7: Writing Resources
Updated: May 22
Howdy! Between the 1st and 2nd draft of a novel manuscript, I like to take time to learn more about writing, generally for free or very cheap. So, without further ado, here’s a list of resources. Those with an asterisk, I’ve watched/read/listened to. The rest of this list exists as much for me as for you. I plan to work my way through these.
Video Lectures:
*Brandon Sanderson’s 2020 Creative Writing Lectures at BYU: Free. Is about creative writing but delves into world building, and touches on indie vs trad publishing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cf-qdZ7GbA&list=PLSH_xM-KC3Zv-79sVZTTj-YA6IAqh8qeQ
*Mark Watson, Oxford Brookes Annual Creative Writing Lecture 2013: Free. Comedic. Deals with writing fiction novels, and the struggles in getting them traditionally published. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRJjEAWGtIY
*LEADERSHIP LAB: The Craft of Writing Effectively: Free. This lecture is from the University of Chicago. It focuses on persuasive writing in nonfiction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtIzMaLkCaM
*LEADERSHIP LAB: Writing Beyond the Academy 1.23.15: Free. This lecture is from the University of Chicago. It focuses on persuasive writing in nonfiction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwVf5a3pZM&t=97s
*Masterclass: There’s a yearly subscription of $180 ($15/mo) you pay when you sign up BUT you can cancel for a full refund within the first 30 days for any reason. Teachers include David Sedaris(essays, public speaking & memoir), Neil Gaiman(fiction writing, Malcolm Gladwellnonfiction writing), Joyce Carol Oates(short story writing), Margaret Atwood(creative writing), Dan Brown(teaching writing Thrillers), David Mamet(teaches dramatic writing with an emphasis on dialogue), Billy Collins(teaches how to write poetry), David Baldacci(teaches Mystery & Thriller Writing but with an emphasis on how traditional publishing works), Salman Rushdie(storytelling & writing with an emphasis on rhythm), Walter Mosely(teaches fiction & storytelling), plus plenty of writers who weren’t there when I had Masterclass. https://www.masterclass.com/categories#writing
Neil Gaiman: The Julius Schwartz Lecture at MIT: Free, Teaches how to write good fiction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU-tncC7qIw
Inspirational Writing Advice From Charlie Kaufman | On Writing: Free, provides optimistic advice for writers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRfXcWT_oFs
Linguistics, Style and Writing in the 21st Century - with Steven Pinker: Free, teaches writing style guide theories https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV5J6BfToSw
Mastering Style: The Learning and Teaching of Writing: Free, Harvard lecture on mastering writing style https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYhjo5O-nfg
Kurt Vonnegut Lecture: Free, talks about his writing journey(I think?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_RUgnC1lm8
William S. Burroughs lecture,writing class,June 25,1986: Free, is about the paranormal, synchronicity, and dreams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-2a0Rti6-Y
Lecture: How to Keep Readers Glued to Every Page of Your Book with Microplotting: Free https://authorspublish.com/lecture-how-to-keep-readers-glued-to-every-page-of-your-book-with-microplotting/
Writing The Perfect Query Letter: Free https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPEJuNq8rWQ
*Branding Yourself As An Author, By Tea With Coffee Media: Free https://youtu.be/hqurevP0a3w
*Fall in Love with Social Media, By Tea With Coffee Media: Free https://youtu.be/yT1kDC3W5yA
*SEO Basics for Authors, By Tea With Coffee Media: Free https://youtu.be/FcYNM9h0MGk
Canva Training for Authors, By Tea With Coffee Media: Free https://youtu.be/TCfL9fVRcxo
WebCourses:
Novel Writing 101: Free https://blog.reedsy.com/learning/courses/writing/novel-writing-101/
Podcasts (Should all be on Spotify for Free)(I’m not linking because Spotify makes linking less effective.):
* The Creative Toolbelt Podcast, by Andrew J. Chamberlain: Free. has tips & interviews dealing with how to write well, how traditional publishing works, and how to self-publish successfully
*The Writing & Marketing Show Podcast, by Wendy H. Jones: Free. Provides advice on writing and marketing from the perspective of an originally indie, though now also traditionally published, crime-fiction author
Write Now, by Sarah Werner: Free. Mostly advises how to maintain a healthy work-life balance
The Prolific Creator, by Ryan J. Peloton: Free. Shares tricks for writing quickly, often, & well
Grammar Girl, by Mignon Fogarty: Free. Provides quick grammar tips
The Creative Penn, by Joanna Penn: Free. Info & interviews focusing on self publishing and marketing
Story Grid, by Tim Grahl & Shawn Coyn: Free. They break down what makes a story great.
