Inspiration
- Have High Expectations for Yourself [There Are No Rules] Love this: Go after what you want, or fail and become the wiser for it.
- Writing Rituals, Secrets, and Superstitions, Part I [The Divining Wand] Seven writers share their secrets to success.
- Finding Your Way Back From The Depths -- Christine Fonseca [Lightning + Lightning Bugs - Musings from Weronika Janczuk, Literary Agent] Seven lessons to help writers beat the fear of not being good enough.
- Writer Milestones: THE ELITE REQUEST!!! [Justine Dell] Putting the steps in perspective.
- How to Turn 'F-It' Into 'Effort' -- Kaitlyn Fall [Lightning + Lightning Bugs - Musings from Weronika Janczuk, Literary Agent] Ways to stay motivated.
- The 2 Ways Writing Keeps You Off the Streets & Out of the Bars [A. Victoria Mixon, Editor] With a title like this, you've gotta read it.
- Storytelling Techniques With Clare Edwards [The Creative Penn] 'Once you’re clear on the why, you can start to add the building blocks.'
- Justine's Writing Epiphany ... It's a BIG one! [Justine Dell] Remember the REAL reason you're doing this.
- What Are You Afraid Of? [Between Fact and Fiction] Get over it & get writing!
- What if You Think Your Fiction is Crap? [Advanced Fiction Writing Blog] Every writer faces this question.
- Simple Advice, Hard to Follow [Kidlit.com] 'Spare yourself the paralyzing anxiety of the ticking clock.'
- Eight Writing Lessons from Larsson [James Killick's Blog] 'If your story is that good, you can tell it how you want.'
- Tip Tuesday #70 [Literary Rambles] Love it- a look in the rearview does a writer good!
- Guest Post: G. Neri on Beginning the Journey to a Finished Novel [CYNSATIONS] Some of the best advice we've seen on crafting a novel.
- 7 Things I've Learned So Far, by Mark Mustian [Guide to Literary Agents] Great advice, from how to sign a book to trusting the experts.
- 10 Writing Resolutions You Can Fulfill [Wordplay: Helping Writers Become Authors] Love this post!
- Effective Goal Setting for Writers [WOW! Women On Writing Blog] Set your long-term goal, and then break it down.
- Writer, Interrupted [Pimp My Novel] Have more in your life besides writing? You're lucky.
- Pathway to Becoming a Bestselling Author [QueryTracker.net] It's a two-way circle.
- 7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Danica Davidson [Guide to Literary Agents] Giving up is not an option.
- Jane Smiley's advice for writers [Jacket Copy] We love any tips that include candy and naps!
- New Year's Resolutions [Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent] Use adjectives instead of nouns & verbs to set your goals for next year.
- 3 Things to Do While Querying [Let The Words Flow » 3 Things to Do While Querying] How to keep yourself occupied while waiting for The Call.
- Experiences--Or, Why I Took Anatomy Class [As the Plot Thickens] Why it's so fun to be a writer.
- Quick Writing Reminder: Concept vs Character [Hey, There's A Dead Guy in the Living Room] Does a yes or no question drive your character?
- First Vs. Third: Point of View and Character Development [The Other Side of the Story] A solid POV gives you the freedom to let the character shine.
- Deepening Your Character’s Needs [QueryTracker.net] An EXCELLENT post from Stina Lindenblatt!
- Tension On Every Page [The Sharp Angle] The difference between a book and a great book.
- Point of View: A Cheat Sheet [iggi & gabi] A comprehensive primer, menu style.
- Aaron Sorkin on the theme of what you write [Time to Write] Stick to intention and obstacles.
- Biography of an Emotion Thesaurus [The Bookshelf Muse] Have you tried this fabulous resource from @AngelaAckerman?
- T3 - Character Motivations, Part 2 [The Character Therapist] The need for affiliation. Is your mc social?
- Creating Monsters with N. R. Williams [Where Fantasy and Love Take Flight] Invent something new instead of reworking old creatures.
