Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

These lessons, by one of our most consistent FaithWriters' Challenge Champions, should not be missed. So we're making a permanent home for them here.

Moderators: mikeedwards, RedBaron, glorybee, mikeedwards, RedBaron, glorybee, mikeedwards, RedBaron, glorybee

Post Reply
glorybee
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2356
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:46 pm
Location: Michigan

Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by glorybee »

Here’s a compilation of the resources recommended by readers of last week’s lesson on Writing Resources and also by people who contributed through my Facebook page. I’m going to run this “lesson” for one more week, and hope that you all will continue to add to it.

Brainstorming resources:

The Writer Emergency Pack -- http://www.writeremergency.com – card deck with dozens of activities related to writing terms

The Storymatic box -- http://thestorymatic.com – hundreds of character and situation cards that can be combined in zillions of ways

iPhone app: The Brainstormer – randomizer for hundreds of characters, settings, situations

Nanofictionary -- http://www.looneylabs.com/games/nanofictionary -- card game with characters, settings, conflicts, and resolutions in thousands of combinations

Grammar resources:

Grammarly – http://www.grammarly.com – spelling and grammar checker that is better than most

Grammar Girl -- http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl -- grammar blog

Ann’s Grammar Basics -- http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpB ... m.php?f=69 – answers to grammar questions here at FaithWriters

Guide to Grammar and Writing -- http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index.htm -- good all-around grammar resource

Vocabulary resources:

Free Rice -- http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1368 -- vocabulary quiz that also donates to alleviate world hunger

Vocabulary.com – http://www.vocabulary.com – daily vocabulary quizzes that adapt to your own learning

Reader’s Digest magazine – vocabulary quizzes called “It Pays to Increase Your Word Power”

Books on Writing:

Eats, Shoots, and Leaves, by Lynn Truss

The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White

Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott

The Writing Life, by Annie Dillard

Write Your Heart Out, by Rebecca McClanahan

The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Stories for Children, by Nancy Lamb

Writing Picture Books, by Ann Whitford Paul

The Synonym Finder, by J. I. Rodale

The Emotional Thesaurus, by Ackerman and Puglisi

Writing Fiction for Dummies, by Randy Ingermanson

Roget’s Thesaurus

A Canadian Writer’s Reference, by Dana Hacker

An Auto-Correctional Text in Correct Writing, by Butler, Hickman, and Overby

Real Sofistikashun, by Tony Hoagland

Writing Down the Bones (Freeing the Reader Inside), by Natalie Goldberg

Steering the Craft, by Ursula K LeGuin

Writer Workshop in a Book: The Squaw Valley Community of Writers on the Art of Fiction, by various writers

The Poet's Companion...A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry, by Kim Addonizio

The Elements of Story, by Frances Flaherty

Publishing, Freelancing, the Writing World:

Freelance Writing Morning Coffee Newsletter, by Brian Scott -- http://www.freelancewriting.com

Scrivener (download for Windows)

Writer’s Digest – http://www.writersdigest.com (also a paper magazine) The May-June 2015 issue has an article with a huge list of websites for writers

KidLit 411 -- http://kidlit411.com -- resources for writers of children's literature

Snowflake software -- http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/a ... ke-method/

The Writer’s Writing Guide, by Rachel Simon -- http://www.rachelsimon.com/wwg_contents_v2.php

Women on Writing -- http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/

The Christian Writer’s Market Guide – http://www.stuartmarket.com

Miscellaneous:

RhymeZone – http://www.rhymezone.com – rhymes, near-rhymes, synonyms, antonyms and more

How Many Syllables -- http://www.howmanysyllables.com/Syllable_Counter --syllable counter for poetry

Dictionary.com -- http://dictionary.reference.com – dictionary and thesaurus

BrainyQuote – http://www.brainyquote.com – lots and lots of quotes, searchable by topic or author

Google Translate – https://translate.google.com – not perfect, but a good place to start when using (or reading) foreign terms

For Spanish translation – http://www.spanishdict.com

Bible Gateway – http://www.biblegateway.com – the entire Bible in several translations

eSword -- http://www.e-sword.net -- free downloadable Bible with lots of cool features

Strong’s Concordance -- vhttp://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html – several concordances of the Bible

Public Domain Information Project – http://www.pdinfo.com – songs that are in the public domain (free to use)

Lumosity – http://www.lumosity.com – fun brain games

WordPlay – app for Android – fun word games
Jan Ackerson -- Follow me, friend me, give me a wave!
http://www.superioreditingservice.com
Twitter: @janackerson1
Instagram: janackerson
Facebook: Jan Worgul Ackerson, Superior Editing Service, Jan Ackerson, writer
User avatar
dmbowman
Pencil 1 (1-49 Posts)
Pencil 1 (1-49 Posts)
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 12:10 am

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by dmbowman »

Thank you, Jan!

