Resources for Writers
I cannot recommend too highly how important it is to study the craft of writing. While the art of writing might be inborn, learning to write well takes study and practice. No matter how experienced I become, I continue to attempt to improve my work through diligent study.
If that sounds too academic (I was, after all, an academic for many years), please know that learning to improve in work you love seems like no work to me.
Here are some of my favorite books, magazines, organizations, and other resources I recommend for writers.
Books For all writers:
- The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron
- Seven Steps on the Writer's Path, Nancy Pickard & Lynn Lott
General books for the novel writer:- Story, Robert McKee
- Write Away, Elizabeth George
- Novelist's Essential Guide to Creating Plot, J. Madison Davis
- Novelist's Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes, Raymond Obstfeld
- The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life, Noah Lukeman
- The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile, Noah Lukeman
- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne & Dave King
For mystery writers:- Writing a Mystery, G. Miki Hayden
- The Elements of Mystery Fiction, William G. Tapply
- The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery, Robert J. Ray & Jack Remick
- How to Write a Mystery, Larry Beinhart
Magazines
I recommend Writer's Digest and The Writer as the best general magazines for writers of all genres. I never fail to find more than one article of specific help to me in each issue, and I often copy articles to keep, reviewing them as I work.
Organizations
Whatever area of writing interests you, an organization exists to help you learn, link with others in your field, and provide invaluable access to agents and publishers. In fact, I found my publisher through the newsletter from a writers organization.
Here are some for mystery writers:
Sisters in Crime, an international organizational of more than 3000 women who write mysteries. I'm currently secretary on their board of directors. Their quarterly newsletter, InSinc, is full of useful information. Check out their 48 chapters in the U. S., Canada, and Germany; one might be near you.
Mystery Writers of America serves all writers of mystery fiction although only writers published in the mystery genre can be full members. Others can join as associates, and all members receive The 3rd Degree, their newsletter published 10 times a year.
Other Resources
I highly recommend the University of Iowa's Summer Writing Festival. More than 100 weeklong and weekend classes are offered every summer and include workshops on fiction and non-fiction writing as well as specific aspects of the craft. Additionally, you spend your time with others who are as passionate about writing as you are. It's an experience that can't be beat.
Robert McKee’s Story Seminars available in New York, LA, and other sites. This is a 3-day intensive course that taught me all that I didn’t know about fiction writing—and that after I’d had two books published! McKee has taught top screenwriters, producers, and novelists as you can see from his website: www.mckeestory.com This course is the best investment in your writing career that I can suggest!
Another recommendation for writers who expect to do public appearances to promote their work is to join a local chapter of Toastmasters International. You gain experience speaking, both extemporaneously and in prepared speeches, to a supportive audience while becoming more confident in your presentations. With numerous meetings in every locale, you can find one that you enjoy and that fits your schedule.
Finally, I will share with you what one published author told me: the secret of success is persistence, persistence, persistence. To his advice, I add: persistence in learning your craft, persistence in accepting criticism, and persistence in getting your work out there.
My Articles
Here is one article I've written on promoting your work. I'll have more articles for you in a few months, right after I finish the next Monika Everhardt mystery!
