A Giant List of Writing Resources I Rely On
Plus a few fun extras you don't need but might want anyway.
The absolute truth is that you can be a writer with nothing more than a laptop (I wrote drafts on an eight-year-old clunker for a long time) and your own boundless imagination. You can borrow the books you need from a library or a friend. You can take notes on receipts (as I do). Writing is often beautiful and subversive because it doesn’t necessitate a lot of stuff, especially not when you’re first starting out.
But if you’re ready to invest in a few resources to make writing life a little easier, I put together a running list below that I’ll keep updating as I find more links. Keep in mind that none of it is essential; a lot of it is helpful. And what you need for your process won’t be the same as another writer!
At the end of the day, there’s no magical formula for writing, no *thing* that can ensure you meet your writing goals. It’s just writing, writing, and then more of the same. But you might as well be comfortable and supported while you’re doing it, right?
Before we get to the links, could you take a moment to let me know what you want to see on Wallflower Chats? The newsletter has evolved a bit (and so have I!) since I started it last fall, and I’d love to see what’s most helpful to you. Ty, ty!
Books about Craft and Publishing
On Writing Well by William Zinsser: This one’s a classic. Though this is typically used as a nonfiction writing guide, writers of all genres can find good foundational advice within its pages.
On Writing by Stephen King: If anyone can give straightforward advice on how to write compelling books, it’s King. This craft book also weaves in details from King’s own journey as a writer, which is a boon for any author.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: Wise and funny, Lamott’s tidy volume is guaranteed to make any writer feel less alone with their work.
Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses: Disclaimer: I haven’t read this one, but it’s been on my radar for a while. As someone who sees lots of gaps (and problems) in the traditional workshop structure, I really value Salesses’s mission to amplify diverse storytelling traditions.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: If you’re looking for a brass-tacks book that breaks down the “beats” of popular books and movies, this is a great intro. Though I’ve steered away from this outlining method personally, I learned a lot about tension and plotting from this book.
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum: I’ve heard anecdotally that this book needs a refresh for more recent publishing developments (Booktok, anyone?), but as someone who knew zilch about agenting/book deals, this felt like a refreshingly transparent resource. (Special thank you to my friend Leslie Stephens for sending it my way when I was waffling over writing a book!)
Write Through It by Kate McKean: A practical guide to querying, finding the right publisher, and seeing your book through the marketing and promotion process.
Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi: For those interested in building complex characters, this book helps illuminate all the ways to express emotion on a page (gestures, thoughts, visceral reactions). It’ll encourage you to look beyond the usual methods (that sigh he didn’t know he was holding!).
Podcasts
Writer Files: It’s always fascinating to see how writers maintain productivity. This podcast lets you be a fly on the wall on the desks of America’s leading authors.
Between the Covers: For deep craft talks, this Tin House podcast offers wonderful explorations for writers in every stage of their career. It feels like eavesdropping on a creative writing lecture every time.
Poured Over: Described as a podcast for readers, these B&N-produced episodes feature conversations with recently published writers about their books. Fun, easy, lighthearted.
Shit No One Tells You About Writing: Hosted by a writer and two agents, this podcast is focused primarily on the logistics of querying. You’ll hear them workshop real query letters from aspiring authors, which might help you craft your own.
Newsletters & Blogs
“How to Glow in the Dark” (Neon Literary): a great resource that demystifies some of the very mysterious industry standards.
“Agents and Books” (Kate McKean): a consistently entertaining and helpful guide to publishing from an agent.
“Emma Straub’s Newsletter”: breezy, newsy, and full of great recommendations.
“The Audacity” (Roxane Gay): I subscribe specifically for her Friday links, habitually packed with topical articles and funny tweets.
“For Dear Life” (Maggie Smith): This newsletter is a warm and brilliant look inside the great poet/memoirist’s mind. Smith often annotates her published work for paid subscribers, which is very educational, and just plain cool.
Chloe Benjamin’s Newsletter: Benjamin sends hers seasonally but they are chock full of fabulous advice and vulnerable musings about writer life. I really love this one.
Jane Friedman’s Blog: I appreciate how timely and sensible these articles are. You can get lost in the archives! And if you have a specific question about writing or publishing, search here first.
Online Writing Workshops
Story Studio Chicago: These workshops help writers hone their craft by pairing them with published authors and instructors. Some classes are ongoing, while others are one-offs to give you a jolt of inspiration.
Gotham Writers Workshop: Though based in NYC, there are a lot of online options for craft classes as well as publishing-specific seminars with the Gotham Writers Workshop.
Masterclass: From Margaret Atwood to Shonda Rimes, you’ll likely find an instructor in the mix who speaks to you and your goals.
Local colleges and continuing education programs: Don’t forget your local community. Go to bookstores and readings at nearby colleges. See if they offer any general classes. You might find some early readers or mentors there.
Software
Microsoft Word: I know. It’s like that terrier that keeps running into your yard and pooping all over the place, but you have to put up with it for the sake of neighborly harmony. Word is still industry standard, for the moment, and Google Docs’ AI practices make me nervous.
Scrivener: People either love or hate Scrivener. I like it for keeping my outlines and characters in order, but my brain works like a filing cabinet, so it’s a natural fit. This is definitely more of a nice-to-have.
Writing Gear & Supplies
Laptop riser: Looking down for long periods of time can do a number on the neck. This riser has really eased my neck pain, and I love that it’s adjustable.
Ergonomic keyboard: Since I’ve been writing in longer sprints, I’ve needed some extra support. This keyboard feels funky at first, but it has helped with my wrist pain!
Bluetooth mouse: This mouse provides a comfortable place for your palm to rest and is a nice addition to the laptop riser and keyboard.
Blue light glasses: I’m pretty sure these don’t do anything, but I have them and some people swear by them, so yeah.
Lumbar support pillow: If you have chronic back pain like me, this pillow can ease the pressure and correct posture.
Foot rest cushion: The more things I add to this list, the older I feel. But this is one of my favorite things for ergonomic support. And it just feels cozy, especially on a winter day.
Hanging cork board: For photos, quotes, and notes. Mine is mostly for my daughter’s artwork, but that is the most inspiring thing anyway.
Just for Fun
Silk scrunchie: Any time I want to feel like I’m doing some *serious business*, I put my hair up into a ponytail. This might be a very specific ritual.
Sahale nut mix: Protein feeds the brain, right?
Tiny tea kettle: Just enough for one cuppa.
Harney & Sons Paris tea: Caffeination is a must.
An inspiring coffee mug: Cheryl Strayed gives us the gentle and tough love all at once.
Chunky knit blanket: Just a little warmth for your lap as you mercilessly torture your characters.
What are your favorite writing accessories/finds?
I just have to say how much I love that scrunchies are on this list.
What a service you are to the world of aspiring writers. Thank you, thank you , thank you!