Some of the resources I use:
Inspiration:
This category is for things that make me inspired to write.
It would be lovely if all writers woke up every morning dreaming of nothing but
their work, chomping at the bit to get started, but alas, that isn't me. So,
here are some of the things I use in my own personal pep rallies.
Elizabeth Bear's post on The Creative Process, or: How to Write a Novel (to remind myself why I do this)
This quote from Martha Graham hung on my wall for years: "There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost..."(click to read the rest)
the song "swan dive" by ani difranco (for when I need to remember that
"I've got better things to do than survive")
(for a short clip, try Amazon here)
Perspiration:
This category is for things that make me push my craft.
These days, I'm not nearly so afraid that I'll stop writing as that I'll grow
complacent. These are some of the things I use to convince myself to try harder,
to learn more, and to take risks.
the Online Writing Workshop (the critique community I use, full of writers who push me to improve)
The Creative Habit: Learn It And Use It For Life by Twyla Tharp (an unusual book about building the habit of creativity)
Sherwood Smith's post "Writing: the Big Cut" (to push me to edit more, and to edit better)
Sarah Monette's post "metaphors for writing, again" (when I need to remember that I'm the one guiding the reader)
Jay Lake's post "Span of Control" (when I become convinced it's impossible to keep a novel in my head)
Elizabeth Bear's post on layers (when I need to be encouraged to deepen my work and really craft it into its true shape)
Represention:
This category is for things that may help me find representation and, through an agent, to get
happily published one day.
Here I share resources for finding agents, honing query letters, etc.
the Association of Authors' Representatives, Inc. web site is one source for agents who subscribe to a widely accepted code of ethics
Preditors and Editors is another source for scam-free agents
Once you've identified reputable agents, you can check Publishers Marketplace or Agent Query; they may have listed submission guidelines, etc. But always check the agency web page (if one exists) for the authoritative version.
I enjoyed Agent Kristin Nelson's blog series on pitch paragraphs; Query Shark is one spot to get your query critiqued.
Dedication:
This category is for the resources that help me remember writing is a business, and how to be a
good business owner.
Money, taxes, investments, research & development, etc. all fall here.
Why dedication?
Because this is what I think will make writing my career, not just a hobby.