Links
We still have lots of links to help you find the online resources you need. General categories in the initial list will take you to the links for that section. If you find a broken link, or think we should add something to our list, please leave us a comment at the end of the page!
General Writing Sites
Reference
Markets
Genre Writing
Name Resources
E-zines
Organizations
Writing Groups & Communities
Just for Fun
Online & Other Writing Courses
Productivity
Creativity
Personal Writing
Promotion
Writing for Children
Publishing
Self-Publishing
Writer’s Services
Author Websites
Poetry
Miscellaneous
General Writing Sites
PLACES FOR WRITERS
Writing contests and submission calls, occasional literary news, publishing information, and other resources for Canadian and International writers.
THE NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
Tons of news, views and information about the literary world.
THE WRITING ROOM
General resources, forum, contest information for writers in all genres.
MIKE’S WRITING WORKSHOP
Musings, inspiration, and advanced advice for writers of all levels and genres.
ADVANCED FICTION WRITING BLOG
Fiction writing blog by Randy Ingermanson, creator of the Snowflake Method of novel writing.
WRITERSBREAK.COM
Articles, interviews, and links to writing resources online.
THE WRITING CENTER: HANDOUTS
Many of these articles on writing from the University of North Carolina apply to fiction writing as well as university writing.
WRITING.ORG
Articles on many facets of writing, by writer, editor, and web consultant Durant Imboden.
SCRYPTIC STUDIOS
Everything for the script writer.
IDEAS4WRITERS.CO.UK
A multifaceted writer’s site for publishing, self-publishing, ideas and inspiration.
THE VERB
The Verb is a web site that focuses on a different area of writing in each issue–the latest was on writing Westerns. A cartoon area, little known facts, making a scene and just curious are a few of the columns that appear in this bi-weekly e-newsletter.
PREDITORS & EDITORS
Self-described as “A guide to publishers and publishing services for serious writers,” P&E boasts an impressive array of writers’ resources.
WRITE FROM HOME.COM
Write From Home is a community for freelance writing parents. “Whether you’re a freelance writer, author, or writing from home but employed elsewhere, this site strives to offer work-at-home writers tips, information and resources to help you balance your writing career and children under one roof.”
WRITERGAZETTE.COM
“The Writer Gazette is a writer’s resource site that provides tips, techniques, resources, articles, job postings, and more to help induce, improve, and promote your writing career.”
FICTION ADDICTION
A wide variety of articles and resources for fiction writers and readers alike.
ONE OF US
A useful resource site especially for UK writers, including tips, articles, writing exercises and submitted stories.
FEAR OF WRITING
Resources including workshops, online courses, message board, chatroom, and a free monthly e-zine.
THE WRITER’S WEB
Resources for writers, articles, critique & support group, creativity prompts, book reviews and publishing information.
WRITER NETWORK
Resources for writers as well as free web space and email addresses with personalized domain names. Set up your author web site now!
THE E-WRITER’S PLACE
Loads of great writing articles and resources. Subscribe to the free e-zine!
WRITER’S EXCHANGE
Writers Exchange website is dedicated to providing information, links and resources to writers of all experience levels. Subscribe to the free monthly e-zine, containing articles, book reviews, website reviews and interviews for writers.
WRITER’S MANUAL
“We bring you the best of tips, techniques, writing resources, informative articles, and more to help you induce, improve, and promote your writing career.”
VISION: A RESOURCE FOR WRITERS
Bi-monthly writer’s e-zine and resources for writers.
WRITING TIPS AND ADVICE
Articles on various writing topics by author David Poyer.
ESSAYS ON THE CRAFT OF DRAMATIC WRITING
Several articles on writing the novel, for the stage, and for personal fulfilment.
THE WRITE NEWS
Publishing and media news stories, classifieds, jobs, a bookstore and a free newsletter.
WRITE STUFF FICTION WORKSHOP
Articles, writing tips, message boards and a free online writing course.
ABSOLUTE WRITE
A full-service writer’s site featuring articles, news, advice, and a host of other information for writers.
