Difference between revisions of "Useful references for writers"

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= Web tools =
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== Web Tools Useful for Writers  ==
 
== Web Tools Useful for Writers  ==
  
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*[http://freemind.sourceforge.net Freemind open source software for mind mapping]; see also [http://www.tranglos.com/free/keynote.html Keynote]  
 
*[http://freemind.sourceforge.net Freemind open source software for mind mapping]; see also [http://www.tranglos.com/free/keynote.html Keynote]  
 
*[http://www.spacejock.com.au/PlottingANovel.html How to plot your novel using Freemind] - Simon Haynes. Also see [http://crystalking.wordpress.com/2007/07/01/writing-as-therapy/ this blog entry from Crystal King]. [http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Freemind is a mind-mapping application].
 
*[http://www.spacejock.com.au/PlottingANovel.html How to plot your novel using Freemind] - Simon Haynes. Also see [http://crystalking.wordpress.com/2007/07/01/writing-as-therapy/ this blog entry from Crystal King]. [http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Freemind is a mind-mapping application].
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*[https://bubbl.us/ bubbl.us online mindmaps]
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*[https://coggle.it/ coggle.it online mindmaps] - very beautiful
  
 
=== Organization  ===
 
=== Organization  ===
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*[http://www.storyright.com storyright.com - storyboards, character sheets and more]  
 
*[http://www.storyright.com storyright.com - storyboards, character sheets and more]  
 
*[http://www.tiddlywiki.com/ tiddlywiki - a self-contained local wiki for you to organize characters, plot, etc]
 
*[http://www.tiddlywiki.com/ tiddlywiki - a self-contained local wiki for you to organize characters, plot, etc]
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*[http://www.panix.com/~felicia/character/character.php Insanity level character chart]
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*[http://www.archetypewriting.com/articles/writing/ExerciseBeginnings.htm Beginnings] (Nov 1st: let's go!)
  
 
=== Generators  ===
 
=== Generators  ===
  
*[http://wordsmiths.net/Maygra/RTG.htm Random Title Generator] - good for book/chapter titles or just ideas  
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*[http://wordsmiths.net/Maygra/RTG.htm Random Title Generator] - good for book/chapter titles or just ideas - ''wordsmiths.net''
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*[http://mdbenoit.com/rtg.htm Random Title Generator] - ''mdbenoit.com''
 
*[http://www.writingfix.com/ writingfix.com -- interactive site for writers]  
 
*[http://www.writingfix.com/ writingfix.com -- interactive site for writers]  
*[http://traevoli.com/story.php Story Idea generator]
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*[http://traevoli.com/story.php Story Idea generator]
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*[http://chaoticshiny.com chaoticshiny generators (Fantasy focus)]
  
 
==== Character Names  ====
 
==== Character Names  ====
 
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*[http://nymbler.com/ nymbler] - ''is a website where you can type in up to 6 names you like and it comes up with a lot of similar names, both of ethnicity, feel and sound.''
*[http://www.prairieden.com/articles/character_names.php Character Name generators]
 
 
*[http://www.dilloscape.com/generatorz/cng.htm Fantasy Name generator]  
 
*[http://www.dilloscape.com/generatorz/cng.htm Fantasy Name generator]  
 
*[http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-name.php Seventh Sanctum Name generators]  
 
*[http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-name.php Seventh Sanctum Name generators]  
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**[http://www.seventhsanctum.com/generate.php?Genname=adname Demons/Angels/Creatures]
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**[http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-name.php Surnames]
 
*[http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20010208b D&D Name generator]  
 
*[http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20010208b D&D Name generator]  
 
*[http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~pound/ A collection of name generators]  
 
*[http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~pound/ A collection of name generators]  
 
*[http://www.kleimo.com/random/name.cfm What's in a name?]  
 
*[http://www.kleimo.com/random/name.cfm What's in a name?]  
 
