Resources

The listings in this section are places where I have found useful information. I am not receiving payment for the listings. They are listed in no particular order. This list will expand as the days go by.

Writing Advice:

The following are random comments I hear myself making over and over again, so I thought I would write them down. Enjoy.

1. To keep your writing as clear and concrete as possible, try to stay away from the following words as much as possible: they, them, that, those, this, thing.
   
   
2. Once you decide to write in a particular genre, read several books from that genre. Study the structure.
   
   
3. If you are mixing two or three different genres in your writing, stop writing. Pick one genre and stick with it.
   
   
4. You must follow the rules of the genre and employ the proper elements (voice, character integrity, thesis control, etc.).
   
   
5. You must write everyday if you are going to be serious about your project; or, at least six days a week.
   
   
6. Read writer’s blogs. Find community in the writing world.
   
   
7. Convey abstract ideas with concrete language.
   
   
8. Pick only one thesis!
   
   
9. If you have more than one thesis, write more than one book.
   
   
10. The hook or conflict should be in the first line or first paragraph, not buried at the end of the chapter.
    
    
11. Give your reader a reason to keep reading; hook first, then setting.
    
    
12. Don’t quit.

Web Sites:

www.WritersEdgeService.com This site has a large reference desk of helpful academic tools for writers as well as a manuscript submission service for Christian publishers.
www.refdesk.com This site is a giant reference for facts, news of the day, speeches, interviews, legal proceedings, etc. A great place to fact check your work.
www.equip.org This is a great site to find solid teaching and instruction.
www.family.org This is a great site for families; lots of resources here including movie reviews under the “Plugged In” tab.

Books:

2008 Writer’s Market, Robert Lee Brewer, Editor, and Chuck Sambuchino, Assistant Editor. If you are serious about writing, you need to have this book on your desk. It contains listings for book publishers, magazines, journals, agents, editors, as well as submission guidelines, resources, and current market information.

Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents, 2008, Jeff Herman. This book is organized a little differently, into conglomerate presses and small presses as well as advice and resources for writers. This is a great tool, especially in conjunction with the Writer’s Market.

Christian Writer’s Market Guide 2008, Sally Stuart. Although Christian publishers are listed in the above books, this guide is specifically for the Christian market and therefore indispensable if you are writing for this market.

The Chicago Manual of Style, The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers, 15th edition, The University of Chicago Press. This book is a valuable resource for grammar, publishing, quotations, abbreviations, etc.

The Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr. & E.B. White. This timeless classic containing the elementary rules of usage is short and sweet and should be on every writer’s desk (say that 3 times fast). It will help you cut unnecessary words, show you how to spell the commonly misspelled, and gives great basic instruction on the rules of grammar.

The Courage to Write, How to Transcend Fear, Ralph Keyes. This is an absolute must read if you are dealing with “page fright,” more commonly categorized as writer’s block.

People: 

www.MyBigBusinessCard.com
Donna Kozik
Donna shows business owners and others how to create their own "big
business card" with a book. If you are thinking about writing a book to market your business and promote yourself but are not sure about how to go about it, Donna is a great resource. The best way to get started is by reading Donna's special report, "The 5 Biggest Blunders Book Authors Make & How to Avoid Them," available at www.MyBigBusinessCard.com. She also has one-on-one "big breakthrough" sessions available, a mastermind circle for ongoing support and conducts several 3-day boot camps a year where participants come on Friday and leave on Sunday--with a manuscript of their book in hand. Find out more by emailing Donna@MyBigBusinessCard.com

www.57mondays.com
Jennifer Calderon
Jennifer is the photographer for this web site as well as the jewelry designer. She did a great job! Thanks, Jenn!

www.completewsiesolutions.com
Alison Lindemann: WSI | Valencia, CA | 91355 661-255-8292
WSI did the fabulous web design. Thanks, Aaron, Alison and Susan for the beautiful work!