- What’s Your Favorite Writing Lesson? [Jami Gold, Paranormal Author] Read to learn and think about what you've read.
- Make Minor Characters Count [Wordplay: Helping Writers Become Authors]
- More Thoughts on Using Lists to Write [Mystery Writing is Murder] Lists can help with research, plot holes, and more.
- Creating Unforgettable Settings, Part 3 [The Bookshelf Muse] Enrich your setting with these awesome tips.
- Ways to go from Plod to Plot [.W.I.P. It] How to keep your readers from boredom and frustration.
- Tip Tuesday #71 [Literary Rambles]
- How to let a scene write itself [James Killick's Blog] 'A scene is all about what's happening.'
- How to Dish Out Backstory in Digestible Bites [* Fiction Groupie *] 'Think like a screenwriter.'
- Writing Tips to Tighten Your Process [WOW! Women On Writing Blog] 5 strong pieces of advice (and a bonus!).
- Plot or Consequences: Using Your Premise to Create Plot [The Other Side of the Story] Do you apply the broader aspects of your premise to your stories?
- Creating Tension (in any genre) [Dark Angel Fiction Writing] Hesitation, repetition, brevity, and other tools.
- Changing Format to Increase Impact [The Sharp Angle] Terrific post with concrete examples.
- A Bit on Emotional Structure [Anna Staniszewski] Focus on what the character knows (or doesn’t know) and what she fears.
- Suturing: Making Our Readers One With the Story [Author, Jody Hedlund] How to join your reader and your character.
- Speaking of Climax [Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers] 'Watch how and where you end your story.'
- Picture book Dummy Challenge [Inkygirl.com: Daily Diversions For Writers - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi] 25 weeks to put together your PB dummy.
- What Tickles Your Fancy? [Creepy Query Girl] Are you a plotter or pantser?
- Don’t Get Caught Making These POV Violations, Guest Post by Diane O’Connell [WOW! Women On Writing Blog] 10 major no-nos to avoid.
- Let's Get Ready to Write! Researching Your Novel: Setting [The Other Side of the Story] 'Let your research guide you, but not control you.'
- STOP RESEARCHING [Help! I Need a Publisher!] Write the book, research later.
- Creating Unforgettable Settings [The Bookshelf Muse] Fabulous post on the power of setting.
- Pacing - Keeping it Consistent [Babbles from Scott Eagan] Move your story at the right speed at the right time.
- On Coincidence [edittorrent] Coincidences must complicate your plot.
- How to Bring Adjectives to Life [Wordplay: Helping Writers Become Authors] Take the time to show intimate details.
- If I Write a Book: Your Feedback [There Are No Rules] Should you ignore writing advice?
- Writer's Laryngitis - Getting Your Voice Back Again [Babbles from Scott Eagan] Your story needs more than just words. It needs personality too.
- Golden Oldie: Pondering the Prologue [The Other Side of the Story] Should you keep or kill your intro?
- 7 Reasons Weather Is a Writer's Friend [Wordplay: Helping Writers Become Authors] Do you use rain, snow, & sunshine effectively in your writing?
- Stocking Stuffers for Writers: World Building [The Bookshelf Muse] How well do you know the new world you're creating?
- Appositives: Quick Lesson From the Style Guide [edittorrent] Good explanation!
- Six Things I Wish I’d Known When I Was Writing My First Novel -- Krista Van Dolzer [Lightning + Lightning Bugs - Musings from Weronika Janczuk, Literary Agent] Read these BEFORE you decide your ms is done.
- What Are Editors For? [The Blood-Red Pencil] Five steps to better self-editing.
- Are These Filter Words Weakening Your Fiction? [Write It Sideways] Comprehensive explanation of a common writing mistake.
- 5 Essential Tips on Self-Editing from Catherine Ryan Hyde [Anne R. Allen's Blog] How to see your blind spots.
- Love Your Dictionary [edittorrent] This resource goes beyond spelling and definitions.
- 10 Tests to Prove Your Manuscript is Ready for Submission [Ingrid's Notes] Do you pass?
