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Writer Resources
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items Whenever people find out that I'm an author who's had books published both by traditional publishing houses and indie routes, they usually have questions. Lots of them. So I decided to make a list of helpful resources that I've used along the way. En...
Sections
7
Writing Supplies
Books About Writing That I Love
Writing Organizations
Writing Podcasts
Just For Fun
Writing Retreats, Workshops, & Courses
Writing Supplies
Technically, all you need to write is a brain, paper, and pencil. But thankfully, there's a whole world of cute and fun writing stuff out there.
I've had this exact keyboard in hot pink for years now, and it is perfect for writing on-the-go (which is where I do a lot of my writing since I'm a busy mom). My little keyboard has been EVERYWHERE. It's perfect for travel, especially if you don't w...
Logitech Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard - Lavender Lemonade
Definitely a splurge, but I always have a journal at the ready to jot down thoughts and ideas. This Anthropologie one is gorgeous.
Omari Monogram Journal
I love Moleskine notebooks because of the quality. The paper is nice and thick, so no bleed-through, and the spine lays flat while still staying strong. A little pricey, but worth it if you fill it with awesome ideas (which obviously, you will).
Moleskine XL Notebook
Everybody gets stuck or needs help with writer's block. This dice set is such a fun, cute way to get your brain un-stuck and the words flowing again.
Writing Dice - Inspiration for creative writing / Overcome writer's block. Gift for writers, authors, teachers
I use the pomodoro method while I write (especially while I'm working on a first draft). Pomodoro method is basically working in timed sprints then taking short breaks. This timer is perfect for that. You can choose to turn the audible beep alarm off...
TIME TIMER Home MOD - 60 Minute Visual Timer
I've used an Erin Condren Life Planner for ten years now, and I love how comprehensive, yet simple it is. (They have quite a few minimalist styles as well if bright colors aren't your thing.) When juggling different manuscripts, deadlines, edits, soc...
Metallic Inspire LifePlanner™ | Erin Condren
I can't put into words how much I adore these erasable gel pens. They write smoothly, and they genuinely erase. Poof. Gone.
Pilot, FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Pack of 15, Assorted Colors
For everyday writing, I love these gel pens. Super smooth, even ink, and the barrel is nice and ergonomic.
Paper Mate® InkJoy® 700RT Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point, White Barrel, Black Ink, 12 Count
These notebooks have such a great motivational message, and I like spiral-bound because it lets you write on both sides more easily.
Only Zest 3-Pack Notebooks for Work, Cute Spiral Notebook 300 Pages 100 GSM (10.5" X 8”), Cute Notebooks for Women, Notebooks for note taking, Spiral Notebook Cute, Spiral Notebook Aesthetic (3 Pack)
My best ideas always seem to come when I'm either in the shower or ironing. Waterproof notepad? Yes, please.
Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad
Would I love to always have a tranquil, cozy cabin in the middle of a forest in which to write? Yes. Do I have two kids who run around like banshees with no mute buttons? Also yes. Enter noise-cancelling headphones.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling, Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone
This is my favorite background focus music to listen to while writing. It truly helps me to get into a flow state.
Focus Music
Books About Writing That I Love
Every writer is first and foremost a reader. Here are some that I recommend to others frequently.
One of my favorite books about the joys and challenges of the writing process. Reads like a novel with Stephen King's storytelling.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Fun, quick read with both broad and concrete advice and strategies for writing fiction, all in bite-sized sections. I find myself picking this book up and reading a bit for encouragement and inspiration often.
The Art of War for Writers: Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics, and Exercises by James Scott Bell
This entire series is so helpful as I'm figuring out a tricky scene or chapter. Whether you're a new writer trying to learn how to show and not tell or an experienced writer who's stuck, this is my go-to for getting inspiration and ideas.
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression (Writers Helping Writers Series Book 1) by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
This succinct classic should be on every writer's bookshelf, both for reference and as a refresher.
The Elements of Style: Fourth Edition by William Strunk and E.B. White
Yes, it's a weird title, but it makes sense after reading, I promise. Save the Cat is the best, most intuitive book on plotting that I've read. I've recommended it to so many writers, and they all swear by it as well. Technically, the book is geared ...
Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyder
This series is specifically geared toward helping authors play to their strengths. These are geared more to writers who've been writing for awhile and have hit the inevitable roadblocks that pop up. She focuses on quitting the things that aren't serv...
Dear Writer, You Need to Quit (QuitBooks for Writers Series Book 1) by Becca Syme
I love all of Joanna Penn's books for writers. She focuses on concrete, doable steps (like this one on productivity), but she also has an eye on living a sustainable writing life. This series is definitely worth a look, especially if you're indie pub...
Productivity For Authors: Find Time to Write, Organize your Author Life, and Decide what Really Matters (Creative Business Books for Writers and Authors) by Joanna Penn
While not expressly about writing, this excellent book by NYT reporter Charles Duhigg gives both the science behind the power of habit and excellent concrete ways to build habits, including writing.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Writing Organizations
From kid lit to mystery to genre fiction, connecting with other authors through a professional organization is a great way to learn and grow as a writer
SCBWI is the best organization to join if you write or illustrate for kids (picture book to young adult). They have resources geared toward everyone from beginners to long-time pros. They also have everything from local critique groups to large natio...
Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators - The Global Community for Children’s Book Creators
The Authors Guild is an organization for professional writers and offers several resources for advocacy and support.
The Authors Guild
Mystery Writers of America is another great organization with a stories (pun intended) history. The winners of their prestigious Edgar Awards are always at the top of my to-be-read pile.
Mystery Writers of America – Crime doesn’t pay… enough.
Specifically for science fiction and fantasy writers, SFWA is another great niche professional writing organization with resources for anyone from newbies to pros who are serious about their craft.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association
NINC is a great organization for professional authors. They have stricter membership criteria than other, larger organizations, but they offer a lot of great perks, and they have a wonderful annual conference that's small enough that you can network ...
NINC - Novelists, Inc.
The Alliance of Independent Authors is geared specifically toward indie or self-published authors.
The Alliance of Independent Authors - ALLi
QueryTracker was an awesome site to help me research and keep track of agent submissions when I was in the process of querying agents. Best part? It's free to use.
QueryTracker
I've participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for several years. It's a challenge where thousands of writers from around the world write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. It's a lot of fun, and if you, like me, are a slow ...
NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month
Writing Podcasts
I'm thankful for talented writers and editors who share their knowledge. I especially love to download podcasts to listen to while I'm traveling.
I mentioned Joanna Penn's books above, but she has a podcast that also offers excellent advice and interviews. Plus, her voice is so dang pleasant. I enjoy listening to it if for no other reason than that. lol
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
I've been using Mignon Fogarty's website for grammar checks when going through my manuscripts to check the nitpicky details. Her podcast is great as well, especially if you're interested in the why's and rules behind grammar. Her tips and tricks to r...
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Genre-wise and personality-wise, these two authors couldn't be more different (although I've read and enjoy both of their books). But they both bring heart, humor, and honesty to this podcast devoted to helping other writers learn from their mistakes...
Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers with Jami Albright and Sara Rosett
If you want to learn about and develop your natural strengths as a writer (and person), Becca Syme's content is wonderful.
QuitCast for Writers with Becca Syme
Just For Fun
I'm always on the lookout for funny writer gifts and cute bookish stuff that makes me smile.
Just saying.
Funny Writer Mug - Novelist Gift Idea - Author Present - Tears Of My Readers
I love, love, love this ornament. You can fill it with tiny versions of the books that you've published or with the favorite books you read during the year. The perfect bookish keepsake.
Yearly Custom Mini Book Ornament: Christmas Ornament, Book Lovers, Memory, Keepsake, Miniature Books, Dollhouse, Miniature, Custom Gift
This gift box would brighten any writer's day. :)
The Storyteller's Essentials Gift Box | Writer's Gift Box, Gifts for Writers, Writing Motivation Gift, Author Gift, Journalist Gift
Writing Retreats, Workshops, & Courses
Creative writing retreats, whether with a group or by myself, is my favorite activity. Structured retreats can be perfect opportunities to meet new writer friends, network with editors and agents, and just get a lot of words written. But I also love ...
Wordsmith offers several different options and levels of writing retreats and workshops (both in person and online) to hone your craft. I can't speak highly enough of both Beth Revis and Cristin Terrill, both talented authors with hearts for teaching...
Wordsmith Workshops | publish a novel
This was a fabulous course I took a few years ago to increase focus and productivity. I love that with Udemy I can go refresh myself on the content any time I want. She offers concrete, actionable steps that I was able to immediately implement.
Productivity Hacks for Writers (Writing Mastery) with Jessica Brody
If you write for kids, from picture books to YA, the Big Sur writing workshop from ABLA is amazing. I met some of my closest author friends at this workshop, when we were matched in critique groups, and the majority of them have gone on to be publish...
Big Sur Writing Workshops | Andrea Brown Literary Agency
I took Becca Syme's Write Better Faster class a few years ago, and it was so eye-opening to learn about my strengths and how to lean into them in my creative career. She also offers coaching services and has a podcast and YouTube channel.
Better-Faster Academy with Becca Syme
A writing retreat option on the east coast, in Pennsylvania
Barrelhouse Writer Camp
This is a bucket list retreat, one of the most established in the kidlit community, with the Highlights Foundation. Several friends have attended Highlights writing retreats and have had a refreshing, productive experience.
Retreat - Highlights Foundation
Nestled in the quaint and charming Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Writer's Colony offers a range of retreats and residency options for writers to recharge their creative batteries and focus on their craft.
The Writers' Colony at Dairy Hollow
Writing & Publishing Software
Along the way, I've discovered quite a few resources, apps, and software that helps the writing and publishing process go more smoothly.
While nothing beats a talented editor to make my story shine, Grammarly offers a great first-pass editing boost. They have a free option and then paid plans with more robust, comprehensive features to take you writing to its next level.
Grammarly:
Vellum is an incredibly intuitive software program that lets you create beautifully formatted ebooks and print files easily. I've used it for several years, and it's made my life so much easier. (At this time, it only works on Macs, though.)
Vellum
Vellum's new competition is Atticus, a similar program that works across various platforms, not just iOs. (Full disclosure: I haven't used Atticus because I already have Vellum and don't see any reason to change over, BUT I have always used a Mac, an...
Atticus