*[http://www.20000-names.com/ Random name generator] uses data from the US Census to match first and last names with differing degrees of probability  
 
*[http://www.20000-names.com/ Random name generator] uses data from the US Census to match first and last names with differing degrees of probability  
*[http://www.behindthename.com/ Names from around the world]  
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*[http://www.behindthename.com/ Names from around the world] - Etymologies and Name Generators
 
*[http://genforum.genealogy.com/surnames/a.html Etymology and history of first names]  
 
*[http://genforum.genealogy.com/surnames/a.html Etymology and history of first names]  
*[http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-name.php Surnames]  
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*[http://nine.frenchboys.net/ Names of People and Places]
*[http://nine.frenchboys.net/country.php Evil name, planet name, angel and demon name generators] Plus lots of links and a place name generator  
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**[http://nine.frenchboys.net/country.php Evil name, planet name, angel and demon name generators] Plus lots of links and a place name generator  
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**[http://nine.frenchboys.net/medieval.php Medieval names]
 
*[http://incompetech.com/named/ Name database]  
 
*[http://incompetech.com/named/ Name database]  
 
*[http://www.babynames.com/ baby names]  
 
*[http://www.babynames.com/ baby names]  
 
*[http://www.nameseekers.co.uk/surname.htm surname meanings]  
 
*[http://www.nameseekers.co.uk/surname.htm surname meanings]  
 
*[http://www.last-names.net last name meanings]
 
*[http://www.last-names.net last name meanings]
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*[http://www.namepistol.com/medieval-name-generator.html Medieval name generator]
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*[http://www.rinkworks.com/namegen/ fantasy name generator]
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*[http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/babynames/ American names (socialsecurity.gov)]
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*[http://chaoticshiny.com/ Everything Generator]
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=== Writing Prompts  ===
 
=== Writing Prompts  ===
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*[http://www.tdbspecialprojects.com/ Idea generator]  
 
*[http://www.tdbspecialprojects.com/ Idea generator]  
 
*[http://thinking.teiru.net/oblique Oblique Strategies]  
 
*[http://thinking.teiru.net/oblique Oblique Strategies]  
*[http://geocities.com/melydia/prompts.html Writing Prompts - a list]  
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*[http://melydia.zoiks.org/writing/writing-prompt-websites/ Writing Prompts - a list]  
 
*[http://www.livejournal.com/community/nano_prompt/ more Novel writing prompts]  
 
*[http://www.livejournal.com/community/nano_prompt/ more Novel writing prompts]  
 
*[http://www.jjuriaan.com/Fifteen_Craft_Exercises_for_Writers.htm Writing Prompts]  
 
*[http://www.jjuriaan.com/Fifteen_Craft_Exercises_for_Writers.htm Writing Prompts]  
 
*[http://www.diyplanner.com/node/824 D*I*Y Planner article with pointers to journaling prompts]
 
*[http://www.diyplanner.com/node/824 D*I*Y Planner article with pointers to journaling prompts]
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*[http://daringtolivefully.com/writing-prompts Daring To Live Fully pointers to writing prompt resources]
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*[http://kgillsrpc.tumblr.com/post/36586432177/kazzas-list-of-character-plots-and-secrets List of character plots and secrets]
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*[http://dailywrites.com/ 31 Days of Writing Activities] (get in the habit of writing daily!)
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*[http://sff.net/paradise/plottricks.htm Plot Twists] - ''sff.net''
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*[http://fearingisland.net/ Plot Twists/Characters/etc] - ''fearingisland.net''
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*[http://flashfiction.net/flash-prompt/ Flashfic prompts]
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*[http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/ Tumbler Prompts]
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([http://www.writersdigest.com/prompts Writer's Digest Prompts]
  
 
=== World Building  ===
 
=== World Building  ===
  
*[http://www.web-writer.net/fantasy/30days.html 30 days of world building]  
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*[http://www.web-writer.net/fantasy/30days.html 30 days of world building] - [http://www.web-writer.net/fantasy/days/index.html index]
*[http://www.tageo.com index of country and city names]
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*[http://www.tageo.com index of country and city names]  
*[http://www.larseighner.com/world_builder/ Patricia C Wrede's worldbuilder questions] - very good prompts for world builders
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*[http://www.larseighner.com/world_builder/ Patricia C Wrede's worldbuilder questions] - very good prompts for world builders  
*[http://www.elfwood.com/farp/thewriting/liljenbergworlds/liljenbergworlds.html Article on world building]
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*[http://www.elfwood.com/farp/thewriting/liljenbergworlds/liljenbergworlds.html Article on world building]  
*[http://www.thescriptorium.net/world1.html world building reference at thescriptorium]
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*[http://www.thescriptorium.net/world1.html world building reference at thescriptorium]  
 
*[http://www.seventhsanctum.com/ General references from the seventhsanctum]
 
