Tag: resources for writers

Being a Library Power User

Motivation and the Writing Life

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I have always been a huge fan of libraries. Growing up, one of my favorite memories is of going to the library with my father (sometimes riding our bikes there) and hanging out for hours.

I still spend a lot of time there because sometimes when I get bogged down when writing at the house.  Maybe I’m not totally in the zone and anything will distract me: the dishwasher stopping,  the dryer buzzer, a table that needs dusting.  Leaving the house and going to the library is usually the perfect remedy for the problem.  I don’t need total silence to work, providing the background noise has nothing to do with me.

But I use the library for more than just a place to write when I need to escape the distractions at home.  I use it to fill my creative well, exercise my brain (which seems to help my writing), and inspiration.

Below are the ways that I use my library.  I’m in the Charlotte,  NC library system and it is a big system and fairly well-funded. Your mileage may vary with yours, but if you find a service here that sounds interesting, check to see if your library has it.  If not, see if they’ll consider offering it.Continue reading

Small Presses: 7 Questions to Ask While Researching Them

Business of Writing, Uncategorized

The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedmanby Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig (with content from @JaneFriedman) 

I receive one or two emails a month from new writers asking for information and help in either publishing or promoting their book.

It’s happened enough that I have a detailed ‘canned response’ email that I’ve written to give details and resources to these writers.  The main resource that I reference is Jane Friedman’s blog, in particular her collection of articles titled “Start Here.”  One is Start Here: How to Self-Publish Your Book and  another is  Start Here: How to Get Your Book Published. 

So when I was offered a complimentary ARC of Jane’s new book (publishing today, March 16), The Business of Being a Writer, I eagerly accepted it.  As expected, it’s jam-packed with savvy information for writers.  One common issue I notice in  writers is a certain amount of business insecurity, a fear of making a mistake.  This is a reference to help  keep writers of all levels of experience from making a mistake.Continue reading

Resources for Writers: Protecting Ourselves

Business of Writing

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraigfile8351296766458

Unfortunately, protecting ourselves against scams is a very important topic for writers.  And I think that, sadly, we’re easy prey since we’re eager to publish and want so much for our story.

Today, I’m sharing resources that help us avoid bad contracts, publishing scams, shady agents, etc.

First of all, Preditors and Editors  (the unusual spelling is intended). This site maintains lists of recommended (or “not recommended”) agents, publishers, contests and more. If you worry you’re potentially being scammed or wonder if the agent you’re considering is reputable, this should be your first stop.Continue reading

Resources for Writers—Microsoft Word

Tools for Writers

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraigblog1

Microsoft Word is an incredibly useful tool for writers—and one that I think is easy to overlook because we use it all the time.

Features that I use on a regular basis:

Highlighter.  I highlight problem areas that really don’t require explanation as I write my first draft.  This may be the fact that one of my characters doesn’t have a last name, or that a scene has gotten awkward or bogged down.  Maybe I don’t really even know what the problem is, but I want to highlight the area to figure out later.

Find/Replace:  This is very handy when I change character names in the middle of a manuscript. Continue reading

Resources for Writers—WKB and Ebook Services Professionals

Tools for Writers

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I’ve gotten several emails from writers lately, pinging me for resources…which makes me think maybe I could do a better job spotlighting various resources on my blog.  So, as a summer series, I’ll be focusing on different sites that I use as a resource, myself.

Today will be slightly different—I’ll be focusing on two writer resources that I have a hand in.  I know I mention the Writer’s Knowledge Base here on Sundays…but if you’re a blog reader who doesn’t ordinarily read posts on weekends, then I’m not sure you’d be familiar with it.Continue reading

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