Writers’ Resources
Over time, I came across quite a few websites for aspiring writers. Some of them I bookmarked, so I thought I’d share my collection (all external links).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT OpenCourseWare: free undergraduate writing courses online. Course topics include everything from writing fiction, poems and essays to analyzing all forms of literature. No registration is required.
The Open University
This unit will give you an insight into how writers create characters and settings.
College of DuPage
Listen (podcast) to introductions of elements of poetry through reading, analysis and discussion.
Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
Free online course from an author for aspiring writers.
Podcasts for Writers:
- I Should Be Writing — The podcast covers writing’s daily challenges, from brainstorming to outlining, self-publishing, or writing queries.
- Creative Writing Podcast — The Podcast at AmericanWriters.com is designed to help writers of all levels create better fiction.
- Grammar Girl — Quick and dirty tips for better writing. Nothing boring about grammar in this podcast; definitly fun and worthwhile listening to.
Writing Conflict:
Creating Conflict and Sustaining Suspense
What is Conflict
How to Write Conflict
Conflict in the Romance Novel
Conflict
Emotional Conflict in Romance
Write Conflict, eHarlequin
Expanding your Conflict
Creating Characters:
Character Building Workshop
Create Characters
Creating Interesting Original Characters
Developing an Original Character
Wonderfully Wicked Villains
Creating a Character Sheet
Creating Memorable Characters
Creating Real Characters
Fiction Writer’s Character Chart
Crafting Plot and Structure:
The Elements of Plot Development
The Basic Three Act Structure
Using Index Cards to Plot a Novel
Plotting your Novel
What is Plot, Anyway?
Fiction Writing - Plot
The Hero’s Journey Pattern
The 20 Plots
A Novel in Three Acts
Write It Now (Motivation):
Motivation and Writer’s Block
Set Goals to Write Your Novel
Motivation for Maxed-Out Writers
Writing Prompts
Increase Motivation
Editing:
The Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr.
How To Bring Your Novel Alive
5 Simple Self-editing Tips
How To Edit Your Own Writing
Self-Editing
Self-Editing and Revising
Ten Mistakes Writers don’t See
How many literary agents does it take to change a lightbulb?
Agent/Editor Blogs:
BookEnds LLC
Editorial Ass
Fine Print
Janet Reid
Lit Soup
Miss Snark
Nathan Bransford
Pub Rants
How to Write a Query
Write a Successful Query
How to Write a Synopsis
How to Write a Synopsis
Mastering the Dreaded Synopsis
How to Write a Query Letter
Query Shark
Format a Manuscript:
How to Format a Manuscript
Proper Manuscript Format
Writer Forums:
Absolute Write
Romance Divas Forum
Advice from Stephen King
Fiction Writers’ Organizations:
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
Romance Writers of America
Horror Writers Association
Mystery Writers of America
Western Writers of America
National Writers Union
Authors Guild
Writers Guild of America
Misc.
