Resource post
May. 13th, 2013 11:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
somehowunbroken posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
dcu_bangWe've collected a ton of writing resources that might be helpful as you write your story! Take a look at any or all of these sections:
Pre-writing help/General writing advice
If you need help finding information, checking facts, or figuring out how to outline your story, check out these resources.
-10 Writing Dos and Don'ts
This is a short list with some great advice on it. It's worth a read before you sit down to begin.
-22 rules of storytelling, according to Pixar
These tips are a quick read, and they're great to keep in mind as you come up with your story.
-Character Profile Blank
If you're planning out an OC, or even writing an established character that you've never written before, this is a handy form to fill out. It helps you keep track of character traits, relationships, and appearances, and is a great way to get a feel for a character's voice and thinking patterns.
-Deciding on your viewpoint character
If you're not sure who should be telling your story, this list should help you decide.
-Four Spaces
If you're having trouble plotting out your story, give this quick essay a read. It provides a framework for a way to think about stories, and it could really help out.
-Get Figment Writing Prompts
If you need something to help with ideas, sign up for daily writing prompts.
-Hatch's Plot Bank
If you're looking for a basic plot idea, browse the plot bank for ideas.
-List of do's and dont's for original characters in fanfic
If you're planning on including an OC in your fic, this post has a lost of helpful hints on how to keep them interesting and non-Mary Sue-ish.
-Little Details
A fact-checking community.
-Plot, or something like it
This essay has an excellent explanation of plot and what goes into it. It uses examples from due South, but the principles are applicable anywhere.
-Plot panel tip sheet
This is an outline from![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
writercon with important plot elements. It's a very handy reference.
-Rules for Writing Non-Humans
Sending your characters to a planet far, far away? Get some tips on writing non-human characters.
-Subplots
If you're thinking about including a subplot in your story, definitely check this out. It's got a lot of great things to keep in mind as you go.
-Ten alternatives to writing a 'character learns a lesson' story
If you're still wondering what to write, take a look at these ten theme ideas.
-Ten rules for writing fiction
The Guardian asked several authors what their rules for writing are. You might find something that works for you in their answers.
-The art of storytelling and the work of storytelling
An excellent essay about what goes into storytelling. It uses Harry Potter in its examples, but the elements are applicable to anything.
-Thoughts on conflict in fanfiction romance
The author describes a lot of the common types of romances written in fic, and gives tips on how to avoid the pitfalls that come with each one.
-Tools to Outline Your Novel
This guide was written for NaNoWriMo, but it applies to any sort of writing.
-Ways of maintaining a really, really long novel
Is your story going to be an epic length? Check this essay out.
Story help
If you're having trouble with writing any aspect of your story, try looking here.
-10 Secrets to Creating Unforgettable Supporting Characters
If you're including original characters in your story, these are some great tips to help make them memorable.
-A Guide to Writing Well
This site gives advice on the whole process of writing, from start to finish.
-Angst
Tips for writing angst.
-Avoiding Infodumps
You never want to put too much information in one place. this will help you avoid doing that.
-Dialogue
Dialogue can be really tricky! Avoid pitfalls by checking this out.
-Fake Name Generator for Writers
If you're having trouble coming up with names for your original characters, give this tool a try.
-How To Write a Scene: A Step-By-Step Infographic
This simple infographic gives you a list of things to keep in mind as you approach each new scene in your story.
-Ookami Kasumi's Writing Tips and Tricks
deviantArt user Ookami Kasumi has posted helpful guides for everything from writing a horror story to tips on how much smut you should include to the structure of a good action scene. No matter what part of your story you're struggling with, there's probably an answer here.
-Paradigm Online Writing Assistant
There are a lot of tips and tricks for writing here.
-Resources for Writers and Writing Instructors
Jack Lynch, a professor at Rutgers University, pulled together this list of writing resources. There's a lot of technical information here, as well as resources for nonfiction writing - but there's a lot of things that are useful when writing fiction, as well.
-Reverse Dictionary
Can't remember the word that's on the tip of your tongue? Describe it to this reverse dictionary and find it easily.
-Silence and its uses
Sometimes the best way to say something is by making your characters stop talking. Learn more about how to use silences in your storytelling.
-The speed of the story
If you're having pacing problems, take a look at this essay.
-Tips for writing an anti-hero
If you're wondering how to get into your anti-hero's head, look no further!
-Writer's Digest
This site has a lot of great writing resources.
-writercon
writercon isn't being updated anymore, but all of the past posts are still available. There are a lot of great resources here from writercons of the past.
Mechanics
Commas? Quotation marks? Word choice? It can al be pretty confusing. Check out these resources.
