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On Writing
I'm certainly no expert, so in my quest to improve my writing, I
have numerous invaluable tools I turn to for help.
Books
GMC: Goal Motivation and Conflict, The Building Blocks of Good Fiction
- by Debra Dixon (ISBN 0-9654371-0-8)
- How to use these key elements to give dimension to your characters and
direction to your plot. (And if you ever get the opportunity to attend
Debra's workshop, it's worth every second of your time.)
Roget's Super Thesaurus
- by Marc McCutcheon (ISBN 0-89879-658-X)
- The ultimate thesaurus and word-finder.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
- by Renni Browne and Dave King (second edition) (ISBN 0-06-054569-0)
- How to edit yourself into print.
Creating Character Emotions
- by Ann Hood (ISBN 1-884910-33-5)
- Writing compelling, fresh approaches that express your character's true
feelings.
Writing Dialogue
- by Tom Chiarella (ISBN 8-884910-32-7)
- How to create memorable voices and fictional conversations that crackle
with wit, tension and nuance.
Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies
- by Leslie Wainger (ISBN 0-7645-2554-9)
- A top romance editor gives you the know-how you need to succeed as a
romance novelist.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published
- by Julie Beard (ISBN 0-02-863196-X)
- Quick and easy strategies for getting your romance novel off the ground
- Idiot-proof steps to lead you through the writing process
- Down-to-earth advice on submitting, selling, and promoting your
masterpiece.
The Marshall Plan for Getting Your Novel Published
- by Evan Marshall (ISBN 1-58297-196-X)
- 90 strategies and techniques for selling your fiction.
Website Links
-
Please visit my Links
page for online writing information. I will continue to add when I discover a
site that I find particularly helpful.
Magazines
-
Writers Digest
The Writer
RWR (Romance Writer's Report) comes with RWA membership
Pages
Critique Partners
-
They may not work for everyone, but I have a wonderful critique partner who
works with me as we hone our craft. Her opinions, advice, brainstorming,
proof-reading/editing, and support (even if it's just to cheer me up on a bad
day) are of tremendous help. Choose a partner(s) carefully, someone who you can
have a mutually helpful relationship with and who will be kindly honest with you
in your effort to improve all aspects of your writing.
Area Meetings
-
There is nothing like the monthly meeting of my area chapter. Three hours of
nothing but writing talk, time with others who understand my mindset, and the
local support and friendliness of my fellow members.
Visit
Romance Writers of America
to find a chapter near you!
Area Conferences/Workshops
-
Almost every Chapter of RWA has it's own yearly conference or workshop. Once
you've located an RWA chapter near you, check their website for conference
information. The information offered and the contacts and friends made at these
events make them worth every penny of the registration fee.
RWA National Conference
-
Attended by the best in the business, invaluable workshops, tons of information
and great fun! See the RWA home site for registration details.
Obviously, there are many, many more tools available to you than
I've listed here. These are simply the ones I've found useful.
All views expressed are my personal opinion and not intended to offer
any guarantee of success in a writing career. That part is entirely up
to you. Best of luck, and some day, I'd love to pick one of your
books from the store shelf, if I haven't already!
Copyright © 2005-2009 Stacey Joy Netzel
All rights reserved.
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