I will be bookmarking this list for reference.

A couple that I didn't see on the list were Poem Workshop's syllable counter - http://www.howmanysyllables.com/Syllable_Counter/

and

The Bible I use the most for writing is eSword. It's a free download. http://www.e-sword.net/
If you don't have it, I highly recommend it.


Also, I'd like to see name generators that people like to use. I've used several different ones but haven't found one I really like yet.
User avatar
itsjoanne
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2175
Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:52 am
Location: West Michigan
Contact:

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by itsjoanne »

Gonna add a couple more:

First of all - Writer's Digest (the magazine) - lots of great stuff in there - and the May/June issue has their annual list of 101 great websites for writers.

Another is Kidlit 411 (again, for children's authors). This website is FILLED with info (and updated LOTS) on all different aspects of writing and publishing children's books - from picture books to YA. http://kidlit411.com/
Joanne Sher
FaithWriters Writing Challenge Coordinator
FaithWriters Blogger
FaithWriters Blog
My Profile
My Site
Me on Facebook
User avatar
TracePezzali
Pencil 1 (1-49 Posts)
Pencil 1 (1-49 Posts)
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2014 8:39 pm
Location: Perth, Western Australia

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by TracePezzali »

Wow this list has been incredibly helpful. I've signed up to half of them and have already benefitted in life-changing ways as to how to look at writing, how to be better at it, and how to be a freelance writer.

Randy Englemaston is particularly helpful (Advanced Fiction Writing, snowflake method) as are many of the writing opportunity newsletters and various blogs.

Thanks! This comes at a great time for me, yet one more confirmation from God as to the next step to take!
Trace Pezzali

"It is written: 'I believed; therefore I have spoken.' With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak... so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." 2 Cor 4:13-15
User avatar
oursilverstrands
Pencil Plus (Over 500 Posts)
Pencil Plus (Over 500 Posts)
Posts: 984
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 9:21 pm
Location: Georgia
Contact:

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by oursilverstrands »

Popping in late for this topic, but so glad I did. Jan, I was wondering if this super list of Resources, Part 1 and Part 2 could be permanently housed in its own thread as "Writing Resources" or something similar.

It's such a helpful list and deserving of permanent exposure for future newbies. I think it should not be lost among the archives.

I suppose it's too late to add to the list of books, but The Elements of Story by Francis Flaherty, from whom I've borrowed a quote, is a writer's tool for non-fiction and fiction authors. His book was my first exposure to understanding that Non-fiction writing should have many of the elements of good fiction. The book has both a unique writing style as well as substance, often a rare combination when writing How-to books.

One reviewer wrote:

"Ailing writers, not to worry. There is a Story Doctor in the house...and his powerful medicine is on every page...It belongs on your shelf, right there next to that other Elements book."

I agree. :D

Lillian
When Youth Fades
Available at: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=when+youth+f ... nb_sb_noss/

Fortunate 500


I have a love affair with words. I write, even when I think I can't. I'm hooked on words!

"Let words bewitch you. Scrutinze them, mull them, savor them, and in combination, until you see their subtle differences and the ways they tint each other." Francis Flaherty
glorybee
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2356
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:46 pm
Location: Michigan

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by glorybee »

lish1936 wrote:Popping in late for this topic, but so glad I did. Jan, I was wondering if this super list of Resources, Part 1 and Part 2 could be permanently housed in its own thread as "Writing Resources" or something similar.

Lillian
Thanks, Lillian--I've added your suggested title to the list.

Part 2 is the only one you need, as it contains all of Part 1 and all of the additional suggestions. And it's already in its own thread--I could make it "sticky," but I'm reluctant to do that because some people only look at the top subject in each forum, and I'm afraid if this one were stuck to the top, the new posts would be missed.

