Writing Resources | Writing Forward

Writing Resources: Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones

This post contains affiliate links that earn commissions from qualifying purchases. “I used to think freedom meant doing whatever you want. It means knowing who you are, what you are supposed to be doing on this earth, and then simply doing it.” — Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones Ah, words of wisdom. I was…Read More

Writing Resources for Naming Your Characters

This post contains affiliate links that earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Have you ever read one of those epic fantasy novels in which the magical characters can gain total control over any living being simply by discovering their real and true name? I’ve read about ten of those novels. What do you think is more…Read More

Steal Like an Artist

“All creative work builds on what came before. Nothing is completely original.” – Austin Kleon, Steal Like an Artist Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist is described as “an inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age,” and although the book addresses technology, most of its wisdom would benefit writers and other artists in any age. This…Read More

Writing Resources: The Chicago Manual of Style

This post contains affiliate links. The Chicago Manual of Style is the most widely used resource for American English style, grammar, and punctuation. If you’re working on any kind of writing project and need a solid reference that provides answers for how to consistently apply style and grammar, then this is the book for you….Read More

Writing Resources: The Crafty Poet

This post contains affiliate links. One of my favorite classes in college was a poetry writing workshop. Sometimes we did poetry prompts or exercises. Occasionally we read and analyzed poetry. But mostly we shared our poems and received feedback that would help us see the strengths and weaknesses in our work. And then we could…Read More

Writing Resources: Wired for Story

This post contains affiliate links that earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Are you a storyteller? Do you want to be one? Then I suggest you pick up a copy of Wired for Story, ASAP. This is easily one of the best books on writing fiction that I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. The book…Read More

Check Out These Reviews of 101 Creative Writing Exercises

This post contains affiliate links that earn commissions from qualifying purchases. When I set out to write 101 Creative Writing Exercises, the goal was simple: give writers the tools they need to succeed. Many of the writing exercises I had done over the years were fun or interesting, but few of them imparted practical writing…Read More

Writing Resources: Wonderbook

This post contains affiliate links that earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Jeff VanderMeer’s Wonderbook is not your average tome on the craft of writing. It’s more like a portal, and once you enter, writing becomes a strange and awesome adventure. Subtitled The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, the book addresses fiction in general but occasionally emphasizes speculative fiction; any writer will…Read More

The Reviews Are In: 1200 Creative Writing Prompts

This post contains affiliate links that earn commissions for this website from qualifying purchases. When I wrote 1200 Creative Writing Prompts, my goal was to provide writers with a treasure trove of inspiration and ideas for writing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Writers often struggle with writer’s block or lack of motivation. I wanted to fire…Read More

Holiday Gifts for Writers (2019 Edition)

This post contains affiliate links that earn commissions from qualifying purchases. It’s that time of year again when many of us start thinking about finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. For those of you who have a writer on your gift list this year, I’ve got some helpful gift suggestions down below. And for…Read More