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Resources for Writers

I've complied some resources (the vast majority being free or having useful free tiers) that I have found helpful on my author journey. I hope to update this page as I find more! If there are any other resources you like and want to share, please let me know.

Writing Craft

  • Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card

  • The Emotion Thesaurus: a Writer's Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

  • The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface by Donald Maass

  • Fight Write: How to Write Believable Fight Scenes by Carla Hoch

  • Revision and Self-Editing for Publication: Techniques for Transforming Your First Draft into a Novel That Sells​ by James Scott Bell

  • Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

  • The Writer's Guide to Weapons: A Practical Reference for Using Firearms and Knives in Fiction by Benjamin Sobieck

Inspiration

Tools

  • Abbie Emmons Immersive Writing Sprints: 2 hour sprinting sessions with built-in breaks and many moods to choose from

  • Aqua Notes: for when your shower thoughts are way more awesome than your memory

  • Autocrit: finds weak/overused words and grammatical issues; also has built-in thesaurus

  • Google Docs Voice Typing: under Tools > Voice Typing; it's not perfect but it's passable dictation when I can't look at a screen

  • OneLook Thesaurus and Reverse Dictionary: useful for finding related words when you don't have the one you want

  • Rainy Mood: write to the sound of rain

  • Word Counter: useful for finding overused words as well as phrases of 2 or 3 words

The Business of Being a Writer

  • Alliance of Independent Authors Self-Publishing Services Rating: useful for vetting companies that offer self-publishing services, though not comprehensive

  • Erin Phillips Resources: helpful information for planning book launches and thinking about marketing

  • Newsletter Ninja: lots of helpful information and advice for author newsletters

  • Self Publishing Checklist from Jane Friedman: a nice breakdown of what needs to be done to bring a finished book into the world, and approximately when

  • Self-Publisher's Legal Handbook: Updated Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Wallet by Helen Sedwick: because legal matters are important

  • Writer Beware: warnings on scams and sketchy happenings in the writing world, as well as advice on how to protect yourself

  • Your Book Your Brand by Dana Kaye: how to think about building an author brand

Images/Graphic Design

  • Canva: useful for aesthetics, graphics (there's even social media-specific templates), and book covers

  • DIY Book Covers: resources for book cover design plus a free 3D mock up generator

Research


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