Links for Writers

If someone had told me years ago a mathematical formula for writing existed, I’d have worked harder in Algebra II.  Before you dismiss the notion of a writing/math connection, read this article.  

In Porter Anderson’s latest Ether for Authors, Phil Sexton, publisher of Writer’s Digest, urges writers to ask questions of their current or potential publishers.  Sexton’s tone is thoughtful, not adversarial. As Anderson puts it, “Sexton’s purpose here was to encourage traditionally published authors and those considering contracts to work against the sometimes parental ‘we have it all under control’ tone such business relationships can take on for writers."

Marcy Kennedy explains (with examples!) the difference between a logline and a tagline. 

I’m a fan of Matt Haig’s take on books and writing. Here he offers advice on how to get published. (How many times do we have to hear this kind of thing before it sinks in? In my case, the number apparently is 205 and counting.)

I’m off to a conference with my writing buddy Janice Martin. Have logline and tagline--will travel.

If you’re a writer, I wish you a productive weekend. If you’re not a writer, consider yourself lucky. The homework! It never ends. Either way, I hope you get to spend time with a good book.

Holiday Links for Writers

This weekend, we salute those who have served their country. We may squeeze in time for a swim, a hike, and a cook-out, but the only links we look forward to have to do with golf or bratwurst. In other words, advice for authors isn't on your holiday agenda, so I'll keep my list of links for writers short and watermelon-sweet.

Anne Lamott's BIRD BY BIRD is a writer's favorite, but when did you last crack it? Yeah, I can't remember, either. Not to worry, writer Leeana Tankersley offers us a list of ten things she's learned from Lamott.

Barbara (Samuel) O'Neal says a central question begs to be answered at the core of our story. "All of us have those central questions in our work. Someone said that we write to answer that question, whatever it is."

Every holiday weekend needs a shot of writer Chuck Wendig, the Tabasco on our scrambled eggs. Here, he weighs in on ways writers earn their audiences.

Finally, writer Marcy Kennedy wants us to think about what we fear most: failure—or success?

Enjoy the long weekend!

Shiny Links for Writers

It's all about the links today, and this set is geared for fiction writers. Put down the cat, adjust your reading light, and position your index finger on the scroll key. Here goes:

Rachel Funk Heller equates learning to write with learning to drive—and shows us how to start our literary engines.

March 8 was National Proofreader's Day. (I'm kicking myself for not knowing it at the time.) To celebrate the occasion, GalleyCat offered a link to EditMinion, an online copyediting robot. Unsure about that semicolon? Run it past the robot for free.

Louise Behiel is a therapist by day and a writer by night. In a recent series of blog posts, she explores the familial roles individuals may assume in households with an emotionally absent parent or parents. Because roles taken on in childhood typically carry over into adulthood, an understanding of them can help writers flesh out fictional characters. Warning: Behiel emphasizes that none of these roles is carved in stone and the lines between them blur. The series starts with two post on The Family Hero here and here and then shifts to The Problem Child and then onto Rebels and Scapegoats . The series will continue, so bookmark Behiel's blog.

Even if you don't write mysteries or thrillers, you'll be interested in what three literary agents had to say at Sleuthfest about the state of the publishing industry. (Thanks to mystery writer Diane Capri for the link to the Babes in Bookland blog.)

Marcy Kennedy writes science fiction and fantasy, but her definition of strong female characters encompasses all genres.

August McLaughlin's recent blog post compares revisions to relationships, and before she's finished, you'll be nodding in agreement.

Chuck Wendig's back with a list of twenty-five things we should know about word choice. Here's a sample: "Writers often bandy about that old crunchy nugget of penmonkey wisdom — NO ADVERBS — as if it is bulletproof. As if a gang of adverbs shanked that writer’s mother in the kidneys as she stooped over to water the hydrangeas. Adverbs are not birthed from the Devil’s hell-womb. They’re just words." Read the whole post here.

Writer Roni Loren may not have all the answers, but she can recommend books to fix almost any writerly problem. Have trouble plotting? Loren recommends Blake Snyder's SAVE THE CAT.

Have you recently read a blog post, article, or book that helped with your writing? Please share your find in the comments section.

Holiday Stress Busters

The stockings are hung by chimney with care, but we have gifts to wrap, toys to assemble, and menus to execute. In the run-up to Christmas, the peace of the season too often eludes us. I don't have answers but know a few sure-fire stress reducers.

Let August McLaughlin sing to you. This original holiday tune will lift your spirits.

Still missing your merry? Fabio Bueno dares you to watch these babbling babies without cracking a smile.


Take a breath, close your eyes, and let Kecia Adams spirit you back to that special, shining Christmas when the gift you'd longed for waited under the tree.


Linus and Myndi Shafer know Christmas isn't about gifts, and toys and menus.


If your celebration turns cloying, Lark Howard has the antidote: action movies. She's made a list and checked it twice.


The best stress reducers are useless against heartbreak and grief. Debra Kristi has practical suggestions for those who have lost a loved one.


When friends and family get together, all may not be calm and bright. Prudence MacLeod offers tips on dealing with the drama lovers among us.


Holiday time triggers Kay Hudson's memories of a long, happy marriage, and she reveals the attitude that helped her survive and eventually thrive as a widow.


Whether you love or dread Christmas, most of us are glad it comes but once a year. But what if Santa were real? Marcy Kennedy believes we'd be better for it.


Merry Christmas to you and yours!