THE WRITER’S BLOCK
Author Lisa R. Cohen answers all your questions about writer’s block: What is it? Do you have it? What to do about it and more.
WRITE GUIDE
Write Guide offers online writing courses in a number of different areas as well as an editing service. The site includes sample project starters, course information, articles and more.
GARBL’S WRITING CENTER
A fascinating grab-bag of writing articles, puzzles, wordplay, links and more.
WRITERS WRITE
Interviews, articles, markets, classified ads, and more. Frequent updates.
WRITERSDIGEST.COM
The online version of the popular monthly magazine for writers. Markets, guidelines, articles, and much more.
SCI-FI ARIZONA
Two articles monthly in the writer’s workshop, one on writing in general and one on writing science fiction. Informative, interesting, and sometimes controversial! Articles may be downloaded in PDF format.
Click here to read about the book!
Reference
WORLD BUILDER PROJECTS
An extensive links portal to various world-building information.
LEARN THE ELEMENTS OF A NOVEL
A comprehensive guide to writing a novel.
WRITING TIPS
A collection of tips from the Knoxville Writers’ Guild.
WRITERS DREAM TOOLS.COM
A series of useful tools to enhance writers’ and students’ creativity, spark ideas and fight writer’s block.
FREELANG.NET
Comprehensive language resources site including dictionaries, translation, foreign language fonts and more.
ESSAY INFO.COM
Information and tips for essay writing, plus guides to better quality writing essays and research papers.
EVERYONE WHO’S ANYONE
“Free (no cost, no advertising, no membership), annotated, up-to-date (as of February 2003) online directory of almost 2,000 of the top literary agents, editors and publishers of adult trade books in the US, UK and Canada…including close to 500 websites.” Editor’s note: An absolutely interesting site even if you’re not looking for contact information right now. Check it out! -S.R.
INTERNET-RESOURCES.COM
Writing Links & Links for Writers, Writers’ Resources on The Web and More. “We select sites with some consideration and thought for usefulness, depth, interest and je ne sais quoi…”
KNOWPLAY?
Easy-to-use site to simplify research on the Web. One-click lookup for definitions, rhymes, encyclopedia, quotations, thesaurus, facts and more!
MEMORABLEQUOTATIONS.COM
“This impressive collection of quotations is a treasure of penetrating wisdom, keen wit, and beautiful thoughts gleaned from the writings and speeches of the world’s most memorable individuals.”
DICTIONARY OF PLAIN LANGUAGE
Give your writing a clarity and brevity overhaul with the help of this site. Part of the Technical Communicators Resource Site.
POSTAGE CHART FOR WRITERS
An extremely useful reference for writers detailing postage costs for submission packages based on manuscript length. Useful for writers in and outside the US!
BUZZWHACK
A tongue-in-cheek but educational website dedicated to demystifying buzzwords. Perfect for business people or anyone baffled by some of the buzz language floating around out there. Get the Buzzword of the Day delivered by e-mail!
HOW STUFF WORKS
Need to know how something–almost anything–works or might work in the future? This is the place to check!
RESEARCH-IT!
Need an answer fast? Get it the easy way using this website’s language tools, geographical maps, financial and library tools and more.
THE SEMANTIC RHYMING DICTIONARY
Use this simple search engine to find perfect rhymes, close rhymes, synonyms, definitions, related words and more.
ENCYCLOPEDIA MYTHICA
Looking for information on mythology, folklore or legends? This is the site to visit! Over 5000 articles on mythology & legend from around the globe.
JOHN ADCOX’S VIRTUAL LIBRARY
An eclectic mix of links to all aspects of the writing life.
WRITERS FREE REFERENCE
This page contains an enormous list of useful research and resource links, from satellite photos to song lyrics.
STRUNK AND WHITE’S ELEMENTS OF STYLE
The essential style guide for writers. If you don’t have a print copy, bookmark this page.
THE PLAYWRITING SEMINARS Everything you need to know about properly formatting your script, plus discussions of the more intangible aspects of playwriting.
