Monday, November 29, 2010

Resources For Writers

I thought I might take a moment to link you all to some super resources I've used on the net for writing purposes. Some of them are exclusive to Paranormal. Some are more generic, so you should be able to find something helpful. I hope.

1. For naming my characters. Well sometimes I just KNOW. And the creepiest thing is that when I look up the meaning it generally works a little too well. But for those other characters, I use this site. I like it because you can search by letter, year of popularity, meaning, origin, etc. Just about anything.

2. For paranormal and fantasy research. When I'm looking for inspiration or just doing a little research, I like to use Monstropedia. I find it a great resource for both well known and not so well known creatures.

3. For tips on craft. I know you probably all know this one. But If you don't - where have you been?? Marissa and Martina have the most fabulous blog for writers on this planet. You'll find Adventures in Children's Publishing here. Now go visit.

4. Need Support? Have Questions? If you aren't a member of Verla Kay's Blueboards, you should be. Warning though, you can get lost over there, because there's so much to explore.

5. Obvious but imperative. Google. Okay, I know, right? But SERIOUSLY. If anything pops in my head. ANYTHING. I go to Google to search for it. Researching the geography of a town you've never been in? Google maps. Looking for visual inspiration? Google images.

6. If you write for children - teens. Then you must be a member of SCBWI. If you aren't, you are short changing yourself. And while you are there, make sure to take advantage of all of their resources because they are plentiful. That's where I learned everything about the business side of things when I started out. That's where I found my critique group. That's where I became active on the message boards and soaked up unbelievably useful information and other resources like a sponge. That's where I found the first conference I went to. That's where I took the workshop that taught me how to do this. Okay I'll stop. You get the idea.

So there are some of my favorites. How about you? What sites do you have to pass along?

15 comments:

  1. Lisa, including us in this list of resources is beyond amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you! And can I just say we love you back? Thanks for making us blush big time!

    M&M

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  2. We are so lucky to live in a day where information to help us along is so available at our fingertips! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Great list, Lisa. I google a lot when working on my wips. Fortunately I love research.

    I'm a member of the SCBWI, but I'll admit I don't visit the website very often. Mostly to check out and register for the LA conference (which I'm going to again next year). Once they changed to the amazing new website, I wasn't able to locate the message board.

    Absolute Write is another amazing resource. As is YALITCHAT.ORG (for YA writers).

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  4. Great list, Lisa. I agree with Stina on Absolute Write and would also add in QueryTracker.

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  5. M&M - Of course!!!

    Laura - I'd officially never leave the library if the internet wasn't available. And that would be bad, especially for the kids!

    Stina - I can't believe I didn't think of those! Nice additions.

    SP - Query Tracker is great too, I have to admit I haven't thought about those types of sites in about a year now, so I hadn't considered. But YES there are many resources out there for people searching for agents. Thanks!

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  6. These are great! Thank you for the links. I keep meaning to join SCBWI, I really need to, I know! I would add Scribblerati as a great social network for writers. I love it there!

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  7. Heather - Well you know my take on SCBWI!! I'll have to check out Scribblerati, I haven't done that yet.

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  8. Great resources! I found both my critique groups through SCBWI--it's an amazing organization. I Google on a daily basis but have to limit myself or I make up reasons to 'research' rather than write. :)

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  9. Kristi - it is way too easy to get lost

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  10. I get all emotional when I think of all the amazing people, solid gold information, and unparalleled inspiration SCBWI has given me. Awesome linkage Lisa. I'm hooked on Literary Rambles.

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  11. Lisa, an awesome list of resources. We found each other via SCBWI, thank goodness. It's nice to chat with other peeps who know what we're talking about!

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  12. With SCBWI I don't go on the message boards a lot but I did really enjoy the conference. I google ALL the time- yeah- research LOL. I also love Writer's Digest. I am going to have to check out the moster one

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  13. Bekah - Yeah love that monster one! Glad you liked the conference.

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