There are so many blogs about writing out there, it’s hard to know which advice is good and which is just recycling zombie rules. Don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work for you.
I’ll break this list into categories, with my two favorites in each.
- Spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- The business of writing
- The art and craft of writing
- Conscious language and inclusivity
Most of the blogs mentioned include content for more than one category, but I’ve grouped them based on what I perceive their strengths to be. These are great blogs for writers and editors to read. And they’re not just for writers—they’re handy resources for editors too!
Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation
Automatic spellcheckers only get you so far, and though a copy-editor can help you, sometimes you just want to answer a question (or win an argument). These blogs can help you to know what’s acceptable and what’s not in the noodly and flexible world of fiction SPaG.
Fiction+
This is a section of the CMOS Shop Talk blog that focuses on applying Chicago style to fiction. It’s thorough, trustworthy, and quite often highly amusing. Featuring writing from the Subversive Copy Editor herself, Carol Saller, this is my first port of call when fiction confounds me.
Quick and Dirty Tips
Mignon Fogarty has an accessible and clear voice, and she is fabulous at explaining the rules of grammar and where they come from. You don’t need a linguistics degree to understand her, and her examples can be hilarious. If you don’t have time to read, I also recommend her podcast, Grammar Girl.
The business of writing
The other day, someone asked me, “How do I write a book?” I jokingly replied, “With a pen.” The truth is, there are so many ways to write, and so many routes to get your story into your readers’ hands, that the whole process can become quite overwhelming. These two blogs will help to clear the path for you.
Liminal Pages
Sophie Playle has a warm and straightforward approach, and her posts can be like finding a hand to hold through the writing process. She covers all aspects of writing, editing, and publishing, but I find her insight into mindset and her practical approach to making stories appear from your pen to be particularly good.
I recommend “How to Build Up to Writing a Novel.”
Jane Friedman
Any author who takes their writing seriously should be familiar with Jane Friedman’s advice for publishing. She has content-rich infographics, step-by-step plans, and links to resources that will help anyone at any stage in their publishing journey, whether it’s through traditional publishers, self-publishing, or any of the other options she outlines.
Start with “How to Get Your Book Published.”
The art and craft of writing
Digging into the more creative side, these blogs look at the techniques that great writers use to make their words pop from the page, and how you can do the same.
The Itch of Writing
Emma Darwin’s rich, well-researched, and thorough blog is logically organized and easy to navigate. Her explanation of psychic distance is one I am constantly referring clients to. Every time I read her blog posts, I learn something new.
A good one to start with is “Twelve Tools [not rules] of Writing.”
The Editing Blog
Louise Harnby is so good at giving solid advice that almost every editor I know has taken her courses, listened to her and Denise Cowle’s podcast, or watched her present at conferences. She knows her stuff, and she regularly pours her wisdom into her blog.
You can start anywhere, and she’s handily organized them by topic here.
Conscious language and inclusivity
Language is fluid and ever-changing and it’s important to keep up with its evolution, or you risk alienating your readers—or worse, harming them.
Conscious Style Guide
Founded by Karen Yin, and more of a reference than a blog, I would recommend signing up for the newsletter so that you don’t miss out on the latest articles. These are written by multiple authors and cover a wide range of subjects.
You might want to start with “Breaking Up With Words.”
Rabbit With A Red Pen
Crystal Yang Shelley is my go-to person for all matters related to conscious style, and I often refer to her Conscious Language Toolkit for Editors. She also writes thoughtful and thorough articles about conscious language (and other things related to editing and writing) that are worth your time.
Start with her overview of Conscious Language.
These eight blogs are the ones I return to regularly—some daily, some weekly, and some when a new article pops into my email inbox. I hope you’ll find them as useful as I do.
If you’re looking for more resources to help you along your writing journey, check out my downloadable Gecko Guides.
One Response
Great post Katherine and very useful. I already refer to Sophie and Louise’s blogs and listen to Grammar Girl’s podcast. I’m off to check out the other.