THE WORDSMYTH ENGLISH DICTIONARY-THESAURUS
An extremely useful dictionary and thesaurus rolled into one.
Markets
WRITER’S MARKET.COM
Comprehensive, subscription-based market database.
DUOTROPE’S DIGEST
A free, searchable database of fiction markets (mainstream and genre). Also includes a calendar of upcoming deadlines for themed publications.
THE POETRY MARKET
The Poetry Market is a FREE monthly E-zine featuring poetry markets, poetry contests, writing articles, useful links, a variety of poetry book, chapbook or magazine reviews and interviews with poets, editors, and publishers. Subscribe through Yahoo! Groups. Editor’s Note: This site plays music automatically–be prepared.
A GOOD READ
Buy the author’s CD on website promotion, or check out free articles and several pages’ worth of links and free software of interest to writers.
WOODEN HORSE PUBLISHING
Resources for writers in the periodicals markets.
WRITERS WEEKLY
Highest circulation freelance writing ezine.
Genre Writing
SAVVY AUTHORS.COM
Online community of special interest to romance authors, featuring bootcamps, articles, forum, and many other resources.
JIM C. HINES ON LIVEJOURNAL
Highly entertaining, informative and useful blog by speculative fiction writer Jim Hines.
STORMWOLF.COM
The website of bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole. Subscribe to his newsletter for writers, The Secrets, read his fascinating blog, and buy books and ebooks.
HWA WRITING TIPS
A collection of articles on writing by members of the Horror Writers of America.
TECHNOVELGY
Explore the wide variety of inventions and ideas of science fiction writers – over 600 are available on-site. Use the Timeline of Science Fiction Invention to see them all, or see the category of science fiction invention that interests you.
HUMOR WRITERS.ORG
Great articles, free screen saver, free newsletter and more for humor writers.
SPECFICWORLD.COM
Online resource guide for speculative fiction writers and readers. Markets, contests, resources, free market newsletter (SpecFicMe!).
COPS ‘N WRITERS
A consulting service for mystery and romance writers who wish to incorporate accurate law enforcement & police procedures into their writings. Will consider projects of any size.
WRITE TO INSPIRE
Great website featuring resources & tips for inspirational and Christian writers. Loads of content!
FICTION FACTOR
Articles, interviews, book reviews, contests and market listings especially for fiction writers.
CRITTERS WORKSHOP
On-line workshop/critique group for serious writers of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror.
ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA
The website of the national organization. Info about the genre, RWA, books, authors and publishers.
DESERT ROSE RWA
This site is jam-packed with useful information for romance writers. Don’t miss it!
THE SCIENCE FICTION POETRY ASSOCIATION
The homepage of Star*Line, the newsletter of the SFPA. Subscription and submission information, contents of past issues, related links.
SPECULATIVE VISION: THE SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY RESOURCE NETWORK
A vast array of links and information for SF/F writers, plus a searchable database of links to general writing resources and articles.
Organizations
SF CANADA
The online home of Canada’s national organization for speculative fiction professionals.
WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA
Canada’s national organization for professional writers.
WRITING.COM
“Writing.Com is the online community for writers and readers of all interests and skill levels. Whether you’re an enthusiastic, creative writer looking for the perfect place to store and display your writing online or a casual reader searching for a good story, Writing.Com is the website for you!”
THE AUTHORS GUILD
The home page of largest society for published book authors and freelance writers in America, including online information about copyright and contracts.
CRIME WRITERS OF CANADA
Canada’s professional crime writers organization; news and information about CWC members and their books, an opportunity to read new listings, submit reviews and comments, ask questions, and have some fun!
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF JOURNALISTS AND AUTHORS Newsletter, writer’s resources, and much more. Member and non-member areas.
WRITERS’ FEDERATION OF NOVA SCOTIA
Offers extensive links and markets pages, as well as information specific to Nova Scotia writers.
SCIENCE FICTION WRITERS OF AMERICA HOMEPAGE
Many useful and interesting articles for writers in any genre.
CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION
A vast array of information, resources and links of interest to Canadian and other authors.
MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA
The MWA Home Page, featuring information about the organization and the genre.
HORROR WRITERS ASSOCIATION
The HWA Home Page, featuring information about the organization and the genre.
Naming Resources
DADA’s LITTLE BABY NAMER
Looking for an unusual name for a fantasy or science fiction character or place? Look no further than this site!
Electronic Magazines
LONG STORY SHORT
“LSS, a writer’s ezine, published its first story in July of 2003. Our goal was simple: to publish the best work of writers – from beginners to established authors.”
WRITERONLINE NEWSLETTER
WriterOnLine how-tos, fiction, features, contests, conference, poetry, tips, interviews, markets, and more. Newsletter mailed twice monthly. Unsubscribe link in every issue.
THE SECRETS~TOOLS FOR SERIOUS WRITERS
This e-zine offers columns on Writer’s block, Characterization, Writing Action Scenes, World Building Career Management and The Business of Writing. There is a nominal fee for entering the site which can be paid through paypal.
NOVELPAGE.COM
“A new online writing magazine for writers who like a challenge.” This site features writing experiments and competitions, forum, manuscript services, and a comprehensive directory of resources.
WRITING UP A STORM
Author’s newsletter contains latest releases, writing tips, writing links, and answers to writing/publishing-related questions. Subscribe through Yahoo! Groups.
PIF MAGAZINE
An always-interesting mix of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Open to submissions.
Writing Groups & Communities
BAEN’S BAR (WEBBOARD)
The Bar is a community of science fiction fans and writers, founded by Jim Baen.
MIKE’S WRITING WORKSHOP
One of the largest critique groups on the web.
TODAY’S WOMAN
A community for men and women over 18, where writers, poets & columnists meet and exchange ideas, contest, rate and review and help each other succeed in the writing industry.
CRITIQUE CIRCLE
A web community with on-line critique groups, forums, writing exercises, and various tools for writers.
WRITING GROUPS
Forming or finding a group, tips on giving and getting criticism.
Just for Fun
BONSAI STORY GENERATOR
The Bonsai Story Tree Generator takes coherent text and turns it into something strange and wonderful.
WIKIPEDIA’S LIST OF COMIC BOOK SUPERPOWERS
…because you never know when you’ll just have to look up a superpower!
BOOK-A-MINUTE
Too busy writing to have time to read? Let this hilarious site catch you up on your reading list…
NOTWRITING.COM
“NotWriting.com is all about making lazy-a** writers feel better about procrastinating…”
BOOKCROSSING.COM
Want to share books you’ve already read? Register them at BookCrossing and release them into the wild, then track their progress around your city or around the world.
PUNPUNPUN.COM
Well, of course, it’s a site about puns. Warning: don’t go here unless you Really Love Puns!
THE KEIRSEY CHARACTER SORTER
Find out about your own personality…or maybe use the info on this site to help in developing your fictional characters?
THE LITERARY QUIZ
Test your writer’s brain on this collection of quizzes.
THE ONION
This satirical newspaper is always good for a smile (suitable for ages 18+).
CHICKEN WRITER
Need a giggle? Check out this daily cartoon especially for writers!
Online & Other Writing Courses
THE WRITING LIFE ~ NINA MUNTEANU
Canadian speculative fiction writer Nina Munteanu, author of The Fiction Writer: Get Published, Write Now! offers both online courses and workshops at the Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia. Check out her extensive list of offerings!
THE NEW SCHOOL
Since 1996, The New School has offered the master of fine arts (MFA) in Creative Writing with concentrations in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and writing for children.
LONG STORY SHORT WRITING SCHOOL
“Writing Classes begin weekly. Contact an instructor with any questions you may have. Don’t Wait to advance your writing career!”
SPALDING UNIVERSITY
Spalding University’s low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing (MFA) offers concentrations in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children, and playwriting/screenwriting.