*[http://www.seventhsanctum.com/ General references from the seventhsanctum]
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*[http://hollylisle.com/maps-workshop-developing-the-fictional-world-through-mapping/ Holly Lisle - developing the fictional world through mapping]
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==== From "I am Tasha" (2011) ====
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* [http://www.forresterlabs.com/limyaael/titlelistall Limyaeel's Rants] More can be found [http://limyaael.insanejournal.com/ here] and [http://limyaael.livejournal.com/ here].
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* [http://e23.sjgames.com/item.html?id=XRPFREE2 A Magical Society: Guide to Mapping] This one is worth the download, I swear it is. If you want to create a realistic map, this should be your Bible. There is also a longer version of this that includes notes on the Ecology and Culture, but you have to pay for it.
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* [http://www.elfwood.com/farp/thewriting/liljenbergworlds/index.html Creating Fantasy and Sci-Fi Worlds] This is the most helpful world-building tutorial I have found online. Period.
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* [http://www.writing-world.com/sf/magic.shtml What's the Magic Word: Defining the Sources, Effects, and Cost of Magic]
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* [http://www.zompist.com/kit.html The Language Construction Kit] Great for those who want to create their own language
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* [http://www.omniglot.com/ More language construction] - ''omniglot''
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* [http://www.involuntaryart.com/worldbuilding/index.php?title=Main_Page The Educated World Building Guide] I believe this one is actually run by Nanoers working on worldbuilding.
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* [http://www.web-writer.net/fantasy/ Magical World Builder's Guide] Written by the same chick who did the 30 Days of Worldbuilding guide.
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* [http://www.pantheon.org/ Encyclopedia Mythica] You want a myth or folktale? They're here.
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* [http://www.siue.edu/COSTUMES/history.html The History of Costume] An old book from the 1880s. Useful for researching period dress.
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* [http://www.thearma.org/essays.htm#MedievalFighting Fighting and Swordplay Essays] Essays from the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts about the topic.
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* The link appears to be broken at the moment, but the site called the "Mythopoet's Manual" is another good resource.
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* [http://www.jacmus-prime.com/World%2BBuilding%2BGuide JPWB's Fictional World Building Model] Another alternate theory about world-building
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* [http://shoomlah.deviantart.com/journal/41630014/ Historical Costuming Resources] These are from the girl who did all of the historically accurate Disney princesses that have been floating around online, so they're definitely legit sources.
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* [http://www.springhole.net/writing/marysue.htm The Mary Sue Litmus Test] Always.
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* [http://hollylisle.com/maps-workshop-developing-the-fictional-world-through-mapping/ Maps Workshop] Another great mapping source from Holly Lisle
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* [http://www222.pair.com/sjohn/blueroom/demog.htm Medieval Demographics Made Easy] To show you exactly how many people would be in that poor rocky village halfway up the coast in medieval times.
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=== Analysis Tools  ===
 
=== Analysis Tools  ===
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*[http://www.wordcount.org/main.php wordcount frequency]
 
*[http://www.wordcount.org/main.php wordcount frequency]
  
=== Writing Software  ===
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= Software =
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== Writing Software  ==
  
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*[[Vim for Writers]] - how to most effectively use the [http://www.vim.org ViM modal text editor] for novel planning and writing
 
*[http://www.37signals.com/svn/archives2/writing_words_vs_writing_software.php Writing words vs. writing software] - some essential truths about writing  
 
*[http://www.37signals.com/svn/archives2/writing_words_vs_writing_software.php Writing words vs. writing software] - some essential truths about writing  
 
*[http://romanzo.teiru.net Romanzo] - ideas for an heir to [http://papel.teiru.net Papel]  
 
*[http://romanzo.teiru.net Romanzo] - ideas for an heir to [http://papel.teiru.net Papel]  
 
*[http://www.dklevine.com/general/software/tc1000/jarnal.htm Jarnal], open source software to annotate PDF files  
 
*[http://www.dklevine.com/general/software/tc1000/jarnal.htm Jarnal], open source software to annotate PDF files  
 
*Need help with time management/motivation? Try [http://todoist.com todoist] and [http://www.joesgoals.com Joes Goals]!  
 
*Need help with time management/motivation? Try [http://todoist.com todoist] and [http://www.joesgoals.com Joes Goals]!  
*[http://softwarebybrian.com/cms/content/view/20/2/ TextBlockWriter] - Windows freeware that lets you manipulate virtual index cards.
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*[http://softwarebybrian.com/cms/content/view/20/2/ TextBlockWriter] - Windows freeware that lets you manipulate virtual index cards.  
 