- Deadlines Are Meant to be Broken [WOW! Women On Writing Blog] Make life easier & your writing better with an orange deadline.
- Editing and Proofreading Tips – 5 Ways to Proofread Your Writing [Quips and Tips for Successful Writers] Proofreading, editing, and revising are the keys to great writing.
- Most Common Mistakes Series: Are You Using “There” as a Crutch? [Wordplay: Helping Writers Become Authors] It’s being used to hold up a weak and passive sentence.
- Re-Write Wednesday: Is it me? Putting Critiques to Good Use [The Other Side of the Story] How to evaluate, cope with, and apply tough crits.
- Got Ego? [All about them words] Love it: Believe in yourself even when others don't.
- Naked Writers [Julie Musil] The benefits of letting it all hang out.
- Cool Down Time: Handling Criticism Effectively [QueryTracker.net] 5 sound tips for receiving feedback and making the most of it.
- On Critiquing—When to Offer Suggestions [Mystery Writing is Murder] The pros and cons of speaking up, or holding back.
Congrats!
- ROBIN MELLOM THE CLASSROOM TO DISNEY-HYPERION [Jill Corcoran Books] Conrats to Robin Mellom and Jill Corcoran for the 4-book, 6-figure MG deal!
- My Next Project [Crowe's Nest] Congrats to Kristen Tracy on the release of The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter!
- Moving on [Magical Words] Congrats to Faith Hunter for the NYT list debut of Mercy Blade!
- Ah the Memories [Paranormal Point of View] Congrats and thanks to @LisaGailGreen for a YEAR of entertaining, generous, and imaginative blogging!
- lists, links, and frequently asked questions [allyson condie] Two more top honors for MATCHED! Congrats to Allyson Condie!
- Happy Dance! [Kody's Blog] THE DUFF has been selected as a YALSA Quick Picks Top Ten!
- Wonderful News! [The Other Side of the Story] The Pain Merchants is up for 2011 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize!
- A post in which I announce.... [T. Anne Adams] T. Anne signs with Rachelle Gardner! Woot!
- DOGSLED DREAMS released! [TerryLynnJohnson] Congrats, Terry!
- How I Got My Agent: Michael K. Reynolds [Guide to Literary Agents] A lesson in humility.
- Pitch Your Work at the Writer's Digest Conference [There Are No Rules] Missed the memo? Here's a final op to register!
- A Blast From The Past: Ask Daphne Archives [kt literary] An agent who loves your book is more important than one who loves the category of book you write.
- Agent Spotlight: Joan Slattery [Literary Rambles] Looking for MG and YA for "one of the most voracious and memorable years of reading: sixth grade."
- Agent Advice: Bree Ogden of Martin Literary Management [Guide to Literary Agents] Likes darker plots, dystopian, and new, unique supernatural elements.
- Intern Tips: The Query Edition [Let The Words Flow] What not to put in your query: twenty solid tips.
- Successful Queries: Agent Catherine Drayton and ''The Liar Society'' [Guide to Literary Agents] A must-read! Very cool.
- How Many Picture Books Should I Query? [Kidlit.com] Being selective should guide how many queries you submit.
- Query Letters--Shannon Style (Part Two: Hooks) [Shannon Whitney Messenger] Tips for crafting that killer sentence.
- Checklist for Submitting [Buried in the Slush Pile] An exhaustive list for crossing your t's and dotting your i's.
- New Agent Alert: Kimberly Perel of Wendy Sherman Associates [Guide to Literary Agents] She seeks voice-driven fiction and true-to-life characters.
- Three Tips To Writing A Better Book Proposal [BubbleCow] Keep it simple.
- Is the Query System Dying? [Author, Jody Hedlund] Some tips on making the system work for you.
- Agent Advice: Melissa Sarver of Elizabeth Kaplan Literary Agency [Guide to Literary Agents] Write because you can't do anything else.
- How Much to Sell Yourself? [Kidlit.com] Be confident, not bombastic.
- Chris Richman Agent at Upstart Crow Literary [Market My Words] Focusing exclusively on MG & YA.
