There are plenty of websites out there offering guidance on the craft of writing and tips on how to break into the industry. It can all be a bit overwhelming, so I though it might be helpful to share the websites that I have found most helpful. Each one has improved my writing in one way or another and continues to serve as a point of reference and guidance.

WritingExcuses.com

Writing Excuses, the podcast hosted by Brandon Sanderson, Dan Wells, Mary Robinette Kowal, and Howard Tayler, is a treasure trove of information and guidance for the aspiring writer. The group has covered just about every topic imaginable in its 19 seasons (to date) in easily digestible 15 to 20 minute episodes. The sheer volume of content the site provides can be a little daunting at first glance, so newcomers are encouraged to start with season 10 in which the crew walks listeners through the novel writing process from start (coming up with an idea) to finish (what do I do with my finished manuscript?). The fact that each of the primary hosts—and most of the guest hosts—are speculative fiction writers makes this especially helpful for aspiring fantasy/science fiction/horror writers.

SusanDennard.com

In addition to being a phenomenal fantasy writer, Susan Dennard is a gifted educator. Her website contains a robust section for writers covering everything from drafting and revising to querying and what to expect in the traditional publishing process. Her guide on how to write a one-page synopsis is one of the most helpful resources I’ve ever encountered.

WritersDigest.com

From the nuts and bolts of sentence structure to information on submitting to agents, Writer’s Digest has it all. The long running magazine is a must read for any writer, but the website also serves as its own valuable resource. Archived articles are broken down into intuitive categories (Writing Genre, Writing Goal, Writing Level) making it relatively easy to locate content. The website also offers weekly writing prompts, webinars, tutorials, and information about contests and conferences—just about everything you could ask for.

DIYMFA.com

Interested in getting an MFA in writing but a little gun-shy about the price tag? Well, you’re in luck! Gabriela Pereira has made it her goal to “get the knowledge without the college” with her DIY MFA curriculum. Her program emphasizes three main elements: writing with focus, reading with purpose, and building a community. Signing up with your email will get you a free starter kit with worksheets that will help you delve into these elements. The worksheets will get you going in the right direction for sure, but I found that the website is best used in concert with Pereira’s book of the same name (DIY MFA), which breaks down each of these elements in a linear, comprehensive manner. You’ll quickly move from strategies of working through a draft (writing with focus), to figuring out which books you should be reading to help your growth (reading with purpose), to developing a platform that will make you attractive to agents and editors (building a community).

Mythcreants.com

Mythcreants is an invaluable resource for those seeking to create innovative and engaging speculative fiction. The website offers a plethora of articles and podcasts on a full range of topics unique to science fiction and fantasy. From worldbuilding elements like magic systems, cultures, and technology to more story-specific issues like character and plot, no stone is left unturned.  Mythcreants also deconstructs popular series’ such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the Marvel films and hashes out what does and doesn’t work within each of their story constructs. The analyses offer valuable insight for writers creating stories that use similar tropes or take place in similar worlds.

Quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl

Hosted by Mignon Fogarty, the Grammar Girl podcast offers quick tips on often confused grammatical issues such as lie vs. lay, regard vs. regards, omitting the word “that”… you get the idea. She also often delves into the history of a word or phrase by exploring its origins and tracking its path to its modern meaning. Every episode is extremely focused and well presented, making the often confusing subject matter easy to retain. Grammar is one of the most easily overlooked aspect of writing due to its dry nature (speaking for myself anyway) but Grammar Girl will help give your writing a more polished and professional appearance regardless of the subject matter.