UPDATE (January 11th, 2024) - A lot has happened since I first published this post. And I will be updating this entry with new recommendations over time. A special thanks to Anna for recommending TheaterSeatStore as a reference.
In 2019 I started writing my first young adult novel, the Vision Casting Chronicles (VCC) with absolutely no idea what I was doing. Sure, I studied screenwriting in college, but a script and a book are two entirely different organisms. I needed help, so I turned to my good friend the internet.
I was able to gather a wealth of information that saw me through the first and second draft of my book. Now that I’m prepping my third draft of VCC I want to share a few of these resources. I wouldn’t have made it to this point in my writing journey without the advice collected from the following platforms.
I hope you find these links as helpful. What are some of your favorite online writer resources? Leave a comment to let me know!
Jericho Writers
Based in a district of Oxford, England, this website is dedicated to helping writers improve their skills and get published. Jericho Writers has free writing articles on their site, and they offer a paid membership program (MyJericho) with PowerPoint presentations and videos designed to help writers improve their craft. They also hold a quarterly contest where authors can enter to win a free year’s subscription to MyJericho. I was blessed to receive this prize in 2019 and have enjoyed their collection of detailed videos on everything from how to write a good sentence to getting published.
Website: https://jerichowriters.com/
Prowriting Aid’s Youtube Channel
ProWriting Aid is a grammar application, but they’re also so much more. In Mach 2020 they launched a YouTube series called Free Live Training Sessions for Writers. These videos cover topics on character development, plot structure and how to develop an idea for a novel. Their videos gave me the inspiration I needed to finish my second draft of VCC with spirit. Their YouTube channel also has grammar and writing tips that can be helpful during the editing process.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClh8Sjuq-j17zxjfvvxmcIg
Highlights Foundation
Remember the colorful activity books you used to read at the dentist office when you were a kid? The Highlights Foundation specializes in equipping children and young adult authors to grow and thrive in their craft. Their headquarters is located in Pennsylvania, where they host world-class writer retreats and getaways. I attended their workshop Novel Beginnings in August 2019, which included detailed feedback on the first 15,000 words of my book. They also offer scholarships for individuals with a financial need. Since Corona virus, Highlights Foundation has moved their workshops online. Visit their website for more information:
Susan Dennard's Website/Blog
This wonderful woman helped me turn my largely incomprehensible first draft of Vision Casting Chronicles into something that resembles a book. The link below is to her old website, but it has many resources and useful templates for writers looking to navigate all phases of the novel writing process. I followed her step-by-step guide to rewriting a first draft to the letter. She has a new newsletter so be sure to subscribe. I recently download Susan’s guide to writing a query letter. It’s fantastic, clear, and useful - like everything else on her site.
Website (from 2017): https://susandennard.com/for-writers/
Scribophile
Editing a novel can be an overwhelming process to tackle on your own. At a certain point it becomes impossible to see your own work objectively. Enter Scribophile. Writers can critique work submitted by other authors to earn “Karma Points.” In exchange, Karma Points buy critiques for your own posted work. I have a free account on Scribophile, but I’m thinking of upgrading which would allow me to make my work visible to only certain individuals. But still this is a great resource for writers looking to give and get feedback.
NANOWRIMO
I’m sure most of you have heard of NaNoWriMo, but hear me out. They also have a brilliant guide of free resources for developing your story idea, creating characters and more. I’m developing the characters for my next novel and have been relying almost exclusively on the NaNoWriMo Prep book. Visit their website or click here to download the book.
Website: https://nanowrimo.org/nano-prep-101
Helping Writers Become Authors - K.M. Weiland’s Website
K.M. Weiland’s website contains some of the most clear and detailed articles on crafting a novel I’ve come across. She has a way of breaking down complex concepts into clear, actionable steps. She also has an outstanding writing podcast focused on developing craft.
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