-Better Grammar
Tips and tricks for writing.
-English Punctuation Cheat Sheet
If you're not sure about punctuation, check this out!
-Five Comma Rules
This is a quick and dirty list of rules for commas, but it can be a real help!
-Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which witch is which (or which spelling of a word to use)? Check this list!
-Grammar Girl
Moot or mute? Discrete or discreet? Grammar Girl gives you quick and easy tips.
-Purdue OWL: Extended Rules for Using Commas
If you really want to learn about commas, this is the place to go. Purdue's Online Writing Lab has up-to-date technical info on pretty much every subject when it comes to writing, and their comma handbook is no exception.
-Rules for Using Commas
This site breaks down comma usage and gives a lot of good examples.
-WordCounter
WordCounter checks a body of text for the most commonly used words within. If you think you might be overusing a word, put your text in and see.
Help with NSFW content
Writing sex scenes can be tough. We've found some places that can help.
-How to Write a Lousy Sex Scene Handout
This is a funny look at what not to include in your sex scenes. It's easy to get lost in the language when you're writing - check this page out to steer clear of some common pitfalls!
-How to Write a Sex Scene
It's absolutely not necessary to include any sort of sex scenes in your fic - but if you'd like to, and you're having trouble, this is a great place to start. The examples used are all m/m slash, but it's applicable across the board.
-How to write femslash part 1: Lesbian Sex 101
If you're writing femslash but aren't sure about the logistics, this is definitely the post for you.
-Minotaur's Sex Tips for Slash Writers
Chances are that if you've done any research into how to write m/m sex, you've run across Minotaur's site. There's a lot of information here, and a lot of it is explicit, so beware if there are little eyes around.
-Writing sex scenes
Some general tips on how to approach writing sex scenes.
Motivation
Having trouble convincing yourself to write? Check these places out.
-10 Ways to Beat Writer's Block
TIps for getting past writer's block.
-Random Line Generator
Get a string of random words that could help you come up with the next line of your story.
-Ten things to do when you've gotten bored with your novel
Everyone gets stuck. Take a look at these ideas for help you get out of your rut.
-Use deviantART for Inspiration
Everyone gets stuck. Browse some art for inspiration.
-Write or Die
If pressure helps you write, this is for you!
-Writing Inspiration
This site has some great things to get you un-stuck if you find yourself blocked.
-Written? Kitten!
You get a new kitten picture for every 100 words you type.
Post-writing help
Sometimes editing and summarizing are just as tough as writing your story. Check these resources out for help.
-beta_search
Don't have a beta? Post here (following the instructions in the profile) to find one.
-Check Your Grammar Online
This is a basic automated editing tool. It's not a replacement for the beta requirement of this challenge, but it's a good place to start!
-Common Spelling/Grammar Mistakes
This is a list in five parts. The author gets rather, ah, heated about the subject, but the points are all valid. It's a good list to read over just for reference, as a lot of these things are mistakes that happen quite often. (Part two, part three, part four, and part five.)
-EditMinion
This is another basic automated editing tool. It's not a replacement for the beta requirement of this challenge, but it's a good place to start!
-Free Spell Checker
If your word processor doesn't have a spell checker built in, this one is free to use.
-Markdown
Do you have bold, italic, or underlined text that you haven't put in HTML code? Markdown will do it for you.
-On Being Betaed
If you've never had a beta reader before, this is a great post to read! It gives you some guidelines for how to work with a beta, what you can expect, and how you can keep the author-beta relationship a good one.
-Standard List for Authors in Relation to Beta Readers
Tips on how to choose and work with a beta.
-Summaries: a guide to writing them
Fifteen tips for writing summaries.
-Three Pieces of Advice
If you're only going to read one thing from this section, make it this piece. It gives three really helpful tips for what to do when you finish writing.
Comics-specific help
Need to find some comics-specific (or movies-specific) information? We've rounded up some links that will help.
-ComicVine
Lots of information about comics here. You can search by character (hero name or secret identity), book title, team name, or story arc.
-DC Comics
The main website for DC Comics. There's some character information here, and some story summaries.
-DC Comics Database
The unofficial DC wiki.
-Marvel Comics
The official website for Marvel Comics. There's a lot of info to be found here if you poke around.
-Marvel Comics Database
The unofficial Marvel wiki.
-Marvel Universe Wiki
The official wiki for Marvel.
LJ formatting help
If you're not sure how to do a specific formatting trick on LJ, check out these links.
How do I make text bold, italic or centered? What HTML can I use in my entries and comments?
How do I hide part of my entry behind a link? What is an lj-cut or lj-spoiler tag?
