No one writes alone—not really. These resources offer writers a flashlight, a compass, or just a bit of encouragement to keep keeping on.
A basket of resources for writers
Below, you’ll find three types of resources. First, you’ll see links to articles about book writing. Next, there are links to articles about writing coaching. And, finally, a list of outside resources—breadcrumbs that just might lead you down a path you didn’t know you were looking for!
Resources: Articles for book writers
I wrote these five short articles to help you get started—or unstuck!—on your book-writing journey. Each one offers straightforward concepts and clear, actionable steps designed to move you toward your writing goals.
How to Write a Book Want to learn how to write a book? You can start today! Just apply these five bite-sized actions to your book project and watch it take shape before your eyes….
How to Write Nonfiction If you’re thinking about writing nonfiction (whether your subject is self-help, inspirational, political, or how-to), this article offers a few key points that will help you along the way….
How to Write a Memoir Writing a memoir can be a deeply rewarding journey—but also a tricky one. This article offers guidance for shaping your story in a way that honors both your truth and your readers….
How to Write a Novel We may have read hundreds of novels, but the artful way authors construct their plots may elude us. No wonder! Plotting a novel actually requires two different story-telling approaches….
Plotting Your Novel: Five Fabulous Tips! These fabulous tips come from: improvisational theater, European fairy tales, a four-pronged schematic, and the Institute for Literature. Because novelists need all the help we can get!….
Resources: Articles about writing coaching
Hiring a writing coach is a big decision. These five articles can help further your understanding about what coaching can offer and whether it might be a good fit for you.
What Is a Writing Coach? Basically, a writing coach is your smart, capable writing friend. They’ve traveled this road before and know how to help you get you where you want to be….
What is a Book Coach? A book coach is a writer’s fairy godmother. But instead of a magic wand, a book coach wields a full toolkit of book-saving devices….
Why Hire a Writing Coach? A writing coach can help you avoid time-wasting literary pitfalls, potholes, and dead ends. This means hiring a coach could help you get to the finish line faster (and with fewer literary labor pains)….
How to Find a Writing Coach: Seven Strategies to Get You the Book-writing Coach of Your Dreams While I offer seven strategies here, my client Peg boiled it down to this: “Finding the right writing coach is much like dating: trying out personalities, finding which one fits best to foster your productive and fruitful work….”
Fiction Writing Coach A fiction coach shows up to help you make a strong plot, develop dynamic characters, and write scenes that put your readers right there—as well as tending to a hundred other tender details of your narrative craft….
Resources for writers from around the web
To create this list, I went spinning out into the wide world of writers and brought back these links to tools, communities, and opportunities. Follow some links and discover some new avenues for your writing and yourself.
Making the writing happen
One Stop for Writers: This is a fantastic resource with tools to help plan, research, and write stories. It includes a “story map” feature that helps writers develop their characters, plot, and setting in a structured way. A great tool for writers who love to stay organized.
The Novel Factory: With a tag line of “Write Smarter, Not Harder,” this site offers a range of resources aimed at helping novelists become more skilled, proficient and efficient. Their “Ultimate World-Building Questionnaire looks particularly fun!
Reedsy’s Free Resources: Reedsy offers a wealth of free tools, including templates for character development, worldbuilding, and editing checklists. They also provide free educational content on topics like mastering story structure and choosing the right point of view.
Scribophile: This well-known writing community allows writers to exchange critiques and feedback on their work. It’s ideal for those seeking to improve their writing through peer feedback
Contests and grants
Almond Press: This site curates and updates a list of writing contests, which is a great way for writers to test their skills, get recognition, and even win some cash prizes. Woohoo!
Poets & Writers – Writing Contests, Grants & Awards
A comprehensive, regularly updated database featuring vetted opportunities across genres—including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and translation. Each listing includes deadlines, entry fees, and submission guidelines, making it a trusted go-to for writers seeking recognition and support.
The Write Life’s Grants for Writers: Writers can find financial support through various grants, including ones like the Leeway Foundation Art and Change Grant, which provides up to $2,500 to support social change through writing.
Writer-to-writer support
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group: This community offers writers a place to discuss challenges like writer’s block or self-doubt, providing encouragement and strategies for overcoming these obstacles
Shut Up & Write!: This nonprofit offers free in-person and online writing groups for writers worldwide. Their goal is to help writers build consistency, overcome procrastination, and make progress on their projects. Their sessions connect you with a global network of writers who show up and write.
Small Presses
Poets & Writers – Small Presses Database
For writers exploring publication avenues beyond the mainstream. This searchable database offers insights into submission guidelines, editorial preferences, and contact information for numerous small presses, helping you find the perfect fit for your work.