writing subjects (many on self-publishing), Penn seems tireless, since she also puts out a great podcast on publishing matters. Good tools/resource lists on a spectrum of writing concerns. Much of her new stuff is on technology advances in writing, like the use of AI. Penn, who probably couldn’t stand still as a child, also has a travel and writing blog and podcast too. Do check out her free Author 2.0 Blueprint book.
Funds for Writers
No, they aren’t just going to dole out dough to you, you underfunded writer you—I already asked. But the free newsletter lists lots of writing grants and retreats, writing contests, job markets and guest columns on writing, both fiction and non. Hope Clark, the author of many mystery novels (I’ve read several: recommended!) who runs the joint, is tough and charming at the same time. Her column is personal, sometimes blunt, and always worth the read.
Make a Living Writing
Carol Tice is a long-time freelancer and author who is the brains behind the great Make a Living Writing blog. She founded the equally great Freelance Writers Den, which is a rich resource for support and education for all levels of freelancers. She knows her stuff—and is willing to share.
Steven Pressfield
Mr. Pressfield gives you frank discussions on writing foibles and follies, from a guy who made “The Resistance” mean more than just rolling your eyes at the previous administration’s White House. Pressfield is a novelist and nonfiction writer who writes with succinct zing on what keeps us from writing, and how to wipe the cobwebs off your keyboard and get going.
K. M. Weiland
Weiland, writer of speculative fiction and nonfiction writing guides, gives solid advice on pretty much every brick in the writing castle, from outlining, to writing scenes, to understanding the differences between plot and theme to every little way a character can wiggle. (And I have to say, “and much more,” because there really is a lot more on her site as well.)
Peter Bowerman
Another great writer, strong writer’s counselor, and also a great guy, one whom I’ve had the pleasure to meet in person. His The Well-Fed Writer and The Well-Fed Self-Publisher are solid books on the freelancing life.
Tim Grahl
Grahl has a series of great (free) book launch posts and marketing lessons (like setting up an effective mailing list). And check out his good Your First 1000 Copies: The Step-by-Step Guide to Marketing Your Book
These guys help writers get unstuck. As for my thoughts, just start. Start anywhere, start with random words, start with a single sentence. Type and ye shall be free.
Linking for Thinking
Continuing the "make your inner and outer worlds better places" theme of these curated links, here are the latest. May some of these articles provide some sense of solace and self-care.
I had planned to mix good writing articles along with the self-care sauce, but since this post was about favorite writing sites, you'll see a bunch there. And speaking of those sites, a couple of my recent articles from two of them are on top here, as well as an interview of mine.
Write a book? Seems impossible. Write a book in half-hour increments, watching and working your progress over time? Seems possible. Quite. Published on one of my favorite writing/publishing info sites (see above), Jane Friedman, in September 2022.
How to use Scrivener’s extensive organizational tools to reduce the complexities of writing a book. Sift, sort, shake out—works for writing recipes of all kinds. Scroll down a bit on the newsletter to get to my tale. Published on the always helpful (see above) Funds for Writers in September 2022.
I discuss the incremental method by which I wrote my shoplifting memoir, the work on another memoir about my 30+ years of crazy (and it was crazy) correspondence with the Jack Daniel's distillery, and writing in the sweet confines of my '66 Airstream. Look for the Sept. 21 episode.
Acts of kindness have a bigger impact on well-being than you think, according to new research
"And generosity can be contagious, because it was found that after receiving an act of kindness, people were more likely to share the love and return the kindness to someone else."
How to tell a compelling story to motivate others
"According to neuroscience studies, stories have a remarkable ability to change our thinking, for example by demonstrating how our minds literally sync with each other as we hear a story."
The Only Life Advice You Need, in Less Than 2 Minutes
"Success may require some luck, but it’s never an accident. Your life is what you do (or don’t do) every day."
25 HARD things you can do to gain ‘unfair’ leverage in life
"Do the thing you fear. Identify that thing you know you need to do. You know what it is. Go there."
