This entry was posted on Friday, June 6th, 2008 at 1:05 pm and is filed under By the Numbers, Five on Friday, If I Were the Queen, Writing & Reading. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of seeing the same post up on here day after day. However, I’m still SoCNoCing in addition to, you know, having an actual life, which makes this a good day to revive my Five on Friday tradition (if you can call something I’ve only done twice a ‘tradition’
. If the planets re-align or my ingrained sense of guilt gets to me or I become sick of writing a million and a half words a day on my book, I’ll be back to more regular posting early next week.
When I first started Five on Friday, it was with the intention of sharing five favorite links and a video. Since then, other bloggers have played with the meme, and it has morphed into something different for each of them. It’s a fun thing to watch. However, this time around, I’m going to have to go with the original idea, because I’m a bit of a stickler. Since all my creativity is being siphoned off for my book, you get an obvious topic this week: Five writing-related links I’ve found helpful, plus a bonus video for those who have no moral objection to the wonders of YouTube.
- Feeling lonely? Directionless? Looking for a good community of writers, some great writing advice, an abundance of laughs or, at the very least, a cult to replace the one you left after that religious phase you went through in high school? Might I suggest Will Write for Wine? It’s a podcast! It’s a forum! Best of all, it goes well with chicken and pasta!
- If you’ve seen the size of my TBR piles (yes, plural) you’ll know that reading isn’t dead — not in my household, at least. But if you’d like proof that others share my addiction, you may find some solace in “Book Lust” by New York Times columnist Timothy Egan. While not a traditional writing resource, it provides plenty of inspiration for those who are convinced that the book industry is doomed. Unless they’re really cynical, in which case they’ve probably already given up on being published anyway, and are therefore unlikely to be reading this.
- Link number three is the perfect time to pause for a moment of gratitude, because even if reading isn’t dead, it’s still not an easy industry to break into. Yet I’m an info geek, and with all the resources for writers available out there, I’d still rather be writing now than at any other time in history. For a taste of what I mean, take a look the following three agent blogs. (You get three links for the price of one here, since narrowing it down was pretty close to impossible. Plus, I’m feeling generous.) If you haven’t read Nathan Bransford’s blog, Ask Daphne by Kate Schafer, and Pub Rants by Kristin Nelson, I highly recommend that you trot off there next and take a look at the advice they have to offer both aspiring novelists and those who are already published. Follow the links in their sidebars to find even more great editor/agent blogs.
- For those times when I need a character name and either can’t come up with one or realize that I’ve been inadvertently naming characters after former elementary school classmates or B-list actresses, I visit the Random Name Generator. Just plug in a few parameters, press the button, and you will be presented with a list of names to choose from. Best of all, if you don’t love any of the ones that come up, you can just do it again. And again. And, for those more into procrastinating than writing, yet again.
- As it turns out, it’s hard to narrow this topic down to five, which is why Writer’s Digest creates an annual list of the 101 best web sites for writers. (Note: It was loading very slowly on my computer, so some patience may be required. Then again, if you’re reading this list you’re most likely interested in publication, in which case you probably already have a well-developed sense of patience. Good job.)
And, finally, the promised bonus video. Although everyone and their cat has probably seen this by now if they have least a passing interest in novelship, my internal sense of right and wrong has ordered me to share it with you anyway. Enjoy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxschLOAr-s&eurl=http://cjla.squarespace.com/journal/2008/5/15/check-this-out.html]
Now it’s your turn. (You just knew I’d turn this into a homework assignment, didn’t you? You can probably even guess what I’m about to ask. Let’s see if you were correct.) Now that you’ve seen a few of my favorite writing-related websites, what are some of yours?
In other news, Ilana Stephens, a talented writer and fellow Will Write for Wine forum member, interviewed me last week for her blog. Since I’ve mostly disappeared from the internets lately I’m only now sharing the link with you. I’ve conducted a few blog interviews myself, but I’ve never been on the receiving end of the questions. I have to admit, it was pretty fun, and it made me feel kind of important — and since I’m the proud owner of and slave to three haughty cats, my ego could use the boost.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I am LOVING the random name generator, so thank you for that!
And kudos on the great interview- I really enjoyed reading it!
June 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
well this isn’t a writing website, but then i’m not a writer.
but i love goodreads.com. i’m a reader, and i love reading. i get tons of good ideas for books to read by what my friends are reading and what they enjoy. especially from my librarian friend. she reads tons of interesting stuff.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Even with your creativity siphoned, this post is terrific! And geez, now I’ve got more links to check out because I take your recommendations very seriously.
(LOVE the random name generator too.)
Here are two writing related websites I like:
http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/ and http://edittorrent.blogspot.com/ Although I don’t visit them as often as I probably should.
Happy writing!
June 7th, 2008 at 10:02 am
You can get some great (if a bit odd) plot ideas here as well:
http://www.generatorland.com/generators/tvshow_pitch_gl.php
Mike
June 7th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Well, I should be SoCNoCing, too, but immediately upon signing up, Life Interfered. So I’m reading blogs. Maybe tomorrow.
LOL on the random name generator! What fun!
June 7th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I’m so glad to hear it, Alyson! I picked it up ages ago, and use it often.
