Useful Websites
http://www.dplylemd.com/ — DP Lyle, Forensic MD, Author - allows submission questions regarding forensic and medical information for writers and puts it on the writers forensic blog (below)
https://writersforensicsblog.wordpress.com/
http://queryshark.blogspot.com/ - Janet Reid, Literary Agent of Thrillers, Crime Novels & non-fic - gives query advice to all genres.
http://jodierennerediting.blogspot.com/ — Author and freelance editor who gives valuable advice to writers
The Plot Whisperer — http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/
https://writersforensicsblog.wordpress.com/
http://queryshark.blogspot.com/ - Janet Reid, Literary Agent of Thrillers, Crime Novels & non-fic - gives query advice to all genres.
http://jodierennerediting.blogspot.com/ — Author and freelance editor who gives valuable advice to writers
The Plot Whisperer — http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/
Writing Tools & Resources
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A Writer's Workbook by Writer's Digest
This workbook is packed with techniques, exercises, worksheets, tips and more to help hone your craft, no matter what kind of writing you do. The workbook is divided into three sections — Essentials of Craft, Elements of Fiction and Nonfiction Technique. |
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Characterization: Exploring Character Development in Your Writing
There are simple differences in the way you handle character development when writing your novel—whether it be something like direct characterization (where you write about the character’s attributes and personality directly, without beating around the busy) or indirect characterization (where you slowly reveal elements about the character through his or her actions, thoughts, dialogue, and how other characters respond to them). There are many elements involved and it’s very important that you introduce your main character the right way in order to make sure your readers feel attached to your lead and stick with your story. In this free download, you’ll get the inside scoop on the key things to consider when revealing your main character for the first time. You’ll learn why that first impression is so important and what you need to consider before starting your manuscript with a prologue instead of starting with Chapter 1. You’ll also get some advice on how to handle secondary characters and how fictional character development can really set OK novels apart from great ones. |
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10 Grammar (and Novel Writing) Rules that are Actually Myths
Over the course of your life, teachers and writing instructors have undoubtedly filled your head with all sorts of grammar rules. They said things like “never end a sentence with a preposition” and “you must also use the article ‘an’ before words that begin with vowels” and “you must always start your novel with action” and so forth. While 99% of what you learned is most likely true (like breaking up run-on sentences) and there are reasons they teach these things when you’re learning to write, there are a few “rules” that have been passed along that aren’t exactly accurate—and some are downright wrong. In this free download, Myth-Busting Answers to 10 FAQs on Grammar, Writing, and Publishing, Writer’s Digest Online Editor Brian A. Klems breaks down several of the most common myths about writing. He explores the truth behind the a vs. an rule, whether or not you should avoid new agents, starting a sentence with a conjunction (like “but”) and more. |
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14 Amateur Mistakes Every Writer Should Avoid
We all need help writing a novel from time to time—whether that be during national novel writing month (NaNoWriMo) or while working on your novel as part of your New Year's resolution—and we want to help you improve your novel (and avoid mistakes in all your future writing). There are several missteps that unpublished writers make that scream "rookie" to agents and publishers. Most are easy to fix, but the key is identifying them. That's where we can help. In this Writer's Digest free download, How to Avoid Amateur Mistakes, James V. Smith, Jr., walks you through 14 of the most common faux pas that many writers make when working on their first few novels. Making these changes will help improve your writing and make it look more professional. Plus, it will help you speed up your writing process and allow you the opportunity to write a novel in a month, if you're up to the challenge. With the tips on avoiding mistakes and novel writing help in this free download, you'll be on your way a novel that's professional from start to finish. |
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Plot Development: Charts and Tips for Outlining and Plotting a Novel
Plot development can be a challenge for both aspiring and published novelists who are working on a new book. To build a great story structure that will carry you through to a finished novel, you have to take a closer look at your plot and work out kinks that may come up as you're writing. In the free online download, Plot Development: Charts and Tips for Outlining and Plotting a Novel, we offer five resources that will help you with writing plot from the beginning of the novel to the challenging middle, through to a meaningful ending. In addition to plot development charts that help you work through common problems, you'll find insights and worksheets that help you work with writing subplots and developing side characters. This selection of resources from our Writer's Workbook series includes plot development worksheets, methods for story mapping, techniques for working through problems when you're stuck, and charts for evaluating whether your plot is working. |
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Killer Nashville Writer's Conference | http://www.killernashville.com/
Imaginarium | www.entertheimaginarium.com
Imaginarium | www.entertheimaginarium.com
The publishers listed are those Malice and it's members have interacted with either through publishing agreements or other publishing options. There listing is not an endorsement, but a reference for member knowledge and networking opportunities.
Inspiration for Writers
Videos of inspiration and wisdom from other authors. Enjoy!
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The Beginners Guide to Writing for Publication |
Dark Oak Press and Malice in Memphis teamed up for a one-day educational session on writing. We've broken the session into seven bite-size chunks so you can view them at your leisure. Enjoy and get to writing!
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Part 1 | INTRODUCTION TO PUBLISHING
Part 2 | TROPES, PITCHES AND HOOKING THE READER
Part 3 | GREAT CHARACTERS
Part 4 | DATA DUMPING, WORD CHOICES AND GUIDELINES
Part 5 | RESEARCH AND APPLICATION PT. 1 OF 2
Part 6 | RESEARCH AND APPLICATION PT. 2 OF 2
Part 7 | WORD ECONOMICS