On Writing: Resources for the New Writer

With National Novel Writing Month upon us and with the ease of self-publishing, it seems like first-time writers are setting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and telling their stories in astonishing numbers. I, for one, think this is great. But I also think that those first-time writers need resources. All writers need resources. First-time writers need the basics, the books and guides that teach the finer points of the art and help you build your skills starting with a solid foundation. I know I certainly did. I also know that I still look for resources and ways to strengthen my foundation... and I've been writing and sharing for nine years now.

The Fundamentals
The very basics of writing: words, including spelling and definition, and how to string them together coherently and format them for easy reading.

• an online dictionary
• http://dictionary.reference.com/
• http://www.merriam-webster.com/
• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/
• http://oxforddictionaries.com/
• a hardcopy dictionary
• New American College Dictionary
• Merriam-Webster's Pocket Dictionary
• New Oxford American Dictionary
• an online thesaurus
• http://thesaurus.com/
• a hardcopy thesaurus
• Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus
• Roget's Super Thesaurus
• a style guide
• The Elements of Style
• manuscript format guide
• Proper Manuscript Format (example from William Shunn)
• Tameri Guide for Writers: Formatting a Manuscript
• The Writer's Digest Guide to Manuscript Formats

How to Write Fiction

Tips, tricks, guides, and other resources for creative writing.

• plotting
• The Snowflake Method
• Novel Outlining 101
• How to Make a Novel Outline
• How to Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps
• Plot & Structure
• voice
• definition of "voice"
• Finding Your Unique Voice
• Developing Style and Voice in Fiction Writing
• Developing Your Voice for Fiction Writing
• Narrative Voice
• Finding "Voice" in Creative Writing
• characterization
• Characterization
• Characterization
• Fiction Factor: Creating Characters (a series of articles on the subject)
• Fiction Writer's Character Chart
• dialogue
• Grammar Girl: How to Write Dialogue
• How To: Dialogue Attributes (part 1, part 2, part 3)
• How to Write Dialogue that Works
• How to Write Good Dialogue
• Crafting Authentic Dialogue
• prose
• Tips on Writing Prose
• Basic Prose Style and Mechanics
• Style: The Rhythm of Prose

The Feedback

Feedback is essential for two reasons: 1) it helps a writer improve; 2) it helps a writer develop "thick skin." 

• self-editing
• Self-Editing
• Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
• Self-Editing Checklist
• Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print
• writers' groups
• http://www.forwriters.com/groups.html
• http://www.nawg.co.uk/
• How to Choose a Writers' Group
• The Writer Magazine: Groups
• beta readers
• How Do You Find a Beta Reader?
• editors
• Sirra's Editing World
• Synopsis and Book Factory
• Rachel J. Peterson
• How to Choose a Freelance Editor for Your Writing