Resources for Writers


Online Courses

Abbi is currently preparing several online writing courses to be offered through different online universities and here at DearAbbi.com. Courses currently in development:

• Query Letter Clinic: How to Sell Every Word You Write
• Successful Freelance Writing
• Introduction to Copywriting

Contact Abbi for course syllabus and prices.


Recommended Books

I'd Rather Be Writing, by Marcia Golub

Most books for writers are not written for women who are mothers. This book is different.

The author isn't ashamed to say that her son is a key player in her life, that his life often interrupts hers, and that being a mom and a writer is not an impossibility -- but that it's OK to sometimes think it is.

Golub provides plenty of inspiration for anyone for whom writing has become a chore. Her exercises are short and to the point; they'll have your brain racing in moments. Her personality leaps off the page -- you'll swear she's been in your kitchen drinking coffee with you by the time you finish. You'll want to call her up just to chat (but not during writing hours, of course).

There's plenty of advice for writing moms here on how to use your children to your advantage. If you're serious about getting serious, get this book. It's a little bit scary when Golub tears through every excuse you've ever come up with, but when you realize she's speaking from experience, you'll relax. And you'll likely find yourself putting the book down again and again -- to take up your pen and write your own words.

Buy I'd Rather Be Writing now from Amazon.com.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King

If you are a writer, if you've ever wanted to be a writer, if you've never wanted to be a writer but always wanted to know what being a writer was all about, read this book. If you just love Stephen King, read this book. It has been described by just about everyone as an incredibly effective tool, perhaps the most straightforward guide in existence to being a writer. And everything you've heard is true. This is, simply put, one of the best books it has ever been my pleasure to read.

Yes, King takes aim at -- and hits! -- books and authors he feels are unworthy of the public's attention, but frankly, he's earned the right to voice his opinion. He freely admits that the fiction he writes is not great literature, but if it were, would we really want to read it? We read King's fiction because it's fun, because it scares us, because we want to relax.

Read his nonfiction if you want to think a little, or a lot, if you want to hear about his life, if you want to know the stories behind the books.

If you're a writer who hasn't written a word in weeks or more, run, don't walk, to your bookstore and get this book. It will inspire you. It will remind you why you love writing. King's advice is simple and straightforward and dead-on. If you don't find yourself putting down the book to take pen in hand, it's only because you're too anxious to first finish reading the book. Resist the urge to read it all in one sitting. Savor this book. Read a little bit every day for a week at the start of each writing session. You'll be enthralled at what pours out of you afterwards.

Buy On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft now from Amazon.com.


Recommended Web Sites

Check out Shirley Kawa-Jump's Writing Corner. Not only is the site an incredible resource for writers -- experienced and aspiring -- Shirley is also one of the nicest people you'll ever encounter. http://www.writingcorner.com

Jenna Glatzer's AbsoluteWrite.com is another treasure trove for writers at all levels. Here you'll find tons of articles, columns, advice, and even interactive forums. Enjoy! http://www.absolutewrite.com