Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Writing Inspiration - with Links!

Ever need a break from a WIP? Or find yourself ready to stab at something new and aren't sure where to start or what to write about? Like deciding how to cut a watermelon - you can't wait to eat it, but where to plunge the knife?


For July's Insecure Writers Support Group session, I thought I'd pass on a little writerly inspiration...

Writers are jam-packed full of ideas and stories. Most of the time... But sometimes we all need a little inspiration. When you're ready to write a short story or new book idea--especially if you're considering a genre outside your comfort zone--it can be hard to focus and pick a plot that can go the distance to become a full-fledged story. And usually our muses are scarce when we need them most!

So I've compiled some links for prompts, challenges, and even submissions! to help you choose a direction that will put you in the mood for writing...
  • One of my favorite newsletters is from Shannon Lawrence, The Warrior Muse. she usually includes awesome links for submissions with topics that will inspire you - and they pay!
  • If you're into new twists and stretching your writing muscles, try Chuck Wendig's blog Terrible Minds and his weekly challenge every Friday. Warning, he can be crass, but that's part of his charm--he tells the hard truths about writing!
  • The IWSG has a fun little prompt every Wednesday on Instagram, plus extra daily challenges for the summer! Instagram itself with all the pics can be inspiration for a poem or a drabble.
  • WEP - Write, Edit, Publish is a bi-monthly challenge sponsored by 4 fabulous ladies: Denise, Renee, Olga, and Nilanjana - and you might even win a gift card!
  • A couple of author friends have published writing prompt/submission & publication books:
If you have others to share, please do. We can all use some inspiration!
Happy Writing!

Now, for my SHOUT OUT of the WEEK!


A partner in crime (& mystery) literally! We've been blog friends forever and were both honored to be part of the TICK, TOCK - A STITCH IN CRIME anthology sponsored by IWSG.

Gwen writes fabulous cozy mysteries solved with the help and despite the hindrance of ghosts, like from her awesome Indigo Eady series. Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate - not necessarily in that order.

I love her blog header - gorgeous!


FINAL NOTES...

While I was in Atlanta, I got to have lunch and catch up with Sherry Ellis!


See my newsletter for more pics and info on my whereabouts and going-on.

And there's only one more week for my BEASTLY SUMMER GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

16 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gwen is awesome!
Cool you got to meet Sherry.
Those are some great places to find inspiration.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

That watermelon pic totally cracks me up! :)

Shannon always shares great links on her blog posts.

Erika Beebe said...

What an eye-catchy watermelon! Thank you also for all the tips and I think it's awesome you actually bump into some of the writers in the group. Happy IWSG Day Tara :)

Carrie-Anne said...

Prompts are often great for getting the creative juices flowing again. It can also be valuable to step outside one's comfort zone and try something entirely different and new.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Chrys' book has a ton of prompts in it.

I love that you met Sherry. I get to meet her in September.

The Cynical Sailor said...

How fun that you met Sherry in person! I love how you shared all of those cool links and featured Gwen. I love her blog header too :-)

Crystal Collier said...

The watermelon got me too. Wonderful list of prompts! I came up with my own list of one word triggers that tie into primal emotions based on childhood experiences, and that tends to be a great resource.

Gwen is awesome! And you know, Sherry isn't that far from me. I should totally try to meet up with her some time.

Anonymous said...

I'll have to check out Shannon's newsletter since I want to try submitting short stories and my first one got its first rejection.

M.J. Fifield said...

I love Chuck Wendig's blog. I've never attempted any of the Friday challenges, but I love his posts. He's written a few books on writing that are equally awesome.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Wow! Thanks for the shout-out! I totally didn't expect that.
Have a great July!

Julie Flanders said...

Thanks for the links! I knew some already but some are new to me so I'll be checking them out.
Gwen is fantastic and I love her stories. How cool you and Sherry met up. Great pic!
Happy 4th to you and your family, Tara!

Juneta key said...

Great post. Happy 4th of July and Happy IWSG!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Both Gwen and Sherry are sweethearts. Happy 4th of July to you!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tara - great you were able to meet up with Sherry ... and to promote and give shout outs to Gwen, WEP, Instagram IWSG ... et al ... enjoy the 4th - cheers Hilary

Diane Burton said...

Awesome suggestions and links. Thanks so much.

Gwen Gardner said...

I guess my comment got swallowed. LOL. Thanks so much for the shout-out, Tara. I really appreciate it. Thanks for all the links too!

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