The Writing Buzz

Definr - Incredibly Fast Dictionary

2008-03-30T22:46:00.002-05:00

Definr.com is a fast, free dictionary based on Princeton's open WordNet 2.0, and works by using word completion (a.k.a. auto-complete, auto-suggest). Good for brainstorming beyond using this tool as simply a dictionary.

85 Resources for Fiction Writing

2008-03-26T18:06:00.000-05:00

"We are here to create, not merely to survive."

Here are 85 resources on Character, Point of View, Dialogue, Plot, Conflict, Structure, Outlining, Setting, and World Building, plus some links to generate Ideas and Inspiration.

150 Resources to Help You Write Better and Faster

2007-10-20T19:45:00.000-05:00

150 Resources to Help You Write Better and Faster

This is a very comprehensive list of some very useful tools online to assist you with your writing. Several categories are listed, including:

Almanacs
Business and Legal Matters
Citation Styles
Dictionaries
English Language Skills
Genres
News Digests
New Media Resources
Organization
Professional Organizations
Rhetoric
Toolboxes
Writing Services
Writing Skills
Writing Software

What Should I Read Next?

2007-10-18T11:34:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I'm on a bit of a reading frenzy here, but good writers are good readers, right? What Should I Read Next has you store books you've read, and it will recommend new books to read based on your interests. Registration is very simple and free.

The Burgomeister's Books: Truly Free eBook Library

2007-10-18T11:25:00.000-05:00

As a frequent Stumble Upon user, I never know what little gem I may find on the web. It is certainly more fun than Googling these days. Burgomeister's Books expanses a well-versed library of free ebooks that you can "borrow" (this means you can download five books every two weeks, and he asks that you then delete the books from your computer after that time.) The site contains both fiction and non-fiction, and I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy here. New books are added periodically.

My Writing Book Collection

2007-10-01T17:41:00.000-05:00

On the left side, you can check out my writing book collection by Library Thing. These are books I've collected over the years, and you might find a few titles interesting for yourself.

The books cover various genres and a holistic philosophy of writing. I must say that when I look for books about writing, I look for those that are deep in meaning and give value of insight in the writer's process.

While I enjoy my collection, I've probably become more distracted searching for and reading about writing, but, hey, I like the inspiration they give me.

Perhaps the Only Writing Book You Really Need

2007-05-22T18:30:00.000-05:00

I have read many books about writing over the years, and sometimes think I read more about the process of writing than actually writing! This passive theory and instruction can many times take me so far into the abstracts of my mind, that I strip myself of actually learning how I write as an individual. In the book Chapter after Chapter by Heather Sellers, I find a down-to-earth message inside that gets me to actually hone the discipline and commitment to write.

In Sellers' book, she encourages me to read--but to read books that are not about the craft about writing. Instead, reading books like those I would like to write, and studying those books to analyze how they are constructed in real-time. This is real-world experience versus classroom theory I get from how-to books.

I highly recommend this book to those still searching for that discipline and commitment to write seriously but are sick of searching for and reading books about writing. Heather Sellers will set things straight.

Collaging Your Creative Revolutions: Manifesting Through Art and Image

2006-11-25T12:45:00.000-06:00

Enjoy your own free private workshop by listening to this popular class that combines collage, writing, and meditation to tap into the joyful, creative process of manifesting new things in your life.

Also try the WildChild Writing Warmup, where Artella Founder Marney Makridakis joined forces with Jill Badonsky, creativity coach and author of The Nine Modern-Day Muses (and a Bodyguard), and presented a truly wild writing workshop that broke the rules, silenced the censor, and whirled in wordpools of wonder. The "WildChild Writing Warmup" was a "Jilly con Marney" teleworkshop that previewed the full workshop by presenting two writing exercises that inspired provocative, profound writing through child-like lenses.

Structured Journaling as a Way to Achieving Your Dreams

2006-06-27T16:20:00.000-05:00

Journaling E-book - Offering 40 journal writing topics and tools.

Learn to empower yourself and go deep into writing.

eMetaphor: Knowledge, Inspiration & Self-Discipline for Writers

2006-06-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

eMetaphor holds the philosophy that writing is a multidimensional spectrum of the whole self, offering resources to help writers reach their writing goals, using a holistic approach and self-mastery skills to help provide writers and other creative professionals with the knowledge, inspiration, and self-discipline to succeed.

Noteworthy Reading

2006-06-27T15:33:00.000-05:00

STORY by Robert McKee

Learn and ponder to create unforgettable plots rather than stale leftovers.

The Dhammapada: Path of Truth

2006-06-22T18:30:00.000-05:00

Remember when your mother told you, "you are what you eat"? Well, the buddhists would say "you are what you think." Read the full text of the Dhammapada online.

Magnetic Poetry Online

2006-06-22T18:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, so why would I want to buy magnetic poetry when I can get so many kits for free online? I'm sure you'll feel the same when you see it here. Even if you're not writing poetry, these kits can help you brainstorm for other types of writing.

Fuzzmail: Capturing Writing as It Happens

2006-06-22T18:16:00.000-05:00

Fuzzmail records the act of writing and lets you send it as an email. It captures and records changes, typos, pauses and writeovers. Try it here.

The Hidden Notebook

2006-06-22T18:07:00.000-05:00

My other blog, The Hidden Notebook, can be viewed here.

StumbleUpon: A Unique Browser Add-On

2006-06-22T18:00:00.000-05:00

StumbleUpon for Firefox and Internet Explorer is an entertaining way to discover new sites on the web. This application will help you discover sites based on defined interests, using user intelligence rather than random search engine results (this program is community-based). The result is more interesting sites than you ever thought imaginable. I find that it helps stimulate ideas and gets the energy flowing if you use it for writing. Be careful though, as it can become addicting! StumbleUpon is a free add-on, though they do accept donations, and you can get it at: http://www.stumbleupon.com/ .