Emily, I adore Goodreads, too! I like being able to keep track of my books, both the ones I’ve already read and the ones I’ve been meaning to read. Plus, it’s fun to see what everyone else is reading, too.
Thanks, Robin! It ended up being much, much longer than I had intended, which isn’t a surprise since I tend to get wordy. And I love those sites! I’ve been a frequent reader of the first one, and have visited and enjoyed the other from time to time as well. Thanks for the reminder.
That looks fun, Mike!
I know how that goes, Amy! That’s why I’m doing a smaller version of it. It’s still nice to have the accountability, though, and it’s inspirational to know that so many others are writing, too.
June 8th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Caryn, I have nothing to add to your suggestions, so guess I’m flunking homework, but I can say that I’m so impressed with the blog. I wish I had your ability to write it after all the writing you’ve been doing. Maybe that’s the key: the more you write, the more you write. I got to get back on that train. Alas, my muse got kicked in the gut this week, but she’s regaining some speed.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:21 am
thank you so much for the links in #2! my to-be-read pile is getting mighty small and i’m in desperate need of new reading material.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I’ve been away from any computer for over a week (vacationing for my niece’s graduation) and hadn’t seen the YouTube video. Hilarious! Thank you for posting it!
June 9th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Kath, I think you’re right when you say that writing a lot leads to even more writing. It’s so much harder to get started again when I haven’t written for a long time. Good luck with getting started again! And I’m sorry about your muse. May s/he heal quickly.
Glad it helped, Virginia! If it’s Goodreads you’re referring to, I LOVE that site!
Isn’t it funny, Conda? It cracked me up when I saw it, too. Glad I could share.
June 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
i love that you tube video. i keep rewatching it and laughing every time. i cringe too, because its definitely one of “its funny, coz its so true” things… i need to start doing all those things he mentions to promote my book. argh!
June 9th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Great Video
I really like your blog
Thanks for visiting mine…come back anytime 
Merrianne
June 9th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Caryn, great blog! Seriously, there’s nothing wrong with your creativity. I do know I’m going to love the name generator! I’m off to visit all the goodies you left behind. Thanks!
June 9th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Well, Joanne, you already have a blog going, which is good. I know I already want to buy The Professors’ Wives’ Club when it comes out, and I don’t know if I would have heard of it otherwise, so maybe others have heard of it that way, too.
Thanks, Merrianne! I enjoyed yours, too. I especially love good cat photos.
LaDonna, I do feel like my brain is mush after all this writing! I hope the links are helpful, though.
I know I used the name generator just this morning when I needed a last name for someone. It’s nice because otherwise my characters’ last names all start to sound alike.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Great interview! Is “Pantser” writer-code for making it up as one goes along (seat o’ pants)? Category, I know from my comix days…
Publisher: ” I need a 100-page script about a lesbian vampire.”
Me: ” Can you advance me a case of beer?”
June 10th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Great interview and websites.. We’re the same age.
I have to agree with everyone on the Name Generator.. I’m bookmarking it right now. 
June 10th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I forwarded that video to my writer friends–they loved it.
Non-writers–not so much. (Wait, why is funny? Doesn’t Oprah like books?)
June 10th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Exactly, Allan. And people who must plot their novels out first are plotters.
Are we, Keri? That’s so cool! And I’m glad you found the name generator helpful. I use it a lot myself.
Glad to hear it Lindsey! As soon as I saw it I had to share it with a ton of people, too. Then I just gave up and posted it on here.
June 11th, 2008 at 10:45 am
I like Writer’s Digest too. I’ll have to check out that name generator site.
I’m going to flunk the homework. I just love reading all the blogs on my favorites–actually there are more, but I haven’t got to adding them yet.
There was another site, a story generator, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it’s called. you click a few things and it comes up with a whole story for you–I know I’m lazy–it’s really just funny to read what it comes up with.
I like your progress monitor! Keep on trudging along!!!
Take care!
June 11th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
MJ Rose just recommended ’shelf-awareness.com’ in the latest issue of Writer’s Digest…that’s one I’m checking out for sure.
(In the same issue, most-excellent screenwriter Diablo Cody talks about an upcoming project for Universal–a raunchy girl road trip tale. *bangs head on keyboard*)
June 15th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Hi,
Thanks for visiting my blog, http://www.terrillbodner.com/ , booklady. The ending of “My Sister’s Keeper” was definately unexpected, but I like to be surprised. It makes me think about the book long after I’ve finished.
I’m still waiting to hear from the publisher…but maybe it’ll be positive when I get back from our hike on the West Coast Trail in August. I’m so looking forward to 7 days with 7 friends/family, the ocean, the rainforest, Vancouver Island here I come! I loved your photo of partner on the rocks. Great shot! I hope to shoot some great photos as well on our hike.
I loved the You-Tube video of the Book-Launch 2.0. Hillarious! Thanks for sharing. Keep writing. I enjoy your style.
Cheers,
Terrill Bodner
June 17th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Hey booklady! Thx for turning me on to the SoCNoC novel writing challenge! It’s just what I needed to get me writing again! (I got here from ChemicalBilly’s blog, in case you wonder.)
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:22 am
Random name generator has worked well. Video was excellent as well.