*'''Also see [http://naperwrimo.org/wiki/index.php?title=Software_for_writers this list from our NaperWriMo Wiki]'''
 
*'''Also see [http://naperwrimo.org/wiki/index.php?title=Software_for_writers this list from our NaperWriMo Wiki]'''
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*[http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter.html - yWriter: Free word processor software specifically for novel-writing] - see [http://www.pcworld.com/article/2017450/review-ywriter-is-a-distraction-free-free-of-charge-organizing-tool-for-writers.html this review on pcworld]
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*[http://baara.com/q10/ q10: free portable writing program that can run off a pen drive.]
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*[http://www.richardsalsbury.com/ Another novel word processor]
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*[http://docs.google.com google word processor and spreadsheet] - can access from any computer, collaboratively edit and save to Microsoft formats
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*[http://celtx.com Celtx] - screenwriting software that can be used for novel writing
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*[[ViM]] - modal ASCII text editor with lots of useful plugins
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*[http://chir.ag/projects/tip-of-my-tongue/  Tip of My Tongue] (Find that word that you've been thinking about but just can't seem to remember)
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*[http://www.literatureandlatte.com/ Scrivener] - (Storyboarding, Novels, Screenwriting, Name Generators, etc!) 


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*[http://www.libreoffice.org/ LibreOffice] - a free Office suite like Microsofts
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*[http://getyarny.com/ Yarny]
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*[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jurgen-fauth/ipad-apps-writers_b_3199044.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003 Ipad Writers Apps]
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*[http://brettterpstra.com/ios-text-editors/ Ultimate list of iOS TextEditor apps]
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*[https://www.dropbox.com/ Dropbox]
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*[http://www.blackobelisksoftware.com/ Liquid Story Writer]
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*[http://hiveword.com/  Hiveword] (plotting software, track characters, plotlines; name generators,etc.)
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=== Online Writing Software ===
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*[http://www.litlift.com/ LitLift] - novel planning and writing online
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*[http://writeordie.com/ Write or Die] - minimalist
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*[http://writtenkitten.net/ WrittenKitten] - reward yourself with a cute kitten as you write
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*[http://www.oneword.com/ One Word/60 seconds]
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*[http://coffitivity.com/  Coffitivity] (stimulate creativity by creating a coffeshop auditory ambiance)
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=== Timelines ===
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*[http://www.scribblecode.com/ Aeon Timeline] (Mac-only)
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*[http://thetimelineproj.sourceforge.net/ Timeline]
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= Index Cards =
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== Writing using index cards  ==
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''Rescued from the 2007 NaNoWriMo Technology forum article by [http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/4423 MSRenfrow]''
  
== Writing using index cards ==
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*[http://www.pileofindexcards.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page Pile of Index Cards] - a wiki dedicated to the use of index cards  
''Rescued from the 2007 NaNoWriMo Technology forum article by [http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/4423 MSRenfrow]''
 
*[http://www.pileofindexcards.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page Pile of Index Cards] - a wiki dedicated to the use of index cards
 
 
*[http://absolutewrite.com/novels/index_cards.htm Holey 3x5 Cards Empower Creativity] by Will Mitchell.  
 
*[http://absolutewrite.com/novels/index_cards.htm Holey 3x5 Cards Empower Creativity] by Will Mitchell.  
*[http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Use-Index-Cards-to-Write-a-Novel-Outline&id=537666 How to Use Index Cards to Write A Novel Outline] by Stuart Brown.
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*[http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Use-Index-Cards-to-Write-a-Novel-Outline&id=537666 How to Use Index Cards to Write A Novel Outline] by Stuart Brown.  
*[http://www.autocrit.com/articles/?a=articles&p=85 12 Easy Steps Make a Novel] by Ann Major. Advocates always carrying around index cards in first stages of plotting.
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*[http://www.autocrit.com/articles/?a=articles&p=85 12 Easy Steps Make a Novel] by Ann Major. Advocates always carrying around index cards in first stages of plotting.  
*[http://members.optusnet.com.au/~charles57/Creative/Idea_Recording/lila.htm Extract from Lila] by Robert M. Pirsig Published by Bantam Press – 1991. Actual real-live novel excerpt where the main character describes his method of using index cards.
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*[http://members.optusnet.com.au/~charles57/Creative/Idea_Recording/lila.htm Extract from Lila] by Robert M. Pirsig Published by Bantam Press – 1991. Actual real-live novel excerpt where the main character describes his method of using index cards.  
 