- How Much Negotiation Is There With Contracts [Babbles from Scott Eagan] 'The use of the word "negotiate" is a bit extreme.'
- How to Avoid Getting an Agent [Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent] In a word- negativity.
- Query Letters--Shannon Style (Part One) [Shannon Whitney Messenger] Shannon breaks down formatting your query.
- The Truth About Feedback [Confessions From Suite 500] Four reasons feedback from an agent isn't feasible.
- Agent Spotlight: Jennifer Carlson [Literary Rambles] Enjoys high-quality fiction with a modern edge, including YA.
- How you find out all the ways you screwed your book up (reprise) [Personal Demons] The rev and edit process.
- How To Create A Book Trailer [The Creative Penn] Excellent advice from @TheCreativePenn!
- The Bookinistas: Across the Universe [Lisa and Laura Write] The best first chapter the Bookanistas have ever read. WOW!
- You Wish by Mandy Hubbard [The Bookologist] Cute, light read with deeper concepts.
- Sapphique by Catherine Fisher [Writer Musings] Mixed review. What do you think?
- Review of Threads and Flames [YA Muses] Another definite for my To Be Read pile!
- Liz's Corner: Fire [WORD for Teens] Great review of one of my favorite recent reads!
- DARKEST MERCY by Melissa Marr [The Daily Harrell] 'If this book was a person, I would totally make out with it.'
- Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal [The Bookologist] A stunning page-turner filled with drama, struggles, betrayals, and lessons.
- Book Review: Timeless by Alexandra Monir [/- LA FEMME READERS -/] 'An elegantly written love story.'
- Book Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis [YA Highway] 'Poised to rock the YA world.'
- Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver [21 Pages] 'Gorgeous writing; it doesn’t get much better than this.'
- Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss [Oasis for YA] Another glowing review for Stephanie Perkins' book.
- Review- Here Lies Bridget [A Blog about Nothing] A quick, entertaining read.
- Book Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand [Novel Novice] 'A moving tale of love and fate.'
- Clarity by Kim Harrington - Review [Reading, Writing and Waiting] An enthusiastic 'WOW' for this upcoming release.
- SHADOW WALKER review by teen reviewer NYIA [LM Preston] A unique read achieving high marks.
- Book Review: Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen [Novel Novice] 'Lush settings and effortlessly lovely writing.'
- Review: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson [Confessions of a Bookaholic] We love this one, too!
- Book Review: Angelfire [Book Dreaming] This one will grab you and won't let go.
- Best Young Adult Books of 2010: Sara’s List [Novel Novice] Have you read these yet?
- Fast Forward to 2011 [Publishing Lane] Add these to your TBR list.
- List! [Hey, There's A Dead Guy in the Living Room] Great 'Best' list of YA books. Have you read them all?
- Unearthly by Cynthia Hand [Candace's Book Blog] Sounds like a fantastic book--and not the same old angel story.
- Double Giveaway for Best of 2010 [Heather's Odyssey] Enter by 2/3/11.
- Bookanista Review: Like Mandarin, by Kirsten Hubbard--AND AN ARC GIVEAWAY!!!! [Shannon Whitney Messenger] Enter by 1/22/11.
- Win a Critique and Help a Swim Team [Babbles from Scott Eagan] A good cause and a 30-page critique from Scott Eagan.
- First Page and GIVEAWAY: The Line [First Page Panda] Enter by 1/26/11.
- Dogsled Dreams!! [Writers' Ally aka ➔ sa larsenッ] Hint: You can win it with a simple comment!
- Debut Authors' Giveaways and Contests [Caroline by line] Enter to win books from the Elevensies!
- Novel Novice’s One Year Anniversary Contest of Epic [Novel Novice] Four HUGE prize packs!
- ENCLAVE by Ann Aguirre ARC Giveaway [ROOTS IN MYTH] The ever-so-generous PJ Hoover does it again!
- Voices You Should Hear: Trent Reedy + Giveaway! [Through The Wardrobe] Win a copy of Words in the Dust!
