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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