This list is in no way exhaustive. If you have a suggestion for something we should add, let us know!
Pre-writing help/General writing advice
If you need help finding information, checking facts, or figuring out how to outline your story, check out these resources.
-10 Writing Dos and Don'ts
This is a short list with some great advice on it. It's worth a read before you sit down to begin.
-22 rules of storytelling, according to Pixar
These tips are a quick read, and they're great to keep in mind as you come up with your story.
-Character Profile Blank
If you're planning out an OC, or even writing an established character that you've never written before, this is a handy form to fill out. It helps you keep track of character traits, relationships, and appearances, and is a great way to get a feel for a character's voice and thinking patterns.
-Deciding on your viewpoint character
If you're not sure who should be telling your story, this list should help you decide.
-Four Spaces
If you're having trouble plotting out your story, give this quick essay a read. It provides a framework for a way to think about stories, and it could really help out.
-Get Figment Writing Prompts
If you need something to help with ideas, sign up for daily writing prompts.
-Hatch's Plot Bank
If you're looking for a basic plot idea, browse the plot bank for ideas.
-List of do's and dont's for original characters in fanfic
If you're planning on including an OC in your fic, this post has a lost of helpful hints on how to keep them interesting and non-Mary Sue-ish.
-Little Details
A fact-checking community.
-Plot, or something like it
This essay has an excellent explanation of plot and what goes into it. It uses examples from due South, but the principles are applicable anywhere.
-Plot panel tip sheet
This is an outline from
writercon with important plot elements. It's a very handy reference.-Rules for Writing Non-Humans
Sending your characters to a planet far, far away? Get some tips on writing non-human characters.
-Subplots
If you're thinking about including a subplot in your story, definitely check this out. It's got a lot of great things to keep in mind as you go.
-Ten alternatives to writing a 'character learns a lesson' story
If you're still wondering what to write, take a look at these ten theme ideas.
-Ten rules for writing fiction
The Guardian asked several authors what their rules for writing are. You might find something that works for you in their answers.
-The art of storytelling and the work of storytelling
An excellent essay about what goes into storytelling. It uses Harry Potter in its examples, but the elements are applicable to anything.
-Thoughts on conflict in fanfiction romance
The author describes a lot of the common types of romances written in fic, and gives tips on how to avoid the pitfalls that come with each one.
-Tools to Outline Your Novel
This guide was written for NaNoWriMo, but it applies to any sort of writing.
-Ways of maintaining a really, really long novel
Is your story going to be an epic length? Check this essay out.
Story help
If you're having trouble with writing any aspect of your story, try looking here.
-10 Secrets to Creating Unforgettable Supporting Characters
If you're including original characters in your story, these are some great tips to help make them memorable.
-A Guide to Writing Well
This site gives advice on the whole process of writing, from start to finish.
-Angst
Tips for writing angst.
-Avoiding Infodumps
You never want to put too much information in one place. this will help you avoid doing that.
-Dialogue
Dialogue can be really tricky! Avoid pitfalls by checking this out.
-Fake Name Generator for Writers
If you're having trouble coming up with names for your original characters, give this tool a try.
-How To Write a Scene: A Step-By-Step Infographic
This simple infographic gives you a list of things to keep in mind as you approach each new scene in your story.
-Ookami Kasumi's Writing Tips and Tricks
deviantArt user Ookami Kasumi has posted helpful guides for everything from writing a horror story to tips on how much smut you should include to the structure of a good action scene. No matter what part of your story you're struggling with, there's probably an answer here.
-Paradigm Online Writing Assistant
There are a lot of tips and tricks for writing here.
-Resources for Writers and Writing Instructors
Jack Lynch, a professor at Rutgers University, pulled together this list of writing resources. There's a lot of technical information here, as well as resources for nonfiction writing - but there's a lot of things that are useful when writing fiction, as well.
-Reverse Dictionary
Can't remember the word that's on the tip of your tongue? Describe it to this reverse dictionary and find it easily.
-Silence and its uses
Sometimes the best way to say something is by making your characters stop talking. Learn more about how to use silences in your storytelling.
-The speed of the story
If you're having pacing problems, take a look at this essay.
-Tips for writing an anti-hero
If you're wondering how to get into your anti-hero's head, look no further!
-Writer's Digest
This site has a lot of great writing resources.
-
writerconwritercon isn't being updated anymore, but all of the past posts are still available. There are a lot of great resources here from writercons of the past.Mechanics
Commas? Quotation marks? Word choice? It can al be pretty confusing. Check out these resources.
-Better Grammar
Tips and tricks for writing.
-English Punctuation Cheat Sheet
If you're not sure about punctuation, check this out!
-Five Comma Rules
This is a quick and dirty list of rules for commas, but it can be a real help!
-Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which witch is which (or which spelling of a word to use)? Check this list!
-Grammar Girl
Moot or mute? Discrete or discreet? Grammar Girl gives you quick and easy tips.
-Purdue OWL: Extended Rules for Using Commas
If you really want to learn about commas, this is the place to go. Purdue's Online Writing Lab has up-to-date technical info on pretty much every subject when it comes to writing, and their comma handbook is no exception.
-Rules for Using Commas
This site breaks down comma usage and gives a lot of good examples.
-WordCounter
WordCounter checks a body of text for the most commonly used words within. If you think you might be overusing a word, put your text in and see.
Help with NSFW content
Writing sex scenes can be tough. We've found some places that can help.
-How to Write a Lousy Sex Scene Handout
This is a funny look at what not to include in your sex scenes. It's easy to get lost in the language when you're writing - check this page out to steer clear of some common pitfalls!
-How to Write a Sex Scene
It's absolutely not necessary to include any sort of sex scenes in your fic - but if you'd like to, and you're having trouble, this is a great place to start. The examples used are all m/m slash, but it's applicable across the board.
-How to write femslash part 1: Lesbian Sex 101
If you're writing femslash but aren't sure about the logistics, this is definitely the post for you.
-Minotaur's Sex Tips for Slash Writers
Chances are that if you've done any research into how to write m/m sex, you've run across Minotaur's site. There's a lot of information here, and a lot of it is explicit, so beware if there are little eyes around.
-Writing sex scenes
Some general tips on how to approach writing sex scenes.
Motivation
Having trouble convincing yourself to write? Check these places out.
-10 Ways to Beat Writer's Block
TIps for getting past writer's block.
-Random Line Generator
Get a string of random words that could help you come up with the next line of your story.
-Ten things to do when you've gotten bored with your novel
Everyone gets stuck. Take a look at these ideas for help you get out of your rut.
-Use deviantART for Inspiration
Everyone gets stuck. Browse some art for inspiration.
-Write or Die
If pressure helps you write, this is for you!
-Writing Inspiration
This site has some great things to get you un-stuck if you find yourself blocked.
-Written? Kitten!
You get a new kitten picture for every 100 words you type.
Post-writing help
Sometimes editing and summarizing are just as tough as writing your story. Check these resources out for help.
-
beta_searchDon't have a beta? Post here (following the instructions in the profile) to find one.
-Check Your Grammar Online
This is a basic automated editing tool. It's not a replacement for the beta requirement of this challenge, but it's a good place to start!
-Common Spelling/Grammar Mistakes
This is a list in five parts. The author gets rather, ah, heated about the subject, but the points are all valid. It's a good list to read over just for reference, as a lot of these things are mistakes that happen quite often. (Part two, part three, part four, and part five.)
-EditMinion
This is another basic automated editing tool. It's not a replacement for the beta requirement of this challenge, but it's a good place to start!
-Free Spell Checker
If your word processor doesn't have a spell checker built in, this one is free to use.
-Markdown
Do you have bold, italic, or underlined text that you haven't put in HTML code? Markdown will do it for you.
-On Being Betaed
If you've never had a beta reader before, this is a great post to read! It gives you some guidelines for how to work with a beta, what you can expect, and how you can keep the author-beta relationship a good one.
-Standard List for Authors in Relation to Beta Readers
Tips on how to choose and work with a beta.
-Summaries: a guide to writing them
Fifteen tips for writing summaries.
-Three Pieces of Advice
If you're only going to read one thing from this section, make it this piece. It gives three really helpful tips for what to do when you finish writing.
Comics-specific help
Need to find some comics-specific (or movies-specific) information? We've rounded up some links that will help.
-ComicVine
Lots of information about comics here. You can search by character (hero name or secret identity), book title, team name, or story arc.
-DC Comics
The main website for DC Comics. There's some character information here, and some story summaries.
-DC Comics Database
The unofficial DC wiki.
-Marvel Comics
The official website for Marvel Comics. There's a lot of info to be found here if you poke around.
-Marvel Comics Database
The unofficial Marvel wiki.
-Marvel Universe Wiki
The official wiki for Marvel.
LJ formatting help
If you're not sure how to do a specific formatting trick on LJ, check out these links.
How do I make text bold, italic or centered? What HTML can I use in my entries and comments?
How do I hide part of my entry behind a link? What is an lj-cut or lj-spoiler tag?
This list is in no way exhaustive. If you have a suggestion for something we should add, let us know!
