Resources
There are countless resources out there for writers, but these are a few of my favorites. Check out the list below for books, websites, and other resources that have helped me and my clients.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
What is it?
Book→ A novel-writing guide
What can it help with?
This book breaks down the traditional three-act structure into fifteen plot points. Entertaining and memorable, this resource is helpful for anyone wanting to learn more about plot (even if you’re a pantser).
The Elements of Style by Strunk & White
What is it?
Book→ A style guide for writing well
What can it help with?
This book is short and jam-packed with useful advice on grammar and style. The original edition of this book was published more than a century ago, and it is a go-to reference for many modern writers for good reason.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
What is it?
Book→ A look at storytelling through the lens of psychology and comparative mythology
What can it help with?
Since first published in 1949, this work has influenced millions—including many of your favorite authors. If you want a deeper understanding of that well-known motif known as “The Hero’s Journey” or a look at the universal nature of storytelling, check out this formative work.
Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
What is it?
Book→ An insight into storytelling using neuroscience and psychology
What can it help with?
This is one of my favorite books to recommend to clients. It really gives you that “why” to so much writing advice you’ve probably heard elsewhere. Want to hook readers and keep them turning the pages? Read this.
Read Books All Day & Get Paid For It by Jennie Nash
What is it?
Book→ A guide to book coaching
What can it help with?
This book can help you understanding the nuances of what writing coaches do and what they can offer you, including helping define a project and its scope, design the ideal narrative structure, and build your confidence as an author.
The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
What is it?
Book→ A thesaurus and guide to all the emotions and related words a character could ever feel
What can it help with?
Need some help with your protagonist’s feelings? This book covers topics like body language, internal dialogue, and tips for successfully conveying and personalizing 130 emotions realistically on the page. These authors have a whole amazing series of similar “thesaurus” books—I also especially enjoy “The Emotional Wound Thesaurus.”
What is it?
Website→ A massive digital library of story and character planning resources
What can it help with?
Admittedly, this website can be so much fun you might find yourself falling so far down a rabbit hole of scene maps, character builders, timelines, and worldbuilding worksheets your writing might get put on hold for a while. If you can resist the temptation of pouring your life into this resource, this website has numerous tools to help fiction writers.
What is it?
Software/App→ A writing aid and grammar checker
What can it help with?
I use ProWritingAid in my own writing and editing because it provides a wealth of data about grammar, language use, and more. Want to know about your sentence variety of use of passive voice? ProWritingAid can guide you. While definitely not a replacement for a professional editor, this tool is a step up from Grammarly and worth the investment.
What is it?
Course→ a wide variety of courses on writing, editing, and publishing
What can it help with?
Want to join a “bootcamp” to publish your children’s book? Want to earn a certificate in copyediting? This online “university” provides tons of accessible and relatively affordable professional courses to learn new skills and brush up on old ones.
Alliance of Independent Authors
What is it?
Association→ a not-for-profit membership association for self-published authors
What can it help with?
ALLi is the go-to for self-published authors. Members get access to professional advice on publishing, discussion forums, free books and resources, discounts to services, and more. You can make valuable connections with other authors and professionals in the industry.
Editorial Freelancers Association
What is it?
Association→ a non-for-profit association for professional freelance editors
What can it help with?
The EFA offers a chart of standard prices for professional editors, a job board, and professional courses. You can search for editors and find the right one for your editorial needs and budget or take a course taught by an experienced editor.
What is it?
Conference→ a virtual conference for by and for women in the publishing industry
What can it help with?
I have attended the WIP Summit a few times now and come away with tons of useful information from authors, editors, and other industry professionals. Brush up on all kinds of skills and learn some new techniques. A ticket to the summit also frequently comes with useful professional discounts (including one for ProWritingAid in the past).
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
What is it?
Association→ professional organization for authors (and other industry professionals) working with scifi & fantasy
What can it help with?
Connect with other writers (and editors) of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres on discussion boards and at in-person events, get help promoting your book, and vote for the Nebula Awards!
What is it?
Association→ non-for-profit membership association promoting horror/dark literature
What can it help with?
Connect with other writers (and editors) of horror and dark fantasy, learn about lectures and book signings from premier horror authors, and vote for the Bram Stoker Awards!
Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators
What is it?
Association→ not-for-profit international professional organization for authors & illustrators of books for children and young adults
What can it help with?
Members get access to writing and publishing resources, including books and webinars, opportunities to connect with fellow authors and illustrators, promote books, join a regional chapter, apply for grants, and more.
What is it?
Website→ free rain sounds to keep you writing
What can it help with?
Need some soothing white noise? Open up this website and imagine you’re writing in a cozy cabin in the PNW rain.
What is it?
Website→ a graphic design platform for people who aren’t graphic designers
What can it help with?
If you need a social media graphic, a newsletter header, a business card? An announcement for your book launch (or even your dog’s birthday)? How about a mockup of your book cover to motivate you through the next 10k words? You can make it on Canva even if you aren’t particularly artistically inclined. There is a free version (as well as a paid one).
What is it?
Website→ inspiring interactive art
What can it help with?
Sometimes you need a moment to cleanse the mind, break out of that funk, and breathe in the inspiration.