No fools on April 1 this year. It came and went without any teasing or jests. I was a little disappointed. But that's okay, I'm on spring break and enjoying my extra time off! Yippee!
I don't have any complaints this month for
IWSG, so I thought I'd share some
Useful Links & Advice for Writers in whatever stage of writing you might be in...
Stage One - Writing
**Believe it or not, this is the easiest stage! Here are some helpful links to get you through...
- Beta readers/CPs - I have some regulars, but I usually ask someone new with each book to get a fresh perspective
- Writer's Digest - awesome site for writing advice and writer chat rooms to ask writerly questions. It also takes you through all the next phases, with new agent articles and book event info
- Absolute Write - a total site for writers to communicate, bounce ideas off each other, and play writerly games - I had to give it up because I was having too much fun playing the games and not writing!
- The A to Z Blog Challenge - I made so many contacts through this challenge, going on right now! It's changed format to keep up with the times, but if you can get involved, it'll open your horizons!
- And of course, there's the IWSG! Beyond the monthly blog postings, the website offers many great articles full of writerly advice.
Stage Two - Finding an agent/publisher
- Query Shark - Janet Reid is the queen of queries and she tears them to shreds to help you get to the core of your query. Read and Learn!
- MS Wishlist - a continuous feed of agents and what they are seeking, right now!
- #PITMAD and more - twitter pitch contests held throughout the year with agents reading your blurbs! Hosted by Brenda Drake
- Writing Contests - google and enter! smaller publications on your resume is a great start
- Writing Conferences - google and GO! You can usually set up appointments to pitch to an agent which is worth the experience even if you don't get a bite.
Stage Three - Marketing your book
- L. Diane Wolfe - this woman has tons of experience and great advice for marketing your book and more - check her out!
- Jane Friedman - I've been following Ms. Friedman since I started writing. She's got links, advice, news, and all the latest trends in the industry. Highly recommend checking her out.
- Book Events - google and GO! Get out there and sell. You have to start somewhere! (I've got lots of advice on book events)
Now for my #writerslife survey results
What's a good/constructive/funny comment you've received from a CP/Beta Reader or Editor?
It was tough to remember some, but here are a few that stuck out!
"n,lxdjfjgkzmgxdfbbbbbxkbzx... Oh! Sorry. Baby butt." - love this one!
It's a rough draft. Don't worry. You'll make it better.
You're just sick! Meant in a nice way, I'm sure!
You just made me cry! two people said this =)
And here's one of mine - Hahahaha I always enjoy his brand of insanity in these books!
Lastly, I posted my
quarterly newsletter this week with details about upcoming publications, my event schedule - where I've been, where I'm going (besides crazy) - and what I'm working on!
