I’m visiting over at The Artist Unleashed website of Australian novelist and poet (among other talents), Jessica Bell, who lives in Athens, Greece … how’s that for a story? I wrote a bit about how I first found my writing voice. Have you found yours?
I don’t often post writing/publishing information here since there are many websites that accomplish that task so well. I still have a lot to learn and, well, let’s face it … the learning never stops!
I keep meaning to list links of resources that I feel are tremendously helpful, but so far that is still on my “to do” list. Naming my top ten, when asked to do so, these are my standard recommendations:
1. Joanna Penn’s website The Creative Penn ~ where you will find resources to help you write, publish and market your book. Constantly updating, Joanna reports on the latest trends and brings in experts who advise on all aspects of publishing. Extensive archives!
2. Stephen King’s book “On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft”
~ part master-blueprint, part memoir, part meditation on the writer’s life, filtered through the lens of his near-fatal car crash and his epiphany on understanding and appreciating living.
This is what Roger Ebert had to say about it: “A lot of people were outraged that he was honored at the National Book Awards, as if a popular writer could not be taken seriously. But after finding that his book On Writing had more useful and observant things to say about the craft than any book since Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style, I have gotten over my own snobbery.”
3. Fostering Success ~ You’ve written a book. Now what? ~ Self-guided online courses.
4. Alliance of Independent Authors ~ A professional association for authors who self-publish ~ a place to connect, network, ask questions, share information and celebrate.
5. Barb Drozdowich ~ Social media and WordPress consultant ~ see the complete series of resource books she has written for authors across all genres.
6. The Naked Truth About Self-Publishing ~ Published by The Indie Voice, 10 NYT best-selling authors.
7. The Triskele Trail: A Pathway to Independent Publishing ~ Published by a writer’s collective of five.
8. Jane Freidman ~ Helping authors and publishers flourish in the digital world.
9. David Gaughran ~ Author and blogger ~ Let’s Get Digital.
10. Kristin Lamb ~ Social Media Jedi and Author, founder of WANA International
And then there is the seemingly ubiquitous Porter Anderson, media journalist and consultant ~ His website demonstrates how he has his finger on the pulse of the digital dynamic in book publishing like no one else. Always worth a listen!
These are all people and websites whose information and insights I find exceedingly helpful. I’m not saying there aren’t more … because there are.
Recently BookBub published this excellent list of their favourite publishing resources. It’s worth bookmarking this link for future reference when you have time to absorb the information.
Along with the available online resources, I can’t stress enough the importance of joining writers’ groups, networking, talking, listening and sharing. Get to know editors, bloggers, reviewers, designers. Engage with readers. Social media is a necessity. Learn to make it a satisfying and enriching experience. Yes you can.
Who and what helped you find your writing voice? Do you have other favourites to add to this list? Please do! The more we learn, the better.
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Thanks for all these helpful links, Patricia.
You are most welcome, Anneli. I have a feeling you also have a similar list. Aren’t we fortunate that there is so much support, information, education available? It’s a wonderful time to be a writer.
Those are all excellent sources, Patricia, and ones I have been reading for years now. King’s “On Writing” is fantastic.
Once I read King’s book, I understood why every single workshop leader recommended it.
Those are all good resources indeed. I’ve used some of them in the past.
Keep on using that “voice” Patricia. Doing what we love is the best part of living right? Well, I mean besides being with who we love. That part’s pretty dang good too.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Yes indeed … being in love with what we do and with whom we share our life is the perfect combination. You always sound like a woman truly in love!
DEAR PATRICIA, THIS COMMENT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR EMAIL ABOUT “WRITING”. I JUST FINISHED RE READING , THE PROMISE OF PROVENCE. I WANTED TO SKIM IT TO GET READY FOR PROMISES TO KEEP. HOWEVER, I FOUND I COULD NOT RUSH PAST THE FIRST ONE. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOUR WRITING VOICE. I CAN SMELL THE FLOWERS, TASTE THE WINE, SEE THE SUNSETS. IT IS A GLORIOUS BOOK. THE BEGINNING IS SO GUT WRENCHING, BUT THE WAY KATHERINE TURNS HER LIFE AROUND AND FINALLY GETS TO DO WHAT SHE WANTS TO DO. I LOVE THIS STORY. I HATE TO START ON PROMISES, I WILL DREAD COMING TO THE END. I MUST KEEP IN MIND, THERE IS ANOTHER BOOK COMING, RIGHT? WE HAVE BEEN SNOWED IN HERE, HAVE NOT SEEN THE SUN FOR A FEW WEEKS, WHAT A WONDERFUL ESCAPE,,, TO READ YOUR OH SO SPECIAL PROSE AND SPEND THIS TIME IN PROVENCE. EVERYONE IS GRUMPY, EXCEPT ME. AH HA, I HAVE A SECRET, PATRICIA TOOK ME AWAY TO PARADISE. THANK YOU, JOY WOOD
My dear Joy ~ what a lovely message. It makes me extremely happy to know I have taken you to Provence! Your words are giving me great pleasure too. Don’t worry about the ending of Promises to Keep, book #3 is under way and I promise you will love it too. I’m working hard at making that happen. Because Amazon will be in charge of releasing #3, we will have to wait until 2016. In the meantime I will share secrets with all of you in my newsletter. See you there! And MERCI MILLE FOIS for your absolutely delightful message!
Loved having time this morning to stop in to your site for a visit, Patricia. I see you’ve been very busy! Great articles and information. Hope to get back soon and more regularly to read more.
Oh Dorothy! How nice to find you here! I know how difficult it is to find the time to visit all the sites we would like. I pop by Aging Abundantly from time to time but am a bit of a lurker and don’t leave comments. Your website looks truly inspirational and I love the changes you have made to it. I’ve often wished I had the time to apply to be one of your Wise women. It sounds like such a worthwhile pursuit! Keep doing the good work you do! And the book club with over 200 members? Wow! That’s impressive!