NATIONAL EXTENSION COLLEGE
The National Extension College is an educational charity dedicated to providing learning opportunities for all. We offer a range of distance learning writing courses, including Creative Writing, Writing For Money, Writing Short Stories, Copywriting and Essential Editing. Contact email: info@nec.ac.uk
THE WRITERS STUDIO
…is a 15 year-old writing school located in New York City (Greenwich Village), which offers beginning an advanced students a craft-oriented, supportive workshop environment whose sole purpose is to help fiction writers and poets discover and nurture their own voices. We also offer on-line courses and tutorials.
COURSEBRIDGE
Courses in a number of subject areas, including a selection of writing courses.
WRITERS ONLINE WORKSHOPS
From Writer’s Digest. “At WritersOnlineWorkshops.com, you’ll find workshops in a variety of genres that you can complete online — in just 8-14 weeks! You’ll get all the benefits of a traditional writing workshop, from the comfort of your own home.”
WRITER’S VILLAGE UNIVERSITY
With a $59 membership, writers have access to over 200 courses and workshops every year. Free courses offered periodically.
Productivity
WRITE OR DIE
Having trouble getting your words down? Choose which level of “encouragement” you’d like and start typing!
JVP-SCRIPT
A complete Word Processor with additional built-in special features for script writers .
SPEED READ THE NET
Software program desgined to help you increase your reading speed while surfing the Internet.
FLYLADY.NET
If you’re a home office parent who needs to get organized, this is the place for you.
ORGANIZED WRITER
Lots of tips and tools to help you get organized. Be sure to sign up for the free weekly e-zine, “Writer-Reminders.”
NET WRITING AND E-PUBLISHING SUCCESS
Resources and ideas for home business “how to” information writers and self-publishers.
THE PRODUCTIVITY INSTITUTE
Free Timely Time Management Tips to increase your personal productivity and give you more time and balance for your personal life. Subscribe now at: http://www.topica.com/lists/timemanagement
Creativity
WRITE FOR TEN
Write for Ten is a writing project with one simple rule: write for 10 minutes about anything.
PUMPING YOUR MUSE
Daily or near-daily writing prompts to exercise those creative muscles.
WRITINGFIX.COM
Developed for teachers, this site offers all writers prompts, tips and exercises to improve your writing.
BRAINGLE: MENTALROBICS
Daily exercises to flex your mind, improve your creativity and boost your memory.
CREATIVE WRITING PROMPTS
Over 200 quick writing prompts.
THE PRACTICALLY CREATIVE QUARTERLY
A free webzine and creative community on the grow, focusing on exploring the creative process, increasing creative productivity, and enjoying the creative life. Open to submissions of fiction, non-fiction, art. Ongoing contests.
SEVENTH SANCTUM GENERATORS Generators for names, equipment, settings, characters–and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Bookmark this page and never suffer from writer’s block again!
CREATIVITY WORKSHOP.COM
“The Creativity Workshop is dedicated to teaching individuals and groups about their creative processes and how to use them in all aspects of their work and lives. The Workshop’s goal for participants is refined creative skills, expanded perception, innovative problem solving, inspired brainstorming and ways of looking at life as exciting and transformative.”
THE CREATIVE PAGES
“If you want to get more creative, you’ve come to the right place. On these pages you’ll find tips, suggestions and software designed to help you have more and better ideas.”
CREATIVE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
An extremely comprehensive site for enhancing creativity. Subscribe to the newsletter, “Heads Up!” for stimulating news of creativity, innovation, invention, and unusual events delivered via email.
VERBIVORE
From Richard Lederer: “Welcome to the web site woven for wordaholics, logolepts, and verbivores. Carnivores eat meat; herbivores eat plants and vegetables; verbivores devour words. If you are heels over head (as well as head over heels) in love with words, tarry here awhile to graze or, perhaps, feast on the English language.”
LIGHT BULB ALLEY
A stash of idea-generating, inspiring, information-crammed files for writers, from sf writer Terry Hickman.
HATCH’S PLOT BANK
An incredible array of 2000+ phrases and situations to spark your imagination.
RANDOM LOG-LINE GENERATOR
A customizable random generator of story scenerios, plots, and character names. Nominated for Writer’s Digest Top 101 Most Useful Websites for Writers 1999.