*[http://wiki.43folders.com/index.php/Index_Cards 43 Folders Wiki entry: Index Cards]. Discusses several other authors who use index cards.
 
*[http://wiki.43folders.com/index.php/Index_Cards 43 Folders Wiki entry: Index Cards]. Discusses several other authors who use index cards.
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= Advice =
  
 
== Writing Advice and Articles  ==
 
== Writing Advice and Articles  ==
  
*[http://www.editred.com/Uploads/st_49447_All_time_Top_7_Plotting_M Back story-#7 on the All time top 7 plotting mistakes to avoid] - from editred.com  
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* ''Larry Brooks has [http://storyfix.com/category/story-structure-series/page/3 a very informative 11 part blog series on story structure].  In it, he describes the 4 parts to every great story and what moves stories forward.  It's one of the best descriptions of story structure I've seen.''
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''Jamie Gold made [http://storyfix.com/a-simple-story-development-tool-4-u an excel spreadsheet with the major points from this].  Plus there is a corresponding beat sheet worksheet that is available here.'' -- ContemplativeCat
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*[http://www.writingexcuses.com/2012/10/07/writing-excuses-7-41-seven-point-story-structure/ Seven point story structure] - ''www.writingexcuses.com''
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*[http://www.sff.net/people/alicia/10prob.htm Top ten plotting mistakes]
 
*[http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/scene.php Writing the Perfect Scene] - Randy Ingermanson (the Snowflake method guy) - about the Motivation-Reaction units (From Dwain McSwain's Techniques of the Selling Writer)  
 
*[http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/scene.php Writing the Perfect Scene] - Randy Ingermanson (the Snowflake method guy) - about the Motivation-Reaction units (From Dwain McSwain's Techniques of the Selling Writer)  
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** [http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/articles/snowflake-method/ The Snowflake Method]
 
*[http://bksp.org/secondarypages/articles/authors/DRobbins1.htm Advice for Writers by David L. Robbins]  
 
*[http://bksp.org/secondarypages/articles/authors/DRobbins1.htm Advice for Writers by David L. Robbins]  
 
*[http://www.fictionwriters.com/tips-novel-writing.html Novel writing tips] from Fiction Writers Connection (short list of ten; high level advice)  
 
*[http://www.fictionwriters.com/tips-novel-writing.html Novel writing tips] from Fiction Writers Connection (short list of ten; high level advice)  
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*[http://lillieammann.com/blog/2007/08/24/blogs-by-and-for-writers/ Blogs by and for writers]  
 
*[http://lillieammann.com/blog/2007/08/24/blogs-by-and-for-writers/ Blogs by and for writers]  
 
*[http://www.musik-therapie.at/PederHill/Dialogue&Detail.htm Learning about writing dialogue]  
 
*[http://www.musik-therapie.at/PederHill/Dialogue&Detail.htm Learning about writing dialogue]  
*[http://www.diyplanner.com/node/878 Journal writing tips from D*I*Y*]
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*[http://www.diyplanner.com/node/878 Journal writing tips from D*I*Y*]
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*[[Novel Writing Tips|Novel Writing Tips]] - a mindmap with notes from two good novel writing books
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*[[Notes from Techniques of the Selling Writer|notes from Techniques of the Selling Writer]] - a mindmap with notes from the great book by Dwight Swain
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*[http://writingwhilethericeboils.blogspot.com/2010/09/rubiks-cube-plotting-in-9-easy-steps.html Rubik’s Cube Plotting]
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*[http://www.thewritersjourney.com/hero%27s_journey.htm The Hero's Journey]
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*[http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2010/03/plotting-made-easy-complications.html Hero's Journey Plotting Questions]
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*[http://timstout.wordpress.com/story-structure/blake-snyders-beat-sheet/ Blake Snyder's beat sheet]
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*[http://io9.com/5916970/the-22-rules-of-storytelling-according-to-pixar Pixar's 22 rules of storytelling]
  
 
=== Starting your Novel/Inspiration  ===
 
=== Starting your Novel/Inspiration  ===
 
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*[http://www.darcypattison.com/revision/opening-lines/ 12 ways to start off your novel] - ''Darcy Pattison''
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*[http://watchout4snakes.com/CreativityTools/Main/Main.aspx Creativity tools]
 
*[http://www.creativewriterwithin.com/creative-writing/where-should-you-start-when-you-want-to-learn-how-to-write-a-book Where you should go when you want to learn how to write a book]  
 
