Resources for writers

Seems to me there are a lot of really talented folks here at PC, thought it'd be good to maybe create a thread where we can share resources that are helpful.

Some off the top of my head:

Zoetrope Virtual Studio Home - the virtual studio of Francis Ford Coppola, they have feedback forums really nicely set up for screenwriting, poetry, short stories, music, and even acting, etc. For the writing studios, you have to review 2-5 entries from other people for each 1 you post of your own. It works great because it keeps the flow of feedback going. Entries are also eligible for publishing in the print version of Zoetrope magazine. I think it's a cool place.

Self Publishing - Lulu.com - lots of cool options for self-publishing, I know a couple of authors who have had a great experience with their services. A lot of self publishers are thinly veiled scams, but lulu.com is fairly set up I think.

Free Screenwriting Software by Scripped.com - an online screenwriting program that formats your script as you type, sort of like final draft, except it's free. And you can log into your script in progress from any computer. They have taken extra precaution that no one has access to your work in progress but you.

http://www.wordplayer.com/columns/welcome.html - a great series of articles on the art and craft of screenwriting. I've read many many many books and articles and this series is one of my favorites.

Songwriting Tips & Tools - The Muse's Muse - tons of excellent songwriting info, be sure to check the archives as well as current columns.

ok i have a ton more than that, but my links aren't very well organized right now, these are off the top of my head, but I thought I'd get a thread started!

Originally Posted by Peace-3PO

Seems to me there are a lot of really talented folks here at PC, thought it'd be good to maybe create a thread where we can share resources that are helpful.

cool..............

Small Publisher
Small Publisher - Jiglu

Discussion group on the practical and creative possibilities of small publishing, web site design and maintenance, eforums/spaces/mailing lists managership, electronic news bulletins, CD-ROM production, and any other new publishing initiatives using computer programs (for PC and Apple Macs). Subject matter includes design tips, tricks of the trade, printing, copyright, legal considerations, publicity, exhibitions, creative writing, editing, proof-reading, still and video photography, image manipulation on computer, etc.

Welcome to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)

Ceaselessly useful tool for me, both as a future English teacher and as a student in general.

Edit: And as a person whose loves creative writing on the side. It basically covers all of your writing needs.

This is fun. Sort of a cyber ass kicking for writers, if I understand it right!!

Dr Wicked's Writing Lab : DrWicked.com

-tucks this thread away to study at length later-

BTW:

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

This one helped me out alot. I actually wrote an entire novel in a month with the tips from the website and the companion book:

http://www.amazon.com/No-Plot-Proble.../dp/0811845052

I've come to the conclusion that things about how to write are utterly useless. You could read several nd the advice in them always differs between the authors of these books so why bother? It's really made me realize I don't need someone to tell me how to write. Their opinions and methods don't matter. Mine do. I see no reason to follow what other people say when it's much better to follow your own style for getting your writing done then letting some disembodied person you'll never meet tell you what you should be doing.

Originally Posted by Nocturne

I've come to the conclusion that things about how to write are utterly useless. You could read several nd the advice in them always differs between the authors of these books so why bother? It's really made me realize I don't need someone to tell me how to write. Their opinions and methods don't matter. Mine do. I see no reason to follow what other people say when it's much better to follow your own style for getting your writing done then letting some disembodied person you'll never meet tell you what you should be doing.

i agree with you. most of these resources have nothing to do with "how to" write. though it is sometimes interesting to consider how other writers approach their work.

Originally Posted by Peace-3PO

i agree with you. most of these resources have nothing to do with "how to" write. though it is sometimes interesting to consider how other writers approach their work.

I guess what first bothered me was when I was reading Stephen King's book on writing and he talked about bad writers who had no hope of getting better. There is always room for improvement in any craft no matter how skilled you are. One man's bad writer might be another one's favorite.

Originally Posted by Nocturne

I guess what first bothered me was when I was reading Stephen King's book on writing and he talked about bad writers who had no hope of getting better. There is always room for improvement in any craft no matter how skilled you are. One man's bad writer might be another one's favorite.

So true! So true.

Have you read Ray Bradbury's Zen and the Art of writing? It's more on the abstract nature of creativity, perhaps you would find it interesting. I really really loved it.