But you could bookmark it in your own computer (some computers use the term 'favorites') so that you could find it with a simple click, any time you wish. I'd walk you through the process, but your computer may be set up differently than mine. If you Google something like "making bookmarks in [your computer's name or your browser]," you should be able to find it.
Jan Ackerson -- Follow me, friend me, give me a wave!
http://www.superioreditingservice.com
Twitter: @janackerson1
Instagram: janackerson
Facebook: Jan Worgul Ackerson, Superior Editing Service, Jan Ackerson, writer
User avatar
oursilverstrands
Pencil Plus (Over 500 Posts)
Pencil Plus (Over 500 Posts)
Posts: 984
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 9:21 pm
Location: Georgia
Contact:

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by oursilverstrands »

Okay, Jan, I'll try, but I'm wondering if I used the wrong term ( perhaps my ignorance is showing).
:-)

Whenever I peruse the Forum, I glance over the regulars like your Writing Basics, Open Forum, Water Cooler, etc. Are those consider threads, topics, or some other name? For me, and I would imagine for other technically challenged individuals, it would be nice just to visit the Writing Resource Topic for the list of resources ; it would also give opportunity for adding new writing resources in the future, unless you prefer to add them to the existing thread as suggestions come in. I was also thinking of newcomers who might only find it by happenstance when clicking your site.


I just wanted to make sure my suggestion was technically correct and clear, but I will try your suggestion using my Favorites after checking out Google.

Many thanks,

Lillian
When Youth Fades
Available at: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=when+youth+f ... nb_sb_noss/

Fortunate 500


I have a love affair with words. I write, even when I think I can't. I'm hooked on words!

"Let words bewitch you. Scrutinze them, mull them, savor them, and in combination, until you see their subtle differences and the ways they tint each other." Francis Flaherty
glorybee
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2356
Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:46 pm
Location: Michigan

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by glorybee »

Ah! Those are all forums. Each forum has lots of topics, and a "thread" would be the replies to the original topic.

I doubt that Mike would start a new forum called "Writing Resources." Each forum should be broad enough that there's a potential for many various topics that fall under the broad title of the forum. I just don't think that there are enough possible sub-topics under "Writing Resources" to justify starting up a new forum. In fact, the last time I talked with Mike about the forums, he was thinking of deleting quite a few of them--not adding more.

I think bookmarking it will be your best way to go.
Jan Ackerson -- Follow me, friend me, give me a wave!
http://www.superioreditingservice.com
Twitter: @janackerson1
Instagram: janackerson
Facebook: Jan Worgul Ackerson, Superior Editing Service, Jan Ackerson, writer
User avatar
Sibermom65
Pencil 2 (50-99 Posts)
Pencil 2 (50-99 Posts)
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2014 6:10 pm

Post by Sibermom65 »

I've been going over the list, investigating web sites, and trying to decide which books will be most helpful for me. Certainly if I am going to be a writer, I need to think about having a library of reference material. My problem now is my last trip to B & N showed me over $100 in books to ad to my shelf, and none were on your list! ?I came away with Creating Characters from the editors of Writers digest, The Craft of writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke, Dialogue by Gloria Hampton in the Write Great fiction series, andThe Fiction Writer's Guide to Dialogue by John Hough, Jr.
Writing dialogue is a weak point of mine so I'm looking for extra help. Talking with my daughter who writes professionally, she admitted her Masters in Creative Writing gave her almost no help for that skill. I hope I'm not just throwing away money for something that can't be taught.
My copy of the Emotion Thesaurus is being shipped to me, and next payday I can look for more additions. Next order of business is finding a place on my bookshelves!
User avatar
oursilverstrands
Pencil Plus (Over 500 Posts)
Pencil Plus (Over 500 Posts)
Posts: 984
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 9:21 pm
Location: Georgia
Contact:

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by oursilverstrands »

Sibermom wrote: I hope I'm not just throwing away money for something that can't be taught...Next order of business is finding a place on my bookshelves!
Not to discourage you, and I didn't feel this way until I discovered Kindle. I was always a book-in-hand reader. However, I just donated mucho books to the library and Goodwill (I'm moving), and I vowed never to pay top dollar for books again as long as I can buy them for much less from Kindle.

And bye-bye to bookshelves. They contribute to the décor, until you have to move them. :D

Lillian
When Youth Fades
Available at: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=when+youth+f ... nb_sb_noss/

Fortunate 500


I have a love affair with words. I write, even when I think I can't. I'm hooked on words!

"Let words bewitch you. Scrutinze them, mull them, savor them, and in combination, until you see their subtle differences and the ways they tint each other." Francis Flaherty
User avatar
Sibermom65
Pencil 2 (50-99 Posts)
Pencil 2 (50-99 Posts)
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2014 6:10 pm

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING RESOURCES, PART 2

Post by Sibermom65 »

I was given a Nook about 18 months ago and I really do like it (I have well over 100 books on mine already) I enjoy it so much so that I bought my husband one, too. We are both avid readers and currently have well over a thousand books. (I'm someone who used to "read" dictionaries and encyclopedias just for fun.) I still enjoy a "real" book, and for referencing, I think it is superior to the electronic versions.
Post Reply

Return to “Jan's Writing Basics”