Writing Class Radio, by Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer: Free, Teaches how to write
Books (Can always request them from the local library for Free):
*Thunder & Lightening: Cracking Open the Writer’s Craft, by Natalie Goldberg: Mostly about organizing thoughts for memoir writing https://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Lightning-Cracking-Writers-Craft-ebook/dp/B005E835DC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=thunder+%26+lightning+by+natalie+goldberg&qid=1626378761&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
*Save The Cat! Writes a Novel, by Jessica Brody: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel offers a very detailed map for making sure the story doesn't miss a key plot point regarding pacing, an offbeat selection of genres, an easy format for writing the pitch, and tips for writing the short synopsis. I found this very helpful. https://www.amazon.com/Save-Cat-Writes-Novel-Writing/dp/0399579745/ref=sr_1_1?adid=082VK13VJJCZTQYGWWCZ&campaign=211041&creative=374001&keywords=Save+the+Cat%21+Writes+a+Novel&qid=1673907966&s=books&sr=1-1
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within, by Natalie Goldberg: Teaches how to write better, & is recommended by nearly every reader of Writing-How-To books https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Down-Bones-Freeing-Writer-ebook/dp/B00HEN3K0I/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Writing+Down+the+Bones%3A+Freeing+the+Writer+Within&qid=1626378817&s=digital-text&sr=1-3
What I talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami: Part memoir, part teaching how to write https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031TZBQU/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Zen in the Art of Writing, by Ray Bradbury: It’s a collection of essays but should be insightful https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Writing-Ray-Bradbury-ebook/dp/B07XC483PT/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Zen+in+the+Art+of+Writing%2C+by+Ray+Bradbury&qid=1626378862&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King: Teaches how to write better, & is recommended by nearly every reader of Writing-How-To books https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Memoir-Craft-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B000FC0SIM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=On+Writing%3A+A+Memoir+of+the+Craft%2C+by+Stephen+King&qid=1626378896&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
1001 Ways to Write Great Fiction, Get Published, and Earn Your Audience, by Chuck Wendig: Comedic. Teaches how to write better and appeal to the intended audience. https://www.amazon.com/Kick-Ass-Writer-Fiction-Published-Audience-ebook/dp/B00FWYXBQY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=1001+Ways+to+Write+Great+Fiction%2C+Get+Published%2C+and+Earn+Your+Audience%2C+by+Chuck+Wendig&qid=1626378940&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
Write Faster, Write Smarter, by Chris Fox: Teaches how to write very quickly, but you won't find this at a library. $24.95. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074CJPMZ1?ref_=dbs_r_series&storeType=ebooks
As Yet Untitled Writing Craft Book, by Chet Weltanschauung: Hasn’t been published yet, but will teach the writing craft from an editor’s perspective
Blogs:
*Writing About Writing, by Chris Brecheen: Free. http://www.chrisbrecheen.com/
Websites/Articles:
*Michael Moorcock: How to Write a Novel in 3 Days: Free. https://interestingliterature.com/2014/11/michael-moorcock-how-to-write-a-novel-in-3-days/
How to Write a Novel in a Month: 8 Tips for Success: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-novel-in-a-month#quiz-0
Walter Mosley’s 9 Tips for Writing a Novel: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/walter-mosleys-tips-for-writing-a-novel#brief-introduction-to-walter-mosley
How to Write a Bestselling Novel: 8 Tips for Making the Bestsellers List: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-bestselling-novel#quiz-0
10 Rules for Writing a Good Novel: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/rules-for-writing-a-good-novel#quiz-0
How to Use Seven-Point Story Structure in Your Writing: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-seven-point-story-structure-in-your-writing#quiz-0
Malcolm Gladwell’s Tips for Structuring a Story Like “The Ketchup Conundrum”: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/malcolm-gladwells-tips-for-structuring-a-story-like-the-ketchup-conundrum#quiz-0
How to Think Like a Comedy Writer: 7 Tips for Improving Your Writing: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-think-like-a-comedy-writer#quiz-0
How to Write the Perfect Scene: 8 Elements of a Scene: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-the-perfect-scene#quiz-0
8 Rules for Writing Fiction: Tips to Guide Your Writing Process: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/rules-for-writing-fiction#quiz-0
How to Write Unique Character Voice: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-unique-character-voice#quiz-0
4 Tips for Writing Antiheroes: How to Create an Unforgettable Antihero: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-create-an-unforgettable-antihero#quiz-0
How to End a Story: 4 Tips for Writing a Memorable Ending: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-end-a-story-tips#quiz-0
Poetry Prompts: Billy Collins’s 5 Tips for Developing New Ideas: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/billy-collins-poetry-prompts#quiz-0
How to Get Over Writer’s Block: MasterClass Instructor Tips: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-get-over-writers-block#quiz-0