*[http://www.creativewriterwithin.com/creative-writing/where-should-you-start-when-you-want-to-learn-how-to-write-a-book Where you should go when you want to learn how to write a book]  
 
*[http://arwenbooks.com/a_brilliant_opening.htm The Opening Sentence]  
 
*[http://arwenbooks.com/a_brilliant_opening.htm The Opening Sentence]  
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*[http://www.languageisavirus.com/ Tools for curing writer's block]  
 
*[http://www.languageisavirus.com/ Tools for curing writer's block]  
 
*[http://www.copywriting1.com/2007/03/eliminate-writers-block-forever.html How to eliminate writer's block forever] by Andrew Cavanagh
 
*[http://www.copywriting1.com/2007/03/eliminate-writers-block-forever.html How to eliminate writer's block forever] by Andrew Cavanagh
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*[http://www.getfreeebooks.com/?p=4872 101 Tips to Fight and Overcome Writer's Block]
  
 
=== Finishing your Novel  ===
 
=== Finishing your Novel  ===
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*[http://www.timothyhallinan.com/writers.php Inspirational resource to help folks with their rewrites if not finished]  
 
*[http://www.timothyhallinan.com/writers.php Inspirational resource to help folks with their rewrites if not finished]  
 
*[http://www.eeicom.com/staffing/marks.html proofreading marks ref]
 
*[http://www.eeicom.com/staffing/marks.html proofreading marks ref]
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* [http://www.youngadultwriters.com/story-analyzer/ Story Analyzer]
(Analyzes your story for overused words, passive voice, cliches, -ly words, etc.)
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* [http://d3k9gxxxyh3lif.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/checklists.pdf Story Plan Review & Revision Checklists]
(scroll to end for checklist)
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* [http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/word-count-for-novels-and-childrens-books-the-definitive-post Word Count Estimates for Genres  Genres & Subgenres (now that you've written it, classify your novel!)]

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* [http://writers-write-creative-blog.posthaven.com/story-questionnaire Story Questionnaire: 100 Questions to Ask (it says before you write, but probably more useful for revision)]
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* [http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_literary_genres
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* Genres & Subgenres (now that you've written it, classify your novel!)
 +
* [http://www.stroppyauthor.com/p/how-to-read-publishing-contract.html How to Read a Publishing Contract]
 +
* [http://www.springhole.net/writing/marysue.htm Mary Sue Litmus Test]
 +
  
 
=== Writer Beware!  ===
 
=== Writer Beware!  ===
Line 140: Line 241:
 
*5 reasons to avoid PublishAmerica - http://writing.articlesarchive.net/5-reasons-to-avoid-publishamerica.htm...  
 
*5 reasons to avoid PublishAmerica - http://writing.articlesarchive.net/5-reasons-to-avoid-publishamerica.htm...  
 
*"Preditors" and Editors - http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/
 
*"Preditors" and Editors - http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/
 +
 +
= Copyright =
  
 
== About Copyright  ==
 
== About Copyright  ==
Line 177: Line 280:
  
 
I've got a list of links to various agencies US, UK, Aus and others listed [http://www.darkescapes.net/node/426 here], along with other information for registration or self publishing, including ISBN and barcode ordering.  
 
I've got a list of links to various agencies US, UK, Aus and others listed [http://www.darkescapes.net/node/426 here], along with other information for registration or self publishing, including ISBN and barcode ordering.  
 +
 +
= Communities =
  
 
== Writing Communities  ==
 
== Writing Communities  ==
Line 187: Line 292:
 
*[http://www.write-on.org/ Write On! Discuss the art and craft of writing]  
 
*[http://www.write-on.org/ Write On! Discuss the art and craft of writing]  
 
*[http://www.inkify.com/ inkify forums] - "A place to talk about books and writing"
 
*[http://www.inkify.com/ inkify forums] - "A place to talk about books and writing"
 +
 +
= Publishing =
  
 
== Self Publishing and Publishing Refs  ==
 
== Self Publishing and Publishing Refs  ==
Line 195: Line 302:
 
*[http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm - Predator editor/agents to avoid]  
 
*[http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm - Predator editor/agents to avoid]  
 
*[http://www.absolutewrite.com/ absolutewrite.com - writer's resource]; also check out the ''beware & background check'' thread in the forums for info on disreputable publishers (<a href="http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/" title="http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/">http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/</a>)
 
