Updated the Blog!

Just added:

32 links to Writing Blogs
2 links to Author Blogs
3 links to Agent Blogs
2 links to Book Blogs

Nope, not going to tell you which ones. You'll have to find them yourselves :)

Happy writing!

Adding New Writing Links

I just added a bunch of new links to the blog. Let me know if I've missed you or a site you find helpful! Sometimes it's difficult to decide whether to put an author's blog under "Writing Blogs" or "Author Blogs," so I put it under both! Hey, it's my blog, I can do what I want :)

Next project - Delete the outdated links.

Time Hoggers

Okay, I know I haven't added any new posts with fascinating links for a few months, but I have excellent excuses:

1. I was working on my middle grade fantasy novel (and I finished the 1st draft at 1:27 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012 - and yes, that is my lunchtime at work.
2. I've been playing with my granddaughter one day a weekend. Working five days a week, plus playing with toddler one day a week equals less time to blog.
3. I moved my office to the family room and have been organizing things.
4. Twitter
5. Facebook
6. Goodreads (even though I'm way behind on reviewing stuff!)

Now, I've signed up for a Master Class on Plot and Structure with Cheryl Klein that will take eight weeks to complete. It doesn't start until November 29th, but I've got preparation homewook - I have to bookmap my entire novel and read four books (okay, two are optional, but I've always been an overachiever.) That's going to take some time away from my blogging, but it's Cheryl Klein for goodness sake. She's a super Executive Editor with Arthur A. Levine Books (the American home to the Harry Potter series.) I love her writing book Second Sight and devour her blog Brooklyn Arden. 

I'll post when I can. Meanwhile, enjoy all the terrific writing links on the sidebar.

Author, Jody Hedlund's Blog

Jody Hedlund's Blog

I follow Jody Hedlund on Twitter and frequently click on links to her blog posts about the writing life, both inspirational and craft articles. A lot to learn here. Check out the topics on her side bar for past articles.

Recent Blog Posts:

• Write Because You Love It
• 3 Reminders About eBooks Versus Paper books
• Some Things Are Out of Our Control
• 7 Dialog Basics that Can Help Tighten Our Stories
• Why We Need to Put Our Books to Bed
• How Can Modern Writers Become & Stay Visible?

This is a blog well worth checking out.

Aurora Wolf

Aurora Wolf, a Literary Journal of Science Fiction and Fantasy

Looking for science fiction or fantasy stories? Check out Aurora Wolf. In addition to publishing anthologies, Aurora Wolf posts stories on their website, ready to read with a click of your mouse.

According to their guidelines:  "Aurora Wolf publishes stories where dreams and memories are created for reader's enjoyment. Our online free library and low priced print and e-formatted anthologies feature speculative fiction with strong characters and morals that uplift the soul, encourage positive thought and bring hope into our world.

Authors should know that this is a paying market, although payment is only $5 per story at this writing. If your story is picked for an anthology, you'll receive further payment.

Creative Writing Now

Creative Writing Now Website

This writing website was "created as a free service by writing teachers to provide a supportive and friendly place for authors and poets at all stages of their writing lives.

At this site you'll find:

• Writing prompts and story starters
• Free writing courses
• How to articles
• Free fiction and poetry contests
• Teacher resources

What fun! Stretch your writing muscles by trying something new.

Hoppy Easter!

Children's Illustration Blog - Easter Bunnies!

art from all over (brought to you by Shelley Davies & Julie Fortenberry

There can never be enough bunnies on Easter. Shelley and Julie have gathered a plethora of bunny illustrations in their Easter post. 

Check out this blog anytime for great children's book illustrations. A fun place to browse.

Business of Writing and Taxes

Here are a few articles I found around the Web this week about the business of writing and taxes. If you haven't set up your business this year, why not do it now?

It Takes More Than Good Intentions  by Terry Whalin

HowDo You Set Up Your Writing Business? By Chip MacGregor

Writers& Taxes by Rachelle Gardner

The Freelancer's Guide To Filing Taxes In 2012 by Alden Wicker 

Do I Need to File Taxes as a Writer?  by Danica Favorite   

Author Name Pronunciation Guide

Author Name Pronunciation Guide

Ever wondered how to pronounce an author's name? The Author Name Pronunciation Guide from TeachingBooks.New gives you small audio snippets of authors and illustrators pronouncing their own names and sharing short stories surrounding their names. 

The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races                     

by Maggie Stiefvater

My Rating:  5/5 Stars

It's difficult to describe this book without giving so much away about the plot, so I'll just offer my thoughts on the book without a summary. You can find a information about the book and a summary of this book at the author's website here. 

I listened to this book on audio CD. 

