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.
- 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.
- 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!
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!
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!
What an interesting survey. I'm disappointed I missed it—but at least I caught the results. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your spring break! Hope you're getting some nice spring weather to go with it.
I'm glad that one comment amused you! That was from Cassie Mae. She was critiquing with her baby in her lap.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your spring break.
Yeh for spring break! Keep enjoying your time off! :)
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you, Tara!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week of spring break.
Thanks for sharing all those resources!
ReplyDeleteI never dreamed the writing was the easy part. Man, I miss those days when all I worried about was the story.
ReplyDeleteHi Tara - great list of ideas ...thanks for listing them out for us - makes life easy for us to see what we need ... and what we've not thought of! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeletehttp://taratylertalks.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/writerslife-links-and-survey-results.html
HI, Tara,
ReplyDeleteThese are some great suggestions and LINKS... Thanks!
Thanks for the links. Always enjoy your surveys. Happy Spring Break and IWSG.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.junetakey.com/posts/the-beginning-of-the-end-shadow-stalker-episode-19/
One of my crit partners once told me they laughed out loud at a sentence that I hadn't meant to be funny. Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea to get a new perspective with each book. I can see many advantages to that.
ReplyDeleteYou picked winning sites for each stage.
ReplyDeleteI've given writers comments that I've cried while reading a certain part of their manuscript. I like to share what emotions their writing brings out in me. Including shock and, yes, repulsion...but in a good way. lol
Great list of advice. Following them is tough. LOL Isn't it great not to have an insecurity right now?
ReplyDeleteWhat a helpful post! Great links! I look forward to checking out the ones on marketing- always something to work on. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
I missed taking part of the survey but my answers would have fallen in the majority in most cases. That's comforting in an odd sort of way.
ReplyDeleteAlways enjoy seeing the results of your writing surveys! Also, just signed up for your newsletter. (Can't believe I hadn't yet!)
ReplyDelete