Writer Resources
Whenever people find out that I'm an author who's had books published both by traditional publishing houses and indie routes, they usually have questions. Lots of them. So I decided to make a list of helpful resources that I've used along the way. En...
Writing Supplies
Technically, all you need to write is a brain, paper, and pencil. But thankfully, there's a whole world of cute and fun writing stuff out there.
I've had this exact keyboard in hot pink for years now, and it is perfect for writing on-the-go (which is where I do a lot of my writing since I'm a busy mom). My little keyboard has been EVERYWHERE. It's perfect for travel, especially if you don't w...
Definitely a splurge, but I always have a journal at the ready to jot down thoughts and ideas. This Anthropologie one is gorgeous.
I love Moleskine notebooks because of the quality. The paper is nice and thick, so no bleed-through, and the spine lays flat while still staying strong. A little pricey, but worth it if you fill it with awesome ideas (which obviously, you will).
Everybody gets stuck or needs help with writer's block. This dice set is such a fun, cute way to get your brain un-stuck and the words flowing again.
I use the pomodoro method while I write (especially while I'm working on a first draft). Pomodoro method is basically working in timed sprints then taking short breaks. This timer is perfect for that. You can choose to turn the audible beep alarm off...
I've used an Erin Condren Life Planner for ten years now, and I love how comprehensive, yet simple it is. (They have quite a few minimalist styles as well if bright colors aren't your thing.) When juggling different manuscripts, deadlines, edits, soc...
I can't put into words how much I adore these erasable gel pens. They write smoothly, and they genuinely erase. Poof. Gone.
For everyday writing, I love these gel pens. Super smooth, even ink, and the barrel is nice and ergonomic.
These notebooks have such a great motivational message, and I like spiral-bound because it lets you write on both sides more easily.
My best ideas always seem to come when I'm either in the shower or ironing. Waterproof notepad? Yes, please.
Would I love to always have a tranquil, cozy cabin in the middle of a forest in which to write? Yes. Do I have two kids who run around like banshees with no mute buttons? Also yes. Enter noise-cancelling headphones.
This is my favorite background focus music to listen to while writing. It truly helps me to get into a flow state.
Organize your ideas into the cutest files you'll ever find!
They're an investment, but FreeWrite smart typewriters are a great way to remove the distractions of writing on your laptop when you need super-focused writing time.
Books About Writing That I Love
Every writer is first and foremost a reader. Here are some that I recommend to others frequently.
One of my favorite books about the joys and challenges of the writing process. Reads like a novel with Stephen King's storytelling.
Fun, quick read with both broad and concrete advice and strategies for writing fiction, all in bite-sized sections. I find myself picking this book up and reading a bit for encouragement and inspiration often.
This entire series is so helpful as I'm figuring out a tricky scene or chapter. Whether you're a new writer trying to learn how to show and not tell or an experienced writer who's stuck, this is my go-to for getting inspiration and ideas.
This succinct classic should be on every writer's bookshelf, both for reference and as a refresher.
Yes, it's a weird title, but it makes sense after reading, I promise. Save the Cat is the best, most intuitive book on plotting that I've read. I've recommended it to so many writers, and they all swear by it as well. Technically, the book is geared ...
This series is specifically geared toward helping authors play to their strengths. These are geared more to writers who've been writing for awhile and have hit the inevitable roadblocks that pop up. She focuses on quitting the things that aren't serv...
I love all of Joanna Penn's books for writers. She focuses on concrete, doable steps (like this one on productivity), but she also has an eye on living a sustainable writing life. This series is definitely worth a look, especially if you're indie pub...
While not expressly about writing, this excellent book by NYT reporter Charles Duhigg gives both the science behind the power of habit and excellent concrete ways to build habits, including writing.
Writing Organizations
From kid lit to mystery to genre fiction, connecting with other authors through a professional organization is a great way to learn and grow as a writer
SCBWI is the best organization to join if you write or illustrate for kids (picture book to young adult). They have resources geared toward everyone from beginners to long-time pros. They also have everything from local critique groups to large natio...