What I liked: 

• The wildness and danger of the Capall Uisce water horses, 
• The unique world of the island, which Puck and Sean are unable to turn their backs on, 
• Compelling characters with compelling motives, 
• Beautifully written descriptions that described, but didn't go on and on with irrelevant information, 
• The relationship between Puck and her younger brother Finn, 
• The voice of Steve West as Sean, such depth I almost fell into it 
• The alternating perspectives which offered extra dimensions to the story, 
• The romance that eventually developed between Puck and Sean was interesting, unusual, and based on mutual respect rather than superficial lust, 
• Corr is one cool horse and I absolutely fell in love with Dove, a horse with a heart of gold and a love for Puck. 

What I didn't like: 

• The voice of Fiona Hardingham as Puck was a bit shrill at times and pulled me out of the story, 
• The nasty men of the island who didn't want a girl to race,  
• That smackable Mutt Melvern.  (Note: These last two are an example of great characterization, not a flaw in the plot!)

I highly recommend this book!

Writing Posts I Found Interesting

Here are some recent posts about writing and books that enjoyed:

Anne Osterlund - The Battle Scene: Hazards of Listening to Your Source 

Bibliodyssey - Liber Floridus: Extracts from late Classical & early Medieval Works. Beautiful!

Blogpreneur - What do you want your blog readers to do next?

Matador Network - Make the most of your writers group

Huffington Post/Christopher Meeks - Writers have to write & market

Goins Writer - The secret “real writers” know

P.C. Wrede - When your characters don’t want to do what you want them to.

Magellan Media Partners - A Holiday Poem

Victoria Mixon - How to find community through writing

Editorrent - Scene Length

Maggie Stiefvater, Author

Maggie Stiefvater's Website

Maggie Stiefvater's Blog

Maggie Stiefvater writes young adult novels, which include Shiver, Linger, Forever, Lament, and Ballad. Unusual and riveting would be two words that only begin to describe her books. I’m looking forward to reading her recently released The Scorpio Races.

Writing process always fascinates me. I love to read about how other writers write. There are many great posts on her blog about Maggie’s process. Follow her label “How I Write” to locate some of them. She uses helpful examples that illustrate her points and she fills her blog with glimpses of her personal style.

GalleyCat

GalleyCat

GalleyCat, a feature of the Media Bistro organization, offers the latest information on publishing deals, books, writing resources, and jobs in publishing. It lives up to the promise in its subtitle: The First Word on the Book Publishing Industry. Whether it’s a video tour of a Scholastic headquarters, the scoop on who is acquiring whom, or info on a big deal just made by Amazon, you’ll find the latest and possibly greatest at GalleyCat. I love the Writer Resources page where you can get motivated, explore a new writers’ service, or find a link to a new writing technique.

Jill Corcoran Books

Jill Corcoran Books Blog

Agent Jill Corcoran represents children’s book authors, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade and young adult. I always find great information on her site. Recently, she posted a list of interesting past postings offering useful information to help authors get an agent. You’ll find information about her authors, their books, and publishing advice.

Bookshelves of Doom

Bookshelves of Doom



Anything and everything about books, that’s what you’ll find at this highly recommended book blog. Recent posts have included information about NPR’s “The Back-Seat Book Club” geared to ages 9-14, a link to an article about Emily Dickinson’s baking expertise, and penguin sweaters (you’ll have to check it out!)

Advanced Fiction Writing

Advanced Fiction Writing Website

I heard Randy Ingermanson, the Snowflake Guy or America’s Mad Professor of Fiction Writing, speak at a Willamette Writers meeting in Portland, Oregon this spring and was intrigued by his Snowflake Method for writing a novel. At his website I found a terrific article explaining the method in more detail and a whole lot more, including informational articles and software.

While you’re visiting his site, it’s well worth your time to sign up for his Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine. It’s packed full of useful information and you can find an archive of past issues located under the E-zine heading on his website. You’ll also find a link to his blog.

Lots of good information here.





WriteonCon - Free Online Conference

http://www.writeoncon.com/

 

Free Online Conference

Mark your calendar for August 16-18, 2011 to attend the WriteonCon Children's Writers free online conference. I recommend that you sign up for their free e-newsletter to receive updated information.

I attended this conference last year and found it wonderfully motivating and inspiring.

A Mouse in the House Blog

A Mouse in the House Blog

I love Roberta Baird's whimsical illustrations and perusing her blog is always an adventure. You won't want to miss the Santa stuck upside down in the chimney! Roberta also offers free pages with activities for kids -- Millie the Mouse Paper Doll with lots of different outfits, Cutout and Fold Paper Toys, Giraffe Sewing Pattern, and Coloring Pages. While you're there, be sure to check out her portfolio and sketchbook.

Diamonds & Toads

Diamonds & Toads Blog

Diamonds and Toads blog shares information about all things fairy tale. You can find links to a number of interesting fantasy blogs and sites, including the fairy tale journal, Enchanted Conversation. For anyone who loves fairy tales and wants to know more, this is a great place to start.