*[http://www.absolutewrite.com/ absolutewrite.com - writer's resource]; also check out the ''beware & background check'' thread in the forums for info on disreputable publishers (<a href="http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/" title="http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/">http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/</a>)
 +
 +
= References =
 +
 +
== Plotting tools and worksheets ==
 +
*[http://www.kkitts.net/downloads/downloads.html Various plotting tools and worksheets by K. Kitts]
 +
*[http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/workbooks NaNoWriMo YWP Workbooks for Plotting/Setting/Characters/etc]
  
 
== Writing References  ==
 
== Writing References  ==
 
+
*[http://www.bryndonovan.com/2015/04/05/master-list-of-facial-expressions/ Master list of facial expressions]
 +
*[http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/parts_body_language/lips_body_language.htm lips body language] (how to say things with the lips)
 +
*[http://www.nowhitespace.org/writing/ NoWhiteSpace Writing Cheat Sheet] - great little two-pager chock-full of writing references!
 
*[http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html Common Errors in English]  
 
*[http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html Common Errors in English]  
 
*[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/thesaurus Merriam-Webster OnLine]  
 
*[http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/thesaurus Merriam-Webster OnLine]  
Line 203: Line 318:
 
*[http://www.gopdg.com/plainlanguage/ plainlanguage.com]  
 
*[http://www.gopdg.com/plainlanguage/ plainlanguage.com]  
 
*[http://www.phrasefinder.co.uk/ Phrase Thesaurus]  
 
*[http://www.phrasefinder.co.uk/ Phrase Thesaurus]  
 +
*[http://www.writingforums.org/showthread.php?t=15157 more action verbs] from writingforums.org
 
*[http://www.msgarrettonline.com/descripwords.html descriptive words], [http://www.msgarrettonline.com/actionverbs.html action verbs], [http://www.msgarrettonline.com/100ways.html 100 ways to say said] and [http://www.msgarrettonline.com/trans.html transition words]  
 
*[http://www.msgarrettonline.com/descripwords.html descriptive words], [http://www.msgarrettonline.com/actionverbs.html action verbs], [http://www.msgarrettonline.com/100ways.html 100 ways to say said] and [http://www.msgarrettonline.com/trans.html transition words]  
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/evelynleeper/ Evelyn Leeper's homepage with many useful links]  
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/evelynleeper/ Evelyn Leeper's homepage with many useful links]  
Line 210: Line 326:
 
*[http://del.icio.us/Razorkitten/resource Razorkitten's del.icio.us bookmarks] (mostly with a fantasy bent)  
 
*[http://del.icio.us/Razorkitten/resource Razorkitten's del.icio.us bookmarks] (mostly with a fantasy bent)  
 
*[http://www.truckpoetry.net/resources.php NaNoWriMo resources] (collected by Cameron Matthews)--includes character creator  
 
*[http://www.truckpoetry.net/resources.php NaNoWriMo resources] (collected by Cameron Matthews)--includes character creator  
*[http://www.silveragebooks.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mag/ns/november_spawned.htm Rolnikov's November Spawned] site, with four issues of NaNoWriMo-inspired literature and a very useful booklet of writing tips  
+
*[http://www.silveragebooks.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/mag/ns/november_spawned.htm Rolnikov's November Spawned] site, with four issues of NaNoWriMo-inspired literature and a very useful booklet of writing tips (update: looks like the page is gone; the [http://www.silveragebooks.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ site still remains] but the booklet isn't there. :-(
 
*[http://babelfish.altavista.com/ babelfish online translator]
 
*[http://babelfish.altavista.com/ babelfish online translator]
 +
*[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HomePage TVTropes] (tropes/ideas for Plot/Setting/Character Type/Character Trait/Relationship/Backstory/Motive/etc.)
  
 
=== Science Fiction  ===
 
=== Science Fiction  ===
  
 
*[http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/ctnlistalpha.asp Glossary of science fiction ideas]
 
*[http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/ctnlistalpha.asp Glossary of science fiction ideas]
 +
 +
=== Editing Tips ===
 +
*[http://musingsonfantasia.blogspot.com/2012/12/4-tips-on-cutting-word-count-for-short.html tips on cutting word count in short stories]
 +
*[http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/02/how-to-slash-your-word-count-by-20-40.html How to slash 20-40% of your word count and tighten your narrative]
 +
*[https://litreactor.com/essays/chuck-palahniuk/nuts-and-bolts-“thought”-verbs Nuts and bolts: thought verbs] (some NSFW language)
 +
*[http://magmapoetry.com/25-rules-for-editing-poems/ 25 rules for editing poems]
 +
*[https://michaeljmcdonagh.wordpress.com/tag/list-of-filter-words/ List of filter words] (some NSFW language)
 +
 +
= NaNoWriMo =
  
