Writing is hard. It’s hard to find great ideas, to recognize good ones from mediocre ones. Then there’s the issue of recognizing if the idea is sellable.
We writers are a funny bunch. We get desperate for an idea that excites us. Then we get a kick out of writing it. But then we want to be read. Then the salability factor comes in.
We want to make a living writing, whether through non-fiction or fiction, or my favorite- through a combination of both. We need markets we can pitch to. Markets that appeal to us, markets that need to be studied.
We also happen to live in a digital age where we can (and MUST) promote ourselves through social media, live and online networking, writing for others and promoting and showcasing our work and expertise through our blogs (and/or websites.)
With all the research we need to do to write, promote, research, sell and blog, we need to get productive. There are only 24 hours in one day, yet our tasks seem endless. Not to mention we have lives outside the writing world.
There’s also the constant need for self-improvement. We want and need valuable information on how to write/edit/pitch/research/produce/sell/market more efficiently.
Since we can’t afford to get lost in research, I created this page for my favorite resources, including free ones, on pretty much anything I needed information about and benefited immensely from. Yes, all these products occupy my bookshelves, to be referenced and used again. And again.
This page will be updated whenever I have the time to add another resource. So many resources to study and share, so little time.
This page uses affiliate links. This means that if you buy a service or a product through my links, I earn a little something at no extra cost to you. These earnings give me more time and freedom to create fun and relevant content for you.
I’m only recommending tools and resources I use and am happy about myself. If you have any questions about these tools, you can shoot me a tweet at @zoeyclark.
Blogging
WordPress.org: This is a self-hosted WordPress blog, meaning I have freedom over a lot of things, including the right to commercialize the site the way I see fit. I use Bluehost (seen below) for hosting and the free domain name it offers with the package. You don’t pay for WordPress itself, however.
Bluehost: I used Bluehost(aff. link.) for this site. I had always heard great things about them and decided to test the waters. So far, I’m very happy.
Writing Fiction Dialogue
– Write Great Fiction Dialogue with Gloria Kempton
You can read my detailed review here.The banner on the left takes you to Writer’s Digest’s collection including Write Great Fiction Dialogue.
Character Creation
– Crafting Unforgettable Characters by K.M. Weiland -Free
She has great examples and tips in this e-book. You actually can visualize some of the unforgettable characters she mentions, as well as forming ideas about how to create your own. Oh, and it is free!
My review for the e-book: E-book Review: Crafting Unforgettable Characters by K.M. Weiland
To download the e-book: K.M. Weiland.com. And while you are there, make sure you hang around to read the blog as well.
MAKE MONEY TRAVEL BLOGGING
How to Start a Travel Blog and Make Money by Kirsty Stuart
You can read my detailed review of the book here.