Between Fact & Fiction

Natalie Whipple:  Between Fact & Fiction Blog

I always find something interesting at Author Natalie Whipple’s Between Fact and Fiction Blog. Whether she’s sharing her feelings about being on submission for 15 months, or bragging about her friends’ books, or bemoaning the trials of medical insurance policies, or her approval of occasionally writing crap,  she’s always honest. That honesty shines through with over 1000 people following her!



Cliche Finder

Cliche Finder

Here's an unusual concept -- find a cliche to add to your writing! Easy to use -- just type a word into the search box and see what cliches pop up.

I tried "rabbit" and got:

a rabbit out of the hat
faster than a jack rabbit
hop like a rabbit
-----

I tried "fast" and got:

thick and fast
play fast and loose
hard and fast rule
hard and fast
fast and furious
Knock you from hell to breakfast
Faster than a speeding crawfish.
faster than a speeding bullet
all over the place like a dogs breakfast
faster than a comet
faster than a jack rabbit
faster than a speeding bullet
pull a fast one

Science Fiction & Fantasy Ezines

I spent the morning adding a number of science fiction and fantasy ezines to the list of Ezines, Magazines, & Stories. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of these ezines -- of course others were a bit inconsistant. In the future I will showcase individual titles, but if you just can't wait, check out the following titles:

(I'm not taking the time to turn these into links -- links are available by selecting the title under the topic Ezines, Magazines, & Stories in the column on the left of the blog.)

Abyss & Apex
After Burns SF
Another Realm
Apex Magazine
Aurora Wolf
Beneath Ceaseless Skies
Bewildering Stories
Big Pulp
Black Gate Magazine
Copper Wire
Darwin's Evolutions
Digital Dragon Magazine
Dunesteef, Audio Fiction Magazine
Electric Spec
Every Day Fiction
Fantasy Magazine
Flash Fiction Chronicles
FlashFiction.Com
Heroic Fantasy Quarterly
Daikaijuzine
Kaleidotrope
Lorelei Signal
Mindflights
Morpheus Tales
Murky Depths
Night Train Magazine
Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show
Residential Aliens
Silver Blade
Sorcerous Signals
Strange Horizons
The Annals of Hypnosia
The New Bedlam Project
Theaker's Quarterly Fiction
Weird Tales

Kid Magazine Writers

Kid Magazine Writers Website

Subtitled "the information center for children's magazine writers," Kid Magazine Writers website offers information about markets listed alphabetically. There is a section called "Dead Zone" where magazines that don't accept submissions or who have ceased publication are listed. The paying markets for fiction in children's magazines have dwindled over the years, but there are still a few out there. If you write nonfiction or want to find markets that are still accepting fiction stories, this is the website for you.

Come in Character

Come in Character Blog

This is an unusual blog, because writers are encouraged to comment in character. You choose one of your own characters or create a new one, and post your comment under that character's name, answering as your character would. A fun way to stretch your imagination and learn more about your character.

Plot Whisperer

Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers

Martha Alderson follows up the great information ins her Plot Whisperer books with day-to-day inspiration and examples that will keep your plots filled with conflict (that’s a good thing!)

JacketFlap

JacketFlap

JacketFlap is an excellent resource for children's writers, illustrators, librarians, publishers, editors, agents, teachers, parents, booksellers, and anyone interested in children's books. Here you will find:

• 
  
  Links to book-related blogs


• 
  
  A database of 900,000+ children's books


• 
  
  Bookshelves of members' books


• 
  
  A listing of more than 20,000 publishers


• 
  
  A database of more than 200,000 children's book creators


• 
  
  An opportunity to network with people in the book industry

Here's my JacketFlap page:

Deb's JacketFlap Page

Carolrhoda Books Blog

Carolrhoda Books Blog

Information about their books, announcement of a new imprint, inside looks at publishing, book trailers, writing tidbits – it’s all here. Why more publishers don’t have blogs is a mystery. Such a great promotional tool. Carolrhoda uses its blog as an interesting and informative way to reach readers and potential authors.

Writer Unboxed

Writer Unboxed

Writer Unboxed, filled with information “about the craft and business of genre fiction,” boasts a wealth of author interviews, essays, and guest posts about writing. Twelve authors contribute pieces, so a fresh perspective is a constant. Always something interesting to find here. Time flies as you jump from post to post, so allow yourself plenty of it when you visit.

The Blog of Innocence

The Blog of Innocence

This is a unique blog written by Lethe, the editor of Escape into Life, an online arts journal. In addition to writing full of life and thought, the Blog of Innocence offers visual images that send your imagination soaring.

Six Sentences

Six Sentences Blog

Write your story in six sentences. Then submit it to this blog. What could be simpler? Right. Just try it! Writer Guidelines (written in just six sentences, of course) are available on the blog. Good luck!