4 Super Helpful Writing Resources

So you’re writing a book. You have decided that the images and stories in your head need to be expressed and given to the world as a gift. I applaud you. Writing out your ideas in the form of a book can be super stressful and exciting. 

I cannot tell you how many times, I have written and deleted just to write and delete again as the stress of writing something amazing overtook me. Sometimes it still overtakes me and I end up taking 2 weeks to finish half a chapter. I’m looking at you chapter 7. In my defense, I already wrote and finished it, but I went back to rework it to make it better.

But how did I get to the reworking part? Besides having an outline and consistently working, which I wrote about in my last blog, I used a ton of resources.

1. Watching videos online.
I watch Jenna Moreci all the time on YouTube. She was the first person I started watching to give me writing advice. I trust her judgement and I even bought her two books! I have watched others as well and their advice has also been helpful. 

2. Online editing tools
Personally, I am fond of ProWriting Aid. It is super helpful (duh!) and gives me so many options. There is also a free version you can use. I have also in the past used Grammarly which is helpful too, but I just prefer to use ProWriting Aid. Signing up for ProWriting gave me access to some of their free PDFs.

• How to go from first draft to published author.
• How to build your author platform on a shoestring.
• Creating legends: How to craft characters readers adore… or despise!
• The novel writing training plan: 17 steps to get your ideas in shape for the marathon of writing.
• 20 Editing tips from professional writers.

3. Books to help
I have a couple of super helpful writing books that I bought via amazon. These have given me ideas and things to think about during the writing process and I would recommend them.

• The Rural Setting Thesaurus
• The Urban Setting Thesaurus
• The Emotion Thesaurus
• The Negative Trait Thesaurus
• The Positive Trait Thesaurus
• Emotion Amplifiers
• Show Don’t Tell

4. Beta Readers
Beta readers are super helpful in your writing process. You can find them almost anywhere. Make sure that these are people who will give you an honest opinion of your work.

You don’t want anyone to inflate your already big head about your book. Now listen… it will hurt when they point out all your errors and loopholes, but I guarantee it will improve your story.

You aren’t obligated to use the advice given, but process through the information and see if what they are saying is valid.

I found my readers on Instagram and Twitter. Those are the social media sites /apps I frequent. Twitter has an amazing community so I definitely recommend it if you are looking for other authors or beta readers.

If you have questions, leave them below or follow me on Twitter! Want to know more about my book? Follow me on Instagram.

Stay cool peeps!
Live & Create