- Australian box set giveaway! [Claudia's Blog] You could be one of nine winners!
- Book Release Day of GOSSIP & Giveaways!! [Rose Cooper] 5 chances to win!
- Lauren Oliver is having a contest! [Confessions of a Bookaholic] Enter to win Delirium!
- Blog Tour: Real Live Boyfriends by E. Lockhart and a giveaway [Confessions of a Bookaholic] 5 copies are being given away!
- Ling & Ting Receives 2011 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award! [Blue Rose Girls] Wow! Congrats, Grace Lin!
- Giveaway: The Girl Who Became a Beatle by Greg Taylor [The Bookologist] Easy entry for this great new book!
- Books That Inspire Giveaway: Delirium + Across The Universe! [/- LA FEMME READERS -/] Who DOESN'T want these books?
- DOGSLED DREAMS by Terry Lynn Johnson GIVEAWAY! [ROOTS IN MYTH] Contest ends January 21st!
- WINNER of the Roecker Sisters' Giveaway & Interview with author of PERILOUS [Writers' Ally aka ➔ sa larsenッ] Win a copy of Tamara Hart Heiner's Perilous!
- Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--Fairies and the Quest for Neverland (plus a SIGNED giveaway!) [Shannon Whitney Messenger] Another great recommendation and signed giveaway!
- January Debut Giveaway! [Anna Staniszewski] Enter. Now. Trust us!
- First Page and GIVEAWAY: Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings [First Page Panda] Contest ends January 17th!
- Across the Universe Contest!! [Confessions of a YA Writer] Get your hands on a pre-ordered copy!
- One Year Blogoversary Giveaway! [A Blog about Nothing] A multitude of prizes!
- BLESSED by Cynthia Leitich Smith ARC Giveaway [ROOTS IN MYTH] PJ does it again!
- Loser/Queen Giveaway [The Bookologist] Enter by January 27th!
- January Book Giveaway! [Writer Musings] Win Unearthly or Vixen!
- How About a Contest to Ring in the New Year? [Publishing Lane] Win a 50 page crit, or a query + synopsis crit!
Social Media
- On Starting Out Your Writing Blog [Mystery Writing is Murder] 'Don't bite off more than you can chew.'
- The Evolution of How I Use Twitter [There Are No Rules] Focus your following list.
- How to Write a Good Blog Comment [Nathan Bransford - Blog] It's an art.
- Do Fiction Readers Really Read Author Blogs? [Author, Jody Hedlund] Excellent discussion for any writer, reader, or blogger.
- The Writer's Road [Heather's Odyssey] New Twitter chat for writers- #WritersRoad.
- How Do You Decide on Your Author Brand? – Part One [Jami Gold, Paranormal Author] The best way to brand yourself is to BE yourself.
- How Do You Decide on Your Author Brand – Part Two [Jami Gold, Paranormal Author] Consciously choose how you want to be perceived.
- The Agent’s Role in Today’s Digital Book World | Digital Book World [www.digitalbookworld.com] Agent Mary Kole rounds up different opinions and says we can't ignore the changes coming.
- Applying the Women-in-Movies Test to Race-in-Stories [Mitali's Fire Escape] Three Bechdel Test style questions applied to race.
- The Greatest Challenge Agents Will Face: Standardization of Terms [Nathan Bransford - Blog] What if there's nothing to negotiate?
- Should Writers Complain Publically About Hardships? [Author, Jody Hedlund] Use your filter.
- On The Subject of Reviews: A Manifesto [Lightning + Lightning Bugs - Musings from Weronika Janczuk, Literary Agent] Reviews offer writers the chance to grow.
- Crossing Over with YA [Glass Cases] Love this discussion about writing crossover YA.
- The Importance of Subplots [Mystery Writing is Murder] Sometimes they give readers another reason to keep reading.
- QOTW: Connecting with Readers [Let The Words Flow] Write enjoyable stories and interact with your readers.
- 10 Biggest Predictions for the Future of Book Publishing [The LL Book Review] Hooray for #10: More YA books!