THE STORY A DAY WRITER’S KIT
Thirty writing prompts for freewriting exercises.
Personal Writing
ESSAY PUNCH
An interactive tutorial for writing an essay.
WRITING TO HEAL, WRITING TO GROW
Online writing programs to examine and understand life’s events: Your Life in Essays, Writing About Cancer, Writing for Personal Caregivers, and Writing for Families.
Promotion
THE WRITER’S LIFELINE
“This site offers writers of all kinds information, guidance, solutions, and opportunities for transporting their vision onto the page and into the commercial marketplace in a way that will reach the greatest possible audience. We hope you’ll find this site informative, instructive, entertaining, and ultimately profitable.”
AUTHORSDEN.COM
Promote and sell your books, connect with readers and other authors. Free web services for authors!
E-BOOKS CAFE.COM
Promote and sell your e-books and POD books at this friendly site. All listings are free!
Writing for Children
WRITE4KIDS.COM
If you’re dreaming about writing a children’s book, this is the place for you.
SMARTWRITERS.COM
“For everyone who writes, reads, or teaches literature for kids.” Resources for writers and educators, promotional tips, journal, articles, reviews and markets.
Publishing
PUB RANTS
Publishing rants and other bloggery by literary agent Kristin Nelson.
PUBLISHINGBASICS.COM
Free e-book versions of Publishing Basics: A Guide for the Small Press and Independent Self-Publisher, and Publishing Basics for Children’s Books. Both are authored by Ron Pramschufer, one of the top book printers in the industry.
JUST MY BEST, INC.
A publishing house out of Wilmington, Ohio. They are interested in new authors.
A-1 COMPLETE WRITING AND EDITING A-1 Complete Writing and Editing offers proofreading, line editing, substantive/content editing, manuscript critique, book doctoring, and many other services to individual writers and corporations.
Self-Publishing
TAKE COVER DESIGNS
Take Cover Designs offers affordable, eye-catching, and beautiful cover art and promotional material design for independent authors and publishers. Browse the galleries of ready-to-go inventory images or order a custom design.
ROBERTSON PUBLISHING
Self-publishing and Print-On-Demand books.
INK TREE LTD.
Ink Tree Ltd. is a book marketing firm that specializes in helping authors and publishers succeed. Free articles and newsletter available as well as a variety of products and services designed to help self publishers succeed.
GO PUBLISH YOURSELF.COM
Comprehensive web site that educates writers on the topic of self-publishing by providing them with quality articles and resources.
Writer’s Services
TAKE COVER DESIGNS
Take Cover Designs offers affordable, eye-catching, and beautiful cover art and promotional material design for independent authors and publishers. Browse the galleries of ready-to-go inventory images or order a custom design.
THE WRITE EDIT
“The Write Edit is the premier editing, proofreading, and writing company! We are prepared to provide for all your editorial needs at reasonable rates. Ask for a free sample edit!”
BLUE FALCON EDITING
Responding to all your editing and proofreading needs in the fantasy genre.
SHELLY COX EDITORIAL
Full range of editorial services at competitive rates.
BOOK EDITING ASSOCIATES
A full range of editing services, by fiction and nonfiction specialists, mainstream and genre.
COVERSCRIPT.COM
Helping Screenwriters achieve success. Critique, coverage or consulting of Film, Movie or TV Script. Visit www.coverscript.com before submitting your script.
FIRSTWRITER.COM
Online subscription resource for writers. Low rate, some free information onsite.
Follow
I have a personal favourite called the Story Generator, which I think would make a good addition to your list. There is a flash program that generates story kernels as well as articles about plot and character generation. It is at http://storygenerator.net.
I would like to suggest an additional link for your resources.
We have many articles that your users would find helpful. Our editors have written articles about front matter, how to conquer writer’s block, tips to stay awake when writing, how to use proper punctuation, and common mistakes to avoid in writing.
We offer high quality editing and proofreading, fast turnaround times, and affordable prices—all in a highly secure, confidential environment.