Killer Creatives

10 Killer Resources for Writers

Last time we shared a list of some of our favorite art websites and blogs. Below you’ll find 10 great writing resources and websites where you’ll find helpful content for better writing, regardless of your skill level or profession.

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1. Writer’s Digest

If you’re a writer of any kind, you probably know Writer’s Digest is the ultimate stop for pretty much all your needs. Not only does WD publish the annual asset Writer’s Market, they have a killer library of other books, downloads, tutorials, articles, prompts, workshops, webinars, competitions, and forums where you can connect and exchange critiques with other writers. You can also subscribe to the Writer’s Digest print or digital magazines at crazy-affordable prices.

 

2. LitReactor

LitReactor sprung from Chuck Palauhniuk’s cutting-edge author site, also known as The Cult. Subscribers would submit and participate in Chuck’s monthly online writer’s workshops to get feedback from peers and, sometimes, Chucky P himself. Today, LitReactor provides resources, tips and insightful information for edgy writers and book lovers. With monthly online classes, workshops and a wicked magazine, you’ll be setting aside the modest $9 a month for a membership.

 

3. WordServe Water Cooler

A collective of agented authors under the WordServe Literary Agency, WordServe Water Cooler is a community of published writers offering tips, advice, and discussions on the craft of writing and other various topics. The almost-daily posts work toward “encouraging, engaging, and enriching” the careers and lives of fellow writers. Drink up!

 

4. AP Stylebook, Ask the Editor

Whether in print or online, The Associated Press Stylebook is the journalist’s holy text. An annual online subscription includes a comprehensive, searchable, and updated guide to usage, spelling, and punctuation, among many other benefits. Ask the Editor, which has more than 14,000 entries, allows subscribers to submit queries and access the archive for beyond-the-book advice.

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5. Chicago Manual of Style Online

The Chicago Manual of Style, now in its 16th edition, offers a convenient and searchable Web version to subscribers. It’s an awesome reference tool for writers that offers guidance on editorial style choices and publishing standards. The site provides the following free services: Chicago Style Q&A, a 30-day trial subscription and great writing tools. A subscription gets you access to the complete online manual, the community forum, and the ability to personalize the Chicago Manual.

 

6. The Elements of Style

Strunk and White’s Elements of Style isn’t so much a grammar rule book as it is a style guide. Writers either praise the text for its simplicity or condemn it for the authors’ lack of perfect authority. Published 53 years ago, its recommendations, according to co-author E.B. White, are clear, brief and bold. Whatever your preferences, Elements is a great starting point for the budding writer.

 

7. Grammar Girl

A Quick and Dirty Tips podcast hosted by founder Mignon Fogarty, Grammar Girl provides helpful, friendly and easy-to-remember tips for better writing. Whether you’re looking for advice in general writing, grammar, punctuation, word choice or style, Grammar Girl has got you covered.

 

8. Macmillan Dictionary Blog

Several writers, editors and academics contribute to the Macmillan Dictionary Blog, which reviews and examines the modern English language and its international use. Visitors can search the blog or dictionary and access years’ worth of content in the blog archive. The blog provides readers with valuable language tips and discusses a comprehensive array of subject matter in three sections called Learn English, Live English and Love English.

 

9. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)

The Purdue University Online Writing Lab is a free service open not only to its students, but to individuals around the world who want to be better writers. OWL provides resources and instructional content on general writing, research and citation, tutoring, and more. Various writing exercises are also available to help you keep your skills fresh.

 

10. Style & Substance

This helpful bulletin, which has appeared each month in The Wall Street Journal since 1987, provides tips on how to identify and dodge clichés and grammatical faux pas. Style & Substance points out and critiques overused expressions in the WSJ and at large, and offers proper usage guidance for journalistic terms.

 

Know any other great blogs, websites or communities for writers? Suggest them in the comments below!