Resources
There are so many great resources for writers and editors out there, and I love to share my discoveries with fellow story crafters. What are some of your favorite resources? Share them with me by clicking here and help me expand the collection. Click the image to be taken directly to the resource.
Every creative person on earth has met resistance. It has a million forms. This slim work is filled with short, digestible words of wisdom on how to recognize and beat the resistance that's stopping you from realizing your biggest dreams.
Steven Pressfield is the author of The Legend of Baggar Vance, Gates of Fire, and of course, The War of Art. His website is full of sage advice for writers at every stage of their journey. What I like most about Pressfield is that he doesn't sit up in his ivory tower as a published author and talk down to you, but speaks as one who's in the trenches with you. One who, despite having written several very successful books, still fights the battle every day. Make sure to sign up for his "Writing Wednesdays" newsletters.
Editor Shawn Coyne has compiled his 25 years of experience into a book that explains his unique methodology. You can buy the book or take advantage of a plethora of complimentary resources on the Story Grid website, resources like podcasts, articles, and sample grids. The Story Grid is one of my favorite resources for authors who are looking to do their own developmental edit before spending money on an editor or submitting their manuscript to publishing houses.
Story maven Jen Grisanti's website is a master course in professional generosity. It's overflowing with useful information for writers of every sort; though she does focus especially on TV writers and the TV business. Her podcast interviews of working writers in the biz are fun and informative, and she hosts a weekly networking mixer in Los Angeles that is free to attend. I also highly recommend her 10-week TV spec and pilot seminar.
Launch follows screenwriter John August as he makes his foray into the world of middle-grade book publishing. I like it because not only does he explore the differences from and similarities to the movie business, but he also addresses things like Harry Potter syndrome, cover art and physical production, international rights, distribution, and author responsibilities beyond writing.
Story nerd-dom reaches new heights with author Lani Diane Rich's Chipperish Media website. Her podcast, How Story Works, breaks down narrative theory into small, easily digested bites. You can easily listen to them while your boss is running 10 minutes late to your meeting or while waiting in the pick-up line at your kid's school. Be sure to check out the rest of the site, too, for great insights into your favorite stories.