If you just want a quick resource to create a random plot for your short story or novel, check out my random plot generator.

Occasionally I write about the process of writing.

Social Networks for Writers

I know from the name that you think SheWrites is a site for Shewish Rituals, but it's actually for women who write. Go figure.

Backspace is an online writer’s resource. It costs a Ben Franklin to get regular access to their forums, but they do offer a five-day free trial. Also check out their articles.

My favorite social network for authors is Protagonize.com. In fact, i spend so much time there I was a featured author after only three months on the site. Then again, I am a social media consultant so YMMV. Protagonize is a place for you to upload your story and get feedback and criticism from fellow writers. Their strong suit is collaborative writing.

The Writers, Agents, Editors Network is a social network for writers and those in the publishing industry. What sets this site apart from others like it is that there are so many agents here, offering advice and giving you a glimpse into what sorts of manuscripts they’re looking for. They run contests on drafting queries, something every author will need to master if they seek publication.

Another social network for writers is ABC Tales. Since the death of urbis.com, as far as I can tell this is the best social network for writers to post their projects if they are looking for criticism.

Getting Published

Duotrope allows you to search a huge database of poetry and fiction publications (both online and print).  There are a lot of fantastic filters like payscale, genre, length, simultaneous submissions. It’s like everything you dreamed Poet’s- & Writer’s Marketwould become online. Did I mention it’s free?

Writer’s Relief is a boutique agency to which you can outsource the nuisance of researching where to submit your finished work. I emphasize researching though they also edit submissions, write your query letter and offer general coaching. If you have money to burn and you have spent more time than you would like to admit not sending in your stuff Writer’s Relief may be for you.

Revision Sites for Writers

Autocrit.com provides automated criticism. It’s like the Space Odyssey 2000 version of Spellcheck. Just paste your writing into the box and it will point out all sorts interesting things like overused words and clichés. For 47 dollars a year it will even tell you where you have issues with pacing and readability…though I’m not convinced a computer can do these things well, the free options I’ve tried were  impressive.

I've also written a number of helpful articles on marketing, publicity, social media and writing. When I find useful links about writing, social media or publicity I always post them to my Google+ profile. Follow me there for the latest tips on how to be a better writer and how to promote your project.