Writerly Resources

Until recently I didn't have much in my writers toolbox. I read a lot of books, I'm an English major, what else is there? I had the blinders on.

Then last month I had my eyes opened wide. There are so many things out there that I had no idea I needed!

Think of it like this: you up and decide to build a skyscraper. First you need to learn about architecture and physics and safety and costs. You need materials, you need to find people to help you, you need to get investors. If you went into building this skyscraper blindly you wouldn't get very far. It would be falling apart, dangerous and possibly the shortest "skyscraper" ever to bear the name.

Writing is the same. You need to do your research, you need support, you need practice.

Here is a list of resources that I couldn't do without.

Pub(lishing) Crawl

I randomly clicked on a link to this site and I am so glad I did. This is a blog about writing, books and the industry. The lovely ladies at the Pub are authors, agents, editors and book sellers. Every week day they dispense advice and insight and recommendations. An absolutley invaluable wealth of knowledge. Love love love.

Not For Robots by Laini Taylor

I credit this collection of essays with altering my mindset on writing. From brain storming, to drafting, to editing, to publishing its all covered here. Laini (one of my favorite authors/people I have never met but I will do anything to remedy that) describes everything in a way that absolutely sets my mind on fire. Ever read one of her books? Yeah, its more of that poetic majestic goodness. Her writing fills me with a burning need to write. Literary aphrodisiac???

YALitChat

Here is where support comes in. If you write YA, plan to do so or just really love YA you need to join this site. Whether you're looking for a critique partner, need help on a tricky scene, want information on contests or want to promote your blog its all here. I am really excited for the day I get to participate in some of their agent contests. Every one is really nice and helpful and super talented. Join up immediately!

Query Shark

Admittedly when I first discovered this blog I was scared out of my freaking mind! Who knew queries were so hard and met with such judgement? I sure was blind. But the more I read the better I felt about queries in general. People submit queries to be critiqued and are given chances to revise until its perfect. Being able to watch that progression really helps me wrap my mind around it. I'll no doubt be on this site an excessive amount when I write my first query.

Patrick Ness's "How To"

BOSS

If Laini's how to is a little too abstract for you or if you just want another opinion this has you covered. Ness is a genius award winning writer for adults, teenagers and children. He sets out the steps in a very logical and straightforward manner. When I saw that his daily writing goal is only 1000 words I felt relieved. It is always nice to know that the talented and successful people find it hard too right? His discussion of voice and pacing I also found very helpful. Another great tool.

On Writing by Stephen King

Okay, okay, I'll admit it: this is the only book on writing that I have read cover to cover. Eep. I know, I'm naughty like that. Come on guys its Stephen King! The literal king of our diverse literary world. Part of the reason I love this book so much is because its part memoir, his life was so interesting (he lived in the same town that I go to college!). The stories that relate to his writing and his journey to becoming Stephen Freaking King will connect with everyone. I take his advice very seriously. 

What are your favorite writerly resources? Is there something that completely changed your outlook on writing? What couldn't you do without?

Hello World!

Hey there. How you doing? What are you up to? Where you going? Got any plans for later?

Okay, okay. Focusing.

The Big Question: Why am I writing this blog?

What it really comes down to is my growing impatience with my life. I am essentially sick of putting things off until tomorrow or next week or next month. I want the things that I desire now. I don't want to hold back or play it safe or put my life in the hands of others. Life isn't slowing down; in fact I'm pretty sure someone just slammed the gas, I'm going to be 20 soon.

"Let the light in, let the light out" is a good explanation too. I would consider myself a classically shy person. I take awhile to warm up. I am overly cautious. A bit of a perfectionist too. This is bad combination for times when you need to grab life by the cojones if you will. So here I am grabbing life in the no-no zone and putting myself out there. I'm letting the world in and hoping that it draws me out.

The Medium Sized Question: What is this blog going to be about?

Two answers come to mind immediately: everything and I don't know. I am a somewhat serious person so I plan on getting deep but I am also a somewhat crazy/weird person so I also plan on having fun.

Here is a list of ideas:

1) Writing-where I am at with my own writing, what I'm learning, general musings
2) Reading-what I'm into, new discoveries and book reviews (very excited about creating conversations about good books, one of my favorite things!)
3) Health-body issues, weight and self-perception
4) In the Kitchen-food blogs, new recipes and inspiration
5) Entertainment-music, movies, TV, YouTube, you name it
6) Random!-anything wacky or hilarious or surprising

I like these ideas, I really do.

But you want to know the best part? I have no idea what I'm going to write or whose going to read it or where this all is going to take me.

I am so excited. The possibilities are as daunting as they are delicious.

The Little Question (or Big Question for You, Reader): What do you want out of a blog? How open do you expect a blogger to be? For you, what is lacking in the blogosphere?