Writing Styles: How to Use the 4 Foundational Writing Styles: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-styles#quiz-0
Rules for Writers From 8 Great Authors: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/rules-for-writers-from-great-authors#quiz-0
How to Identify and Fix Problems With Your Plot: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-and-fix-problems-with-your-plot#quiz-0
How to Write Deep POV: 8 Tips for Using an Immersive Point of View: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-deep-pov#quiz-0
How to Write an Original Story: 5 Writing Clichés to Avoid: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/original-story-writing-guide#quiz-0
What is the Narrative Arc? A Guide to Storytelling Through Story Structure: Free https://blog.reedsy.com/narrative-arc/
Worldbuilding Guide & Template: Your #1 Resource: Free https://blog.reedsy.com/worldbuilding-guide/
Show me, don’t tell me: Free https://www.nefhousepublishing.com/news/show-me-dont-tell-me
How to Write a Coming-of-Age Story: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-coming-of-age-story#quiz-0
Notable Weird Fiction Authors: How to Write Weird Fiction: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/weird-fiction#quiz-0
Creative Block: Joy Harjo’s Tips to Overcoming Creative Block: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/creative-block-explained#quiz-0
Imagery in Poetry: How Poet Joy Harjo Creates Strong Imagery: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/imagery-in-poetry-guide#quiz-0
5 Tips on Writing Military Science Fiction: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-on-writing-military-science-fiction#quiz-0
How to Write Political Fiction: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-political-fiction#quiz-0
How to Write a Gripping Mystery Novel: 9 Mystery Writing Tips: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-gripping-mystery-novel#quiz-0
How to Write a Crime Novel: 9 Tips for Writing Crime Fiction: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-crime-novel#quiz-0
How to Write a Horror Story in 7 Steps: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-horror-story
How to Write a Scary Story: 7 Tips for Writing a Terrifying Horror Novel: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-writing-a-terrifying-horror-novel#quiz-0
High Concept Fiction: Learn to Identify and Write High Concept Stories: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-to-identify-and-write-high-concept-stories#quiz-0
What Makes a Good Writer? 4 Qualities of a Good Writer: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-makes-a-good-writer-explained#quiz-0
Intended Audience: How to Write for Your Intended Audience: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/intended-audience-writing-guide#quiz-0
Creating a Fictional Culture: How to Create a Fictional Culture: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/creating-a-fictional-culture#quiz-0
Western Literary Movements Guide: Timeline of 16 Literary Movements: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/literary-movements-guide#quiz-0
Metafiction Guide: Understanding Metafiction in Literature: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/metafiction-guide#quiz-0
Literary Minimalism: 3 Characteristics of Literary Minimalism: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/literary-minimalism-explained#quiz-0
Essential Guide to Minimalist and Maximalist Writing Styles: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/minimalist-literature-and-maximalist-literature-guide#quiz-0
What Does ‘Subverting Expectations’ Mean in Film and Literature?: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/subverting-expectations-literature-and-film#quiz-0
Resolution of a Story: How to Write the Resolution of a Story: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/resolution-of-a-story#quiz-0
Sensitivity Reader: 4 Reasons to Work With a Sensitivity Reader: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sensitivity-reader-role-explained#quiz-0
How to Write Wordplay: 9 Types of Wordplay: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wordplay-types#quiz-0
6 Tips for Working With Beta Readers: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/beta-reader-guide#quiz-0
What does it mean to “write to market?”: Free http://www.stuartthamanbooks.com/blog/2021/6/24/writing-to-market
HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE BLURB: Free http://www.stuartthamanbooks.com/blog/2015/9/10/how-to-write-an-effective-blurb
What kinds of editing can you get? And what do you actually need?: Free https://www.nefhousepublishing.com/news/what-kinds-of-editing-can-you-get-and-what-do-you-actually-need
How to Become a Better Editor: 7 Tips to Improve Your Editing Skills: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-better-editor#quiz-0
The most common editing errors: Free https://www.nefhousepublishing.com/news/the-most-common-editing-errors
A Guide to Managing and Avoiding the Slush Pile: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/slush-pile-explained#quiz-0
Traditional, Self Publishing, Small Press = Know the Differences before you choose: Free http://www.stuartthamanbooks.com/blog/2015/11/20/self-publishing-small-press-traditional-how-to-decide
Roxane Gay on Finding a Literary Agent: Free https://www.masterclass.com/articles/roxane-gay-on-how-to-find-a-literary-agent#quiz-0
I didn’t include anything I believe to be unhelpful, though my vouching is obviously more thoroughly considered for what I’ve used, as opposed to what I plan to use. If you have any suggestions to add, feel free to drop them in the comments. Thanks for stopping by! I put out a new blog post every Monday. Toodles!
#writing #writingresources #freewritinghelp #freewritingtools #freewritingtips