Resources

“As to the adjective, when in doubt, strike it out.” ~Mark Twain

Sites of Interest Podcasts Books on Writing
Writing Workshops Online Workshops Conventions and Conferences

We plan to continually grow our list of resources. Please continue to check back for the newest updates.

Sites of Interest

Absolute Writer Water Cooler
The writers on this forum are extremely friendly and helpful. There’s tons of information for any level of writer, and the best part is the commraderie, support, and loyalty you will receive as a member.

Babynames.com
Looking for names for your characters? On this site you can find age appropriate names, names by meaning, ethnic background and even tips on picking science fiction names.


Alexandra Sokoloff’s Blog. This is one of the best sources for information on story structure. Alexandra discusses screenwriting for novelists.

Bitten by Books
The focus of the Bitten by Books website is to provide book reviews for all types of paranormal fiction, urban fantasy and horror.

AgentQuery.com
Agent Query offers the largest, most current searchable database of literary agents on the web, a treasure trove of reputable, established literary agents seeking writers just like you. And it’s free (not because there’s a catch, but simply because not enough things in this world are free).

Writer Beware
Warnings About Literary Fraud and the Schemes, Scams, and Pitfalls That Target Writers

Writers of the Future
L. Ron Hubbard Presents the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contest

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Podcasts

Adventures in ScFi Publishing
Shaun Farrell started AISFP because he loves science fiction and fantasy and he wanted to talk about it with others. What better way to learn about publishing than to do a podcast about it?

Writing Excuses
“15 minutes long because you’re in a hurry and we’re not that smart.” Tune in to hear authors Brandon Sanderson, Dan Wells and graphic novelist Howard Taylor dish out the best writing advice covering all aspects of the biz.


One of Tee Morris’ many podcasts. This is a writers’ podcast, but it is not about the craft of writing. This is strictly business: self-promotion, marketing, and the aspects of a writing career that you may (or may not) consider.

I Should Be Writing
The podcast for wanna-be fiction writers, by a fiction writer who’s still learning. Writer Mur Lafferty discusses rejection, cover letters and getting the oomph to keep going. Mer has her first novel in print, Playing For Keeps which is also available in audio form.

Michael A Stackpole
The Secrets Podcast as well as tons of audio and printed works!

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Conventions and Conferences

Before attending your next convention, be sure to read Diana Rowland’s blog article How to Network at Conventions

World Fantasy Convention
This site will link you to past events as well as the upcoming event. This is a professional convention, a must for any aspiring speculative fiction writers! From the site: The World Fantasy Convention is an annual gathering (almost a reunion) of professionals, collectors, and others interested in the field of Light and Dark Fantasy art and literature. The number of Attending memberships are limited (to 850), and usually sell out in advance of the start of the convention.

World Horror Convention
The World Horror Convention is an annual gathering of professionals in the horror industry; publishers, authors, artists, musicians, filmmakers, dealers and, of course, horror fans. WHC serves as both an industry insider’s networking event and a chance for fans of the genre to get together, meet some of the creative talents in the field, and generally spend a weekend celebrating All Things Scary.

Surrey International Writers Conference
The Surrey International Writers’ Conference has been called the best writers’ conference in North American by presenters and participants alike.

Comic Con
Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

WorldCon
World Science Fiction Convention

VCON
This is Vancouver’s Science Fiction,Fantasy, and Gaming Convention. It’s a fan run convention with writing panels, art show, dealer’s room and lots of events for the entire family.

Norwescon
The Northwest’s Premiere Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention. Norwescon is one of the largest regional Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in the United States. While maintaining a primarily literary focus, Norwescon is large enough to provide a venue for many of the other aspects of Science Fiction and Fantasy and the interests of its fans such as anime, costuming, art, gaming, and much, much more.

Orycon
Portland Oregon’s premier science fiction convention

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Workshops

Manuscript Workshop
This workshop is led by author Eileen Kerngaghan. Eileen is an experienced fantasy author and lends her advice and feedback in a supportive group workshop.

Clarion Writer’s Workshop
Clarion is an intensive six-week summer program focused on fundamentals particular to the writing of science fiction and fantasy short stories. It is considered a premier proving and training ground for aspiring writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

Viable Paradise
Viable Paradise is a unique one-week residential workshop in writing and selling commercial science fiction and fantasy. The workshop is intimate, intense, and features extensive time spent with best-selling and award-winning authors and professional editors currently working in the field. VP concentrates on the art of writing fiction people want to read, and this concentration is reflected in post-workshop professional sales by our alumni.

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Online Workshops

CRITTERS
Critters is an online writing workshop. It works on a critique-to-be-critiqued basis, all free, and it can be great for getting feedback as well as learning as you review other writers’ works.

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Books on Writing

Beginnings, Middles and Ends (Elements of Writing Fiction) by Nancy Kress
“The words you choose, how you describe the characters, and the way you orchestrate conflict make all the difference — the difference between a story that is slow to begin, flounders midway, or trails off at the end — and one that holds the interest of readers and editors to the final page. Let this working resource be your guide to successful stories — from beginning to end.”

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