 
== NaNoWriMo  ==
 
== NaNoWriMo  ==
Line 225: Line 351:
 
*[http://www.zokutou.co.uk/wordmeter/ Create word-count bars for your journal/blog]  
 
*[http://www.zokutou.co.uk/wordmeter/ Create word-count bars for your journal/blog]  
 
*[http://www.lazette.net/Free%20Stuff/NaNo.htm Lazette Gilford's NaNo for the New and the Insane] - free e-book
 
*[http://www.lazette.net/Free%20Stuff/NaNo.htm Lazette Gilford's NaNo for the New and the Insane] - free e-book
 +
*[http://www.wikiwrimo.org/wiki/Main_Page WikiWriMo] - Unofficial NaNoWriMo wiki written by Wrimos, for Wrimos
 +
*[http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1951946-October-Nano-Prep-2013-Calendar NaNo Prep Daily Challenge for October]
- ''writing.com'' (Not sure where to start prepping? Daily activities to develop your plot, characters, etc. throughout Oct)
 +
 +
= Other Links =
  
 
== Other Writing Links  ==
 
== Other Writing Links  ==
Line 252: Line 382:
 
*[http://www.wunderland.com/LooneyLabs/Nanofictionary/NanoBlanks.html NanoBlanks: Make-Your-Own Nanofictionary Cards]
 
*[http://www.wunderland.com/LooneyLabs/Nanofictionary/NanoBlanks.html NanoBlanks: Make-Your-Own Nanofictionary Cards]
  
== Writing software  ==
+
== Procrastination / Research ==
 +
 
 +
* [http://www.wordle.net/ Word Clouds]
 +
* [http://storywonk.com/podcasts-2/ StoryWonk Podcasts]
 (has NaNo Poscasts!)
 +
* [http://www.writingexcuses.com/ Writing Excuses Podcasts]
 +
* [http://iwl.me/ I Write Like]
 +
* [http://www.readabilityformulas.com/free-readability-formula-tests.php See What Grade Level You're Writing On]
 +
** [http://computersherpa.deviantart.com/art/Periodic-Table-of-Storytelling-203548951 Periodic Table of Storytelling]
 +
* [http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.ca/p/the-emotion-thesaurus.html Emotion Thesaurus/Written Expression of Emotions]
 +
* [http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/78517219/Emotion%20Amplifiers%202.pdf Emotion Amplifiers] (addendum to Emotion Thesaurus) (PDF)
 +
* [http://nanotoons.net/ NaNo Cartoons]
 +
* [http://nanomusical.com/ A Musical About NaNoWriMo] (Start with Episode #1)
 +
* [http://www.bartleby.com/81/ Dictionary of Phrase & Fable] (Origin of Common Phrases, Allusions, & Words)
 +
 
 +
 
  
*[http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter.html - yWriter: Free word processor software specifically for novel-writing]
+
<headertabs />
*[http://baara.com/q10/ q10: free portable writing program that can run off a pen drive.]
 
*[http://www.richardsalsbury.com/ Another novel word processor]
 
*[http://docs.google.com google word processor and spreadsheet] - can access from any computer, collaboratively edit and save to Microsoft formats
 

Revision as of 21:36, 30 April 2016

[edit]

Web Tools Useful for Writers

Mind Mapping

Organization

Generators

Character Names


Writing Prompts

(Writer's Digest Prompts

World Building

From "I am Tasha" (2011)


Analysis Tools

Writing Software

Online Writing Software

Timelines

Writing using index cards

Rescued from the 2007 NaNoWriMo Technology forum article by MSRenfrow

Writing Advice and Articles

Jamie Gold made an excel spreadsheet with the major points from this.  Plus there is a corresponding beat sheet worksheet that is available here. -- ContemplativeCat

Starting your Novel/Inspiration

Writer's Block Advice

Finishing your Novel

Children's Novel Writing

Editing


Writer Beware!

Here are some cautionary sites (taken from an article by AngelSong):

Self Publishing and Publishing Refs

Plotting tools and worksheets

Writing References

Science Fiction

Editing Tips

NaNoWriMo