Meeting Your Writing Needs Through Blogs

There are so many writing blogs available on the web that it's difficult to decide which ones to read. Fortunately, there is something available for every taste and need, as reflected by the variety of Favorites we have listed on this site.

1. Looking for Inspiration

Writing is solitary by nature unless you're part of a team like Morgan St. James of the Silver Sister Mysteries. When you need to connect, there are blogs available where writers share their process, write about everyday events, and simply offer a connection to another creative person.

Under the Tiki Hut mixes writing advice and life observations. Carol Kilgore shares her writing processes in a personal way that leaves one feeling that they've been privileged to share her day with her. The same can be said of Kristol Holl at Writer's First Aid. The observations at God's Teeth are a bit more biting, (I couldn't resist) but I'm working on making my point without indulging in self-righteousness.

For those who write for children, What a Mystery! will take you straight into those young minds. Read stories written by kids and get a feel for what they like.

If you need to jump start your imagination, there is nothing more interesting than the truth. You can read all sorts of fascinating and sometimes creepy articles by Dr. D.P. Lyle at The Writer's Forensic Blog.

Good writers also read, and it helps to have dependable reviews to guide your buying (or renting) habits. Jackie Houchin's News & Reviews is such a site. Whether you're looking for a good book to read or you can't decide which play to see this weekend, Jackie can point you in the right direction.

Other book review sites include Kevin's Corner and A Book and A Dish. At the latter site, reviews are accompanied by recipes!

2. The book or story is done. Now what?

The Rose City Sisters is a flash fiction anthology that's a delight to read and also a place to submit your work. In between the stories are quick bits of information including contests looking for submissions and writing tools.

When you're ready to promote, Number One Novels is the place to go. Make sure you read the guidelines before submitting your work. Interviews are posted on Monday, and you can link to Rebecca Chastain's personal blog from here for a closer look at NON's author/creator.

Go to The Official Site of GB Pool and check out her Events & Signings page. This is what it looks like when an author gets involved in the writing community. Hopefully, you'll be inspired to get out of the house and network with other writers.

One of my favorite blogs JA Konrath's A Newbie Guide to Publishing. Here, I can laugh at his observations about both critics and writers or giggle over one of his outrageous author interviews. What the site is best known for is the amazing amount of information about marketing. I consider Mr. Konrath a genius at self-promotion, and writers would do well to observe and take notes.

3. The crème de la crème

Backspace lets you sample blogs from all over, with new posts every day from different writers. If you can only take time to visit one site, this is it.

Whenever you visit a blog, make sure to sample from the sidebar of Favorites. You'll discover new blogs that provide what you’re searching for, whether it is information, inspiration, or a chuckle to help you out of a funk.

What are some of your favorite blogs?