I recently launched a video series called RedHens Writing Advice where I talk about the best writing and editing advice I've come across over the years. You can check out the latest videos here:
I'm only a few videos in, but I'm absolutely loving the creative process that goes into making them. However, I've also realized that while it's fun to talk about the more philosophical side of writing, there is a lot of interesting and, frankly, essential information about the craft that is easiest to explain through … you guessed it … writing.
So I've decided to start a second writing series that I'm calling "Writer's Grit." This series will get into the dirty details of writing -- grammar, structure, story arc, how to market and price your work, and much, much more. I'll explore different types of writing, dig deep into the editing process, and hopefully provide you with information that is both valuable and concrete.
To kick off this series, I wanted to share some of the best writing resources I've used. Because once you've got a good idea, the next step is research. So here it goes:
For knowledge
A dictionary -- I know what you're thinking -- "There are apps for that." Also, most writing programs have a spell check option. But to me, nothing compares to the weight of a giant-ass dictionary in my hands -- the ones with the delicate pages and the grooves to help you quick navigate to your letter of choice. I prefer the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. What you choose will depend largely on where you live.
Grammar Girl -- I've been listening to the grammar girl podcast and reading her website for years. She is a bonafide grammar guru, and covers all aspects of grammar, from its modern interpretations and everyday use, to the history behind obscure grammar rules you probably haven't even heard of it. But you will soon.
Strunk & White's Elements of Style --- I bought this book on the recommendation of Stephen King (see below), and it is really gives the bones of good writing. It's a small, easy read but one I'm sure you'll return to time after time.
For inspiration
On Writing by Stephen King - You don't have to be a King fan to derive immense value from this book. Although you might find the story of how he became a prolific multimillionaire author interesting (spoiler alert -- a lot of rejection and hard work), it's the very practical advice that he offers at the end of the book that is of the greatest value. Read it.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert -- Before reading this book, I'd only read one Elizabeth Gilbert novel, and I didn't like it. But I also adore pretty much everything by Margaret Atwood, except for her book on writing. So liking a writer doesn't mean you'll like what they write about writing, and vice versa. Anyway, I'd heard Gilbert interviewed on a few podcasts and on Oprah, and I was really interested in what she had to say. This book is another easy read and I think it's impossible not to be inspired to write after reading it. Because although I don't really believe in magic, it makes me kinda want to.
Writers on Writing, podcast by Barbara DeMarco Barrett -- I listen to a lot of podcasts on writing, including the Beautiful Writers Podcast by Linda Sivertsen and Danielle LaPorte (which is great if you need a feel-good pick-me-up) and Writing Excuses (which explores a wide variety of writing topics, including writing for film and TV). However, my current favourite is Writers on Writing. The interview questions dig a little deeper than some of the ones asked in the Beautiful Writers Podcast, but mostly I like this one best because I can learn so much from listening to different authors, editors or agents share their perspective on their work and the industry.
So these are just a few of the resources I like. Of course, I highly recommend following the "writing" tag on Steemit -- you'll find a lot of great insight and advice there.
If you have any books, podcasts or writing reference materials you can't live without, please share them in the comments.
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