For Writers

As an aspiring author, one of the things I’m learning to do is how to share what I’ve learned with other writers. And, in so doing, I hope to grow too. My plan is to post writing-related topics every third Wednesday of each month. So, make plans to stop by then or subscribe in the sidebar to my blog to the receive the most recent post by email. Also, consider signing up for my newsletter – it appears quarterly, or close to it. {Smiles}

Unlike other writers who seem to have their mojo flowing, I’m still working on getting a publication schedule rolling consistently. That is one of the things I’ve learned that is hard for me to do. Helping me get there will be something I’ll write about, such as what tools I’m finding useful to use, whom I’m following for inspiration, and what I’m finding works or doesn’t work.

Quote of William Wordsworth and image of Hobbit's Bend

THINGS I’M LEARNING

As I move forward in my writing journey, I’m gathering a collection of things that I can use to help me and I’ll build this as I go, sharing it with you along the way. I believe in Austin Kleon’s mantra: STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST!

TOOLS THAT HELP

  • SOFTWARE TOOLS (Off line and on line)
    1. SCRIVENER – PC & MAC versions. Powerful way to get organized. I’m so in love with it.
    2. VELLUM – MAC only. Fabulous to produce the books you want to see after you’ve written them.
    3. SCAPPLE – Great “mind mapping” software. There are others, but this works well with Scrivener and is made by the same developers.
    4. GIMP – graphic software you can’t beat. The cost is right too!
    5. WORDPRESS – Private writing, Semi-private, Blogging, & Website
    6. CANVA – a most fabulous resource to get the images put together you need to share your stories
  • WRITING BOOKS
    1. JAMES SCOT BELL – all of his books – especially Plot & Structure & Super Structure
    2. SHAWN COYNE’S – The Story Grid – basics of good self-editing
    3. KAREN S. WIESNER – First Draft in 30 Days: A novel writer’s system for building a complete and cohesive manuscript
    4. RANDY INGERMANSON – The Snowflake Method – he has several on this topic
    5. JANICE HARDY – Understanding Show, Don’t Tell – an excellent read
    6. K. M. WEILAND – Outlining Your Novel: Map your way to success
  • ONLINE LEARNING
    1. MARK DAWSON’S – Self-Publishing Formula 101 and so much more
    2. SHAWN COYNE’S – THE STORY GRID
    3. JERRY JENKINS – All of his training
    4. DAN BLANK – All of his trainings are spot on and his weekly newsletter is inspirational
    5. AUSTIN KLEON – His weekly newsletter and his books are full of creative moments that make a writer’s heart soar to new heights
    6. K. M. WEILAND – Helping writers become authors is a fantastic resource
  • WRITING ORGANIZATIONS – We all need support.
    1. ALLi – Alliance of Independent Authors – I love this group. They are so supportive!
    2. MARK DAWSON’S GROUPIES – many groups and opportunities to connect
    3. DAN BLANK GROUPIES – another awesome collection of ways to connect – We Grow Media is classic.
    4. LOCAL – Writing Writer’s Group (WWG) – a group of local writers that gather twice monthly

“STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST”

  • INSPIRATIONAL TAKEAWAYS
    1. Mark Dawson – Keep going and don’t give up
    2. Shawn Coyne – Read. Read. Read. Learn. Learn. Learn.
    3. Jerry Jenkins – Don’t be afraid
    4. J. A. Konrath – You, too, can be a star
    5. Dan Blank – Connect with people and stay human
    6. Austin Kleon – Steal like an artist
    7. Jody Hedlund – Use your talents to their fullest extent
    8. Jane Friedman – Believe
    9. Douglas Adams – Go anyway

WHAT’S WORKING

OR, WHAT I’M STILL SEARCHING FOR…

  • Using Scrivener is proving to be the cat’s meow. I’ve made a writer’s bible and have created Scrivener binder for the entire series of The Chronicles of Eldershire. My plan is to also create one for The Marine Letsco Trilogy and setup one for The Letter and related books I may write in that genre.
    1. Have you tried Scrivener yet? Share what you are doing and how you find it useful in the comments section. Or, drop me a note using my Contact page with the ways we can connect.
    2. If you don’t use Scrivener, what do you use to write?
  • Vellum has proven to be about the best software created for producing quality books after the manuscript is written. Though it is only available for MAC, I have come to love writing on my MAC.
  • As an aside, I do own a netbook, which I call my “Baby.” It is the size of an iPad, but it has a full key board and a nice large drive to store files. I removed its ability to connect to the internet, which has been a god send. I use it for crafting my rough drafts using Scrivener.
    1. What do you use to produce a print or eBook?
    2. Do you have a favorite mode to write?

I’ll be updating this page as my writing moves forward. Plans are to move into the final stages of writing the draft of DarkShadow. Send good vibes this way!

Owl - Mr. Scruffy Icon - RainbowsWrite on with Smiles!

I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.

Douglas Adams

Pay no attention to my ramblings here, my browsing history, or my low word count, I’ve had one of those days…and I hope someday to write something worth stealing.

Pam B. Newberry