A Few Excellent Writing Blog Posts

Lately I've run across some really great blog posts I thought I'd share:

How to Return to Writing After a Long Break by Nathan Bransford (Oh yes, this one was obviously very useful to me!)

Thank you for (not) asking by Bria Quinlan (Fantastic blog post I wish every writer would read)

Math For Authors by Deryn Collier

Yep, I'm Still Working On Those Goals...

I posted my goals here on the blog a little over a week ago and since then have discovered I need to do a little more work on them. First off, I need to make them SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic & Timely.

One of my favorite Tweeters Bria Quinlan does a really in-depth hand-on workshop about setting goals and achieving them, but you should do it with a group you'll work with moving forward - say a critique group. I'm not there yet, but I've still always wanted to take her workshop.

Low and behold, Bria is doing an intro / abbreviated version of the workshop for free over the past week on her blog. You can join in at any time - just go to Day 1 of "Goaling to Success" and start there. We are still only up to Day 3 and I'm still working on my first set of goals list. Wish me luck and join in to help yourself set some personal or writing goals!

Bria's Website is here.

Round-Up of Awesome Writer Websites & Tools

Lately I've discovered quite a few awesome websites that give great advice and tips for writers and I thought I would share them with you in the hopes that you find a new to you resource.

Here are some of my new website obsessions for writers, or websites I've been following for awhile but think every writer should be:

Agent Blogs:

Nathan Bransford's blog is by far one of the best out there. Insight, tips and updates on all things publishing, you really should be reading this blog.

Rachelle Gardner's blog also offers amazing news and tips for writers.

Writer's Group Blogs:

The Romance Writer's Revenge has long been a favorite of mine and the blog posts there are both thought provoking and humorous. A great group of writers I'm so glad to have found.

A newly launched blog, I'm enjoying the posts at Romancing The Muses very much and think they offer some great tips for newbie writers.

Some of my favorite Harlequin writers are part of Drunk Writer Talk and I'm a frequent lurker soaking up their advice.

An established blog, but one I still want to mention just in case you aren't familiar with it, is Riding with the Top Down. A wonderful cross-section of writers sharing the craft with you.

Writing Tools & Resources:

The writing software Write Way Pro is offering a 30 day free trail right now. (Maybe they always do?) I'm trying it out on the home computer to see what I think, but have been disappointed that it won't work with my operating system on my netbook.

I met Bria Quinlan at RWA10 after following her on twitter for a bit. She has an excellent website (where she is even running a writing contest right now), but she's also set up a great chat room for writers to use anytime for challenges or sprints. Check out her site, and you'll notice the Fast Draft and Chat Challenge links at the bottom. (HINT - we are usually in the Fast Draft room) :)

Finally, Harlequin is doing a So You Think You Can Write week November 1st-5th on their blog that looks chock-full of webinars, editor chats, community posts and more. I'm really excited to see how this goes and hopefully it will offer some great info. Check out the weekly events calendar here.