Writing Resources: Where to look for writing advice?
A world of writing tips and tricks to dive into
There are many different resources for writers providing advice, guidance and tips to aid them on their writing journey. With an abundance of information available online, there is lots to sift through but used wisely and correctly, writing resources can strengthen your writing, help with plotting and story arcs and prepare you for your journey through the heart of the publishing.
Writing Publications
Publications which offer information for writers to improve their craft and write better usually cover specific topics such as pacing, plotting, writing a short story and writing in specific genres. Publications so tend to offer guidance in getting publisher whether traditionally published or self-publishing. Examples include:
Writers and Artists – Extension of Writers and Artists Handbook which provides an online community, articles on writing and publishing, Q and A’s, events, podcasts, videos and masterclasses.
Writing Magazine – Monthly magazine supporting writers at all levels and goals. The magazine includes interviews, writing advice, competitions and inspiration
Writer’s Digest – American magazine dedicated to supporting writers at all levels and covers information for writers in different genres and age groups.
Bookseller (UK)/ Publishers Weekly (USA) – Publishing trade magazine which offer lots of material on the world of publishing, can be used to keep up with right deals and what is going on in publishing
Writing Organisations
There are organisations who are dedicated to supporting writers on their writing journey, providing guidance and advice on contracts, writing craft and hosting events where writers can network with others. These organisation include:
Society of Authors – Dedicated to supporting writers of different avenues such as screenwriters and novelists for example in their writing goals
Society of Children’s Book Writers and illustrators- An international organisation dedicated to supporting writers of children literature
BookTrust – The UK’s largest children’s reading charity and is home of the BookTrust Represents, a project created to improve the representation of people of colour in children’s books
Spread the Word – London’s writing development agency who offers courses, articles and events which supports authors
WriteMentor – A community driven organisation which offers mentoring programs, workshops, conferences, awards and events in the realm of kid-lit
I Am In Print - Offers live online events with authors and publishing professionals as well as opportunities for writers to get feedback from agents in 121 sessions
Jericho Writers – Organisation dedicated to offering information and advice in the form of blogs, editorial assistance, webinars, courses and events to aspiring authors.
Editing Tools
Editing will make a good manuscript great and there are a variety of tools available such as Pro-Writing Aid and Hemingway Writer. I cover editing in a lot more detail on my post here.
Writing websites
There are many websites which offer guidance for writers to improve their writing craft and knowledge of publishing. Some examples include:
National Centre for Writing - Has numerous guides filled with tips on numerous topics such as character, world building and productivity
Creative Penn - offers blogs, videos and podcasts on writing, self-publishing and marketing
Jane Freidman – Jane is a leading expert in publishing who offers online classes as well as posting blogs on various topics such as getting published and marketing for authors
OpenLearn - Free learning resources such as articles, videos, courses and audio clips in creative writing
Reedsy - offers articles and web courses to the art of writing and publishing as well as a marketplace to find freelance editors, cover designers and marketers
On a final note, writing resources can be used to help to elevate and support writers. Follow the resources mentioned in this post on Twitter: these resources post a lot of tips and tricks to their social media. Keep up with them and read their articles on their websites.
What writing resources do you recommend? Please share in the comments section.
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— Davina Tijani (@dee_tijani)