The Authors Guild is an organization for professional writers and offers several resources for advocacy and support.
Mystery Writers of America is another great organization with a stories (pun intended) history. The winners of their prestigious Edgar Awards are always at the top of my to-be-read pile.
Specifically for science fiction and fantasy writers, SFWA is another great niche professional writing organization with resources for anyone from newbies to pros who are serious about their craft.
NINC is a great organization for professional authors. They have stricter membership criteria than other, larger organizations, but they offer a lot of great perks, and they have a wonderful annual conference that's small enough that you can network ...
The Alliance of Independent Authors is geared specifically toward indie or self-published authors.
QueryTracker was an awesome site to help me research and keep track of agent submissions when I was in the process of querying agents. Best part? It's free to use.
I've participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for several years. It's a challenge where thousands of writers from around the world write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. It's a lot of fun, and if you, like me, are a slow ...
Writing Podcasts
I'm thankful for talented writers and editors who share their knowledge. I especially love to download podcasts to listen to while I'm traveling.
I mentioned Joanna Penn's books above, but she has a podcast that also offers excellent advice and interviews. Plus, her voice is so dang pleasant. I enjoy listening to it if for no other reason than that. lol
I've been using Mignon Fogarty's website for grammar checks when going through my manuscripts to check the nitpicky details. Her podcast is great as well, especially if you're interested in the why's and rules behind grammar. Her tips and tricks to r...
Genre-wise and personality-wise, these two authors couldn't be more different (although I've read and enjoy both of their books). But they both bring heart, humor, and honesty to this podcast devoted to helping other writers learn from their mistakes...
If you want to learn about and develop your natural strengths as a writer (and person), Becca Syme's content is wonderful.
Just For Fun
I'm always on the lookout for funny writer gifts and cute bookish stuff that makes me smile.
Just saying.
I love, love, love this ornament. You can fill it with tiny versions of the books that you've published or with the favorite books you read during the year. The perfect bookish keepsake.
This gift box would brighten any writer's day. :)
This LEGO typewriter set is a work of art.
Writing Retreats, Workshops, & Courses
Creative writing retreats, whether with a group or by myself, is my favorite activity. Structured retreats can be perfect opportunities to meet new writer friends, network with editors and agents, and just get a lot of words written. But I also love ...
Wordsmith offers several different options and levels of writing retreats and workshops (both in person and online) to hone your craft. I can't speak highly enough of both Beth Revis and Cristin Terrill, both talented authors with hearts for teaching...
This was a fabulous course I took a few years ago to increase focus and productivity. I love that with Udemy I can go refresh myself on the content any time I want. She offers concrete, actionable steps that I was able to immediately implement.
If you write for kids, from picture books to YA, the Big Sur writing workshop from ABLA is amazing. I met some of my closest author friends at this workshop, when we were matched in critique groups, and the majority of them have gone on to be publish...
I took Becca Syme's Write Better Faster class a few years ago, and it was so eye-opening to learn about my strengths and how to lean into them in my creative career. She also offers coaching services and has a podcast and YouTube channel.
A writing retreat option on the east coast, in Pennsylvania
This is a bucket list retreat, one of the most established in the kidlit community, with the Highlights Foundation. Several friends have attended Highlights writing retreats and have had a refreshing, productive experience.
Nestled in the quaint and charming Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Writer's Colony offers a range of retreats and residency options for writers to recharge their creative batteries and focus on their craft.
Writing & Publishing Software
Along the way, I've discovered quite a few resources, apps, and software that helps the writing and publishing process go more smoothly.
While nothing beats a talented editor to make my story shine, Grammarly offers a great first-pass editing boost. They have a free option and then paid plans with more robust, comprehensive features to take you writing to its next level.
Vellum is an incredibly intuitive software program that lets you create beautifully formatted ebooks and print files easily. I've used it for several years, and it's made my life so much easier. (At this time, it only works on Macs, though.)
Vellum's new competition is Atticus, a similar program that works across various platforms, not just iOs. (Full disclosure: I haven't used Atticus because I already have Vellum and don't see any reason to change over, BUT I have always used a Mac, an...