Write, write, write.
Keep Writing
There is no one way.
And there are countless
resources to help you.
Here are my personal Top Choices
for books, blogs, and advice.
Books
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
by Stephen King
A favorite. Great advice without even a trace of arrogance.
The Elements of Style
by William Strunk and E.B. White
Older, but still true. I love the brief, no-nonsense approach.
Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
by Roy Peter Clark
A lot of material and no wasted space.
The First 5 Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile
by Noah Lukeman
Eye-opening. An agent/editor's perspective.
Story Engineering
by Larry Brooks
Logical, easy, and practical. Great examples.
The Magic of Fiction: Crafting Words into Story
By Beth Hill
Thorough, clear, and useful. A tool to hone your manuscript. Great blog too.
Empowering Characters Emotions (Lecture Package and website)
by Margie Lawson
The lecture package was affordable and worth it. Lots of other classes and information.
Blogs
Grammar Girl's tips (and book)
by Mignon Fogarty
Clear advice on punctuation and grammar.
Jane Friedman's Blog
Lots of practical advice and resources for writers.
Daily Writing tips Blog
Useful blog with exercises and also a paid section to receive daily activities via email.
The Creative Penn Blog
by Joanna Penn
This one is very popular and covers everything from editing to publishing, and self-promotion.