- In Defense of Blogging Agents [Nathan Bransford - Blog] The bottom line- social media works.
- Addiction: A Guest Post by Lena Roy [The Contemps] A serious issue relevant for all YA writers.
- How to Respond to Copyeditors' Marks [Editorial Anonymous] These marks should equal peace of mind.
- Publishing Predictions for 2011 from Richard Curtis [GalleyCat] What's in store for next year?
- Just for Fun Reading Challenge [Candace's Book Blog] One book a month just for enjoyment. You can do it!
- I needed this laugh today:) [Buffy's write zone] Save this one for whenever you need it.
- HANG IN THERE! [Grab a Pen] A pictorial day in the life of your manuscript. Awesome. :D
- Signs of a Bad Writing Day [The Blood-Red Pencil] 'Cleaning the oven with a toothbrush seems like a more efficient use of your time.'
- SNOOKI'S SIX SIMPLE STEPS TO LANDING A BOOK DEAL [Grab a Pen] Find your voice- or a signature hairstyle.
- Signs you are Query Worthy [unedited] You write, it sucks.
- Comic: New Year’s Resolutions [Writer Unboxed]
- A Year in 140 [Confident Writing] 2010, Twitter-ized.
- Jane Friedman of Writer's Digest also does a wonderful list of best tweets of the previous week.
- Alice Pope does a Wednesday Tweet Roundup for the SCBWI Children's Market Blog.
- Northern Colorado Writers do This Week in the Writing World every Friday.
- Jennifer Roland does a Writing Roundup on Fridays.
- Ricki Schultz does an "In the Blogosphere" post on Fridays where she lists posts she's stumbled across during the week.
- Elizabeth Craig has started posting a weekly list of all her helpful Twitter posts.
- And don't forget to check Nathan Bransford's blog later this morning for his weekly recap of publishing news and information.
- Saturday Link Party [Forever Young] Jessica rounds up fun and interesting links.
- Stina Linddenblatt does a Cool Links Friday. This week, she caught a lot I wish we had on ours. I know what I'm doing for the next few minutes!
- DuoLit does a weekly list of links with some emphasis on self-publishing and marketing.
- YA Highway's Friday Road Trip hits the high points of the publishing industry, writing craft, submissions process, and other fun stuff.
- Cynthia Leitich Smith at Cynsations does a Cynsational author and book news review.
Happy reading and joyous writing,
Martina, Marissa, Clara, Cam and Cici
Great links as usual. Hope you had a good vacation. I'm hoping to take your advice and have some happy writing time.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, some great-sounding articles to check out. Can't wait to get started. Thanks for bringing them to our attention :-)
ReplyDeleteOh Man, I see there are lots of good ones I missed this week. And look at all those contests! I swear, you gals are feeding my blog addiction, providing all this great content!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Thanks for doing all of the work...it may take a week to get through this list~
ReplyDeleteWow! So many fabulous links. Thanks for the thorough wrap up!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks for the congrats! :D Hope you had a nice time.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a children's book writer or editor, so my eyes have always skimmed past your posts and blog, until today. I had no idea you had such an incredible list of resources and excellent articles. This will now be a mandatory stop for me each week.
ReplyDeleteWow. That had to be a laborious post to write, but know that I am grateful. You are a great source.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for keeping us in the loop! And for including 'what tickles your fancy':) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI've been sidetracked by all your awesome links! Thanks so much for including one of mine. Now, off to more linkage.
ReplyDeleteAnother fabulous round up of posts! Thanks for including one of mine :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Martina! : )
ReplyDeleteThere're so many links I can't wait to check out tonight. And yay, Robin!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout outs!
You ladies amaze me! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI skim through hundreds of blog posts in my Google Reader until I get to yours. Twenty minutes later, I'm ready to start skimming again. Great job putting all of this together. You guys rock!
ReplyDeleteCyndi
Thanks for linking to my Review!
ReplyDeleteAnnie
Reading, Writing and Waiting
:D