Posted on by Christi Craig

A Baker’s Dozen of Links for Writers

It’s the season of sweets, gift giving, and toasting to a new year.

So, from me to you…

…A Baker’s Dozen of links to articles, interviews, and posts from this last year that have inspired me to write, reaffirmed my commitment to write, or changed my perspective when I write.

1-5. Stocking Stuffer posts by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi (at The Bookshelf Muse) on:

Each post offers five simple tips that will help you tighten up your writing and/or strengthen your story.

6. Lynn Capehart’s article in The Writer on inclusionary writing. I won’t ever look at character descriptions the same again.

7. Lydia Sharp’s post on the Difference between inciting incident and catalyst. This post, along with a great first chapter critique I won over at Becky Levine’s blog, helped me reshape the first chapter of my novel and set my story on track again.

8-11. Author interviews I’ve had the honor to conduct, in which authors share the story behind the story, offer insights into the challenges of historical fiction and research, or talk about the passion behind their characters:

I’m looking forward to several more author interviews this year from Cathryn Grant (whose debut novel, The Demise of the Soccer Moms, will be published as an e-book in January), from Danielle Evans (Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self, a wonderful collection of short stories), and from Rebecca Rasmussen (The Bird Sisters, due to be released April 12, 2011).

12. Kristen Lamb’s post on the Writer Reality Check. “Takes guts to be a writer,” Kristen says, and she lists some realistic expectations for those of us who want to make writing more than just a fun little hobby.

13. A call to action from Writer Unboxed for all Writers to Pay It Forward. “Paying it forward is something we can all do because no matter where we are in our writing careers, there’s always someone just one step behind, hungry to learn.” Much of the time, I’m the one a few steps behind. I could not grow without the encouragement, support, and wisdom from writers who are further along than me, and I can’t fully embrace those lessons until I pass them on to someone else.

There you are! Happy New Year, my friends!

May your days be full of writing and your muse be close at hand.

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12 Replies to “A Baker’s Dozen of Links for Writers”

  1. I have so enjoyed meeting you and following your blog this year, and this post is no exception. Thank you, Christi, for such positive and informative posts. Have a great New Year!

  2. Wow! Thank you for such great links. I’ve started browsing and have to stop and do more later, but I’ve bookmarked this page. Thank you! May your Year 2011 be the best yet with more to come. Blessings…

  3. Love that final line “may your muse be close at hand.” I wish it for you as well.

    Thanks for sharing your list — I so enjoy this writer’s community where we all try to help each other journey ahead.

    Glad to have “met” you this year. Here’s to 2011!

  4. What a great idea, and thanks so much for a wealth of sweets. (I really like your stocking stuffers).

    I’m with Amanda, that’s a perfect parting line, and I wish you the same. 🙂

    And thanks for the shout-out.

  5. I’m definitely bookmarking this and checking those links out on Friday. Thank you for all the great info, and good luck on your writing endeavors!

  6. Pingback: A Baker’s Dozen of Links for Writers (via Writing Under Pressure) « NotMyBetterHalf

  7. This list is a little treasure chest! Thank you again for interviewing me this year, and most of all, thank you for your gift of friendship. I’m so glad that you came into my life, Christi.

    Happy New Year … and Happy Writing!

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