A master blacksmith cherishes the specialized instruments he possesses to help him in his trade. Likewise, a writer needs to possess a specialized set of writing instruments, or writing tools, to help with the writing craft. There are scores upon scores of services, books, associations, and professionals offering writing help to the writer in need. This help includes writing tips, writing classes and workshops, editing, ghostwriting, publishing, etc. Improving your writing is a never-ending process. This webpage gives you resources and advice on finding the literary help you seek.
Here are some essential writer's instruments:
- Writing Classes and Workshops. There are many reputable institutions of higher learning that offer excellent writing courses and programs. Investigate the colleges and universities nearest you to find out the availability and cost of their writing programs. There are also countless online classes and workshops for writers. These classes offer everything from advanced writing training to beginning writing instruction. Be careful, though--some of these are low-grade courses, designed mainly to take your money.
- Editing Resources. There are many editing services and professional editors who provide quality editing. Sure, they'll charge money depending on the depth of editing you desire, but this type of tool can prove crucial to improving your writing.
- Online Resources. Great writing resources can be found on the Internet, particularly directories of all sorts of writing services and professionals.
- Books. Excellent guides and books offering writing helps are available. I find that most of my best learning is through reading books on writing.
I highly recommend these books on writing and how to be a better writer:
Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide from New York 's Acclaimed Creative Writing School . Written for the aspiring and experienced writer alike, the book includes: the fundamental elements of fiction craft--character, plot, point of view, etc--explained clearly and completely; key concepts illustrated with passages from great works of fiction; the complete text of "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver--a masterpiece of contemporary short fiction that is analyzed throughout the book; exercises that let you immediately apply what you learn to your own writing.
The Elements of Style. A fundamental resource for writers, editors, and students. This is the best single source for anyone who desires a pithy, lively guide to the essentials of effective writing. It addresses how to apply the basic principles of grammar and punctuation, properly construct a sentence and a paragraph, use words and expressions in their proper form and context, and avoid the mistakes and mannerisms that make for turgid, pretentious, or simply unintelligible writing.
Here are some great online directories of writer's resources: