The Question: So, you want to be a writer?
The Answer: Yes. Without writing I’d lose my mind. Or, as someone over at Twitter mentioned: “If I didn’t write, I’d lie more.” The absolute truth.
I have got various RSS Feeds that I subscribe to – the majority of them are agents’ and writers’ blogs and some publishers’ blogs too. I am addicted to them and read them as much and as often as I can.
As a newbie, I’ve done loads of research, I’ve narrowed down where I want to be in the publishing world as a published author and I’m hoping to one day sell DJINN onto an agent who will be able to sell it onto a fine publisher and hey presto, my dream will come true.
But way before that can happen I a) need to finish the book (44k as of yesterday) and b) I need to brush up on the market as much as I can and that means reading as many books as I possibly can along with taking in as much advice as I can from professionals in the industry.
It is only common sense and far from it being tedious, I really enjoy these chats authors and agents put up on their blogs. There is advice out there, on the wide Internet, which is invaluable to newbie authors like myself.
I have read LOADS of reference books on writing and some I love, some others I can’t quite come to read through as it is just so heartbreakingly literary and highbrow or just total rubbish. There is a very fine line between finding the right “how to” book for yourself.
However, for the modern writer – established or new – there is a plethora of websites to explore.
I list some of my favourites below:
The Deadline Dames - nine urban fantasy authors talk about their books, writing, lifestyle, book promos and giveaways. An invaluable source written by established authors for readers and newbie authors alike. You can’t go wrong reading their posts or even subscribing to their RSS feed. Even if urban fantasy / paranormal romance is not your thing, their advice is solid and skitters across all genres and it also covers YA.
Bookends Literary Agency - BookEnds, LLC, is a literary agency focusing on fiction and nonfiction books for adult audiences. Primary agents include Jessica Faust, Jacky Sach, and Kim Lionetti. I have a LOT to thank Bookends for because Jessica (the main blogger) is never scared to tackle the bull by the horns and actually tell it like it is. A fascinating blog by a topnotch US Literary agency.
BBC Writer’s Room- identifies and champions new writing talent and diversity across BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children’s programmes. I’m not sure if I’m the only person who enjoys reading scripts. I would love to turn my hand to writing scripts one day in the far future BUT at the moment, I love reading what screenwriters have done when creating good tv shows that keep us riveted to the screen. This site offers interviews, views and links to scripts which you can download and dissect. Never turn away a chance to read a good screenplay or script – there is much to learn about characterisation and plotting.
Editorial Anonymous - is the blog for an anonymous children’s editor in the US. A strong, different, often hilarious blog about the industry and what she comes up against on a daily basis.
Editorial Ass - Moonrat is one of the best in the industry – funny, concise, scathing, intelligent and actually influential enough to appear on numerous other blogs and websites.
Bibliophile Stalker - Charles Tan is a new to me editorial assistant and from the looks of it, his blog is a valuable resource for anyone interested in writing, upcoming books etc. He has duly been added to my RSS feed.
Jennifer Jackson (her livejournal blog) and Jennifer Jackson her official agent’s blog – she works for the Donald Maass Agency…and has been for a long time. Need I say more?
How Publishing Really Works - Jane Smith owner and contributor to the blog tells it like it is. The name says it all.
Janet Reid - US agent extraordinaire and full of badassness. That made me laugh. A very concise blog and one to dip into for established and newbies alike.
Locus Online - Not an agent or a publisher, but one of the best mags in the sci fi and fantasy industry – worth subscribing to via RSS.
Nathan Bransford - Nathan works for the renowned international agency Curtis Brown. His blog is a must read as he handles FAQ from his readers and is one of the most prolific and nicest agents I’ve come across. Always worth a read and a re-read.
Rachelle Gardner – US Agent blogging answers to questions you always wanted to ask but you were too afraid to!
Redlines and Deadlines- A group of editors working for the Elora’s Cave Publishing company. Contributing Editors: Kelli Collins, Meghan Conrad, Raelene Gorlinsky, Sue-Ellen Gower, Donna Hoard, Briana St. James, Helen Woodall. They focus on genre fiction: erotic romance, erotica, mainstream romance, women’s fiction, mystery/suspense, horror, scifi, fantasy/paranormal. And again, the advice is very good and makes for interesting reading.
Writer Beware Blogs! - Writer Beware, a publishing industry watchdog group sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, shines a light into the dark corners of the shadow-world of literary scams, schemes, and pitfalls.
I am sure there are many more and if you are keen to share it, please feel free to do so.
