How to Find the Best Author Resources

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As an author, I know that finding your resources is the best way to move your writing career forward. I wouldn’t be where I am today without writing groups and mentors. And I can’t forget the toolbox of insights and opportunities I’ve picked up from writers who share their knowledge virtually.?

That’s why I put together a guide of all the best author resources.

Podcasts

There are so many amazing writing and publishing podcasts out there. Podcasts are a great way to learn more about the industry and get tips on refining your craft. They can also be a big source of inspiration and motivation.?

I love listening to podcasts by authors — even when the topic of the podcast isn’t just writing and publishing.?

Here are a few of my favorite podcasts from authors. They all feed a different part of the writer’s life, from well-being to craft:

• Simply Write with Polly Campbell: This podcast always inspires me! Polly is a veteran writer and she’s full of great ideas for revitalizing your work. I loved being a guest to chat with Polly about how to talk to the media as an author.?
• Tara Stiles: I’ve been lucky enough to be a guest and I’m always inspired by the stories on this podcast. You can check out my episode about the power of allowing yourself to change here.
• Best Next Step with Cass McCrory: I love hearing the stories about change and personal growth that Cass shares. You can listen to my episode about list making here!
• Hungry Authors: This is a great resource for authors. The hosts bring on guests to speak about every aspect of being an author, from launching your book to improving your prose. When I was a guest, I shared tips for getting media-ready!

Blogs

As you might be able to guess, I love blogs (that’s why I have two of my own — PaulaRizzo.com/blog and ListProducer.com!). Blogs can be a wonderful resource when it comes to advice of all kinds from authors at every stage of their journey.?

Here are a few I recommend:

• Jane Friedman: Publishing industry expert Jane Friedman’s blog has information on so many aspects of being an author. She covers everything from crafting a book proposal to creative characters that feel like real people. And sometimes she has guest bloggers (like me!).?
• The Shuffle: I love learning about tarot as a creativity tool and Chelsey Pippin Mizzi is a wonderful guide. This post on thirty days of creative tarot prompts is a great place to start.
• Zibby’s Highlights: Zibby Owens, author of Blank: A Novel and Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature (and owner of Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica!) shares her thoughts on writing and life.?
• I love the work of Emma Straub — she’s a novelist and owner of the independent bookstore chain Books are Magic in Brooklyn! Her newsletter is full of ideas for reading, writing, and life.?
• Kathleen Schmidt is a longtime publishing expert and reliably shares news, analysis, and insider tips for authors!

Writing Groups

I’ve been a part of a few different writing groups and I’ve loved all of them! I’ve made some great friends and I’ve learned so much. Plus, writing groups are an excellent tool for accountability! To find writing groups near you, you can check out your public library or local bookstore to see if they have any offerings. You can also do a quick internet search (writing groups + your location) to find opportunities nearby.?

Having accountability buddies is one of the best ways to keep yourself writing. My friend Bev (who I meet with every Friday!) is one of my accountability buddies.?

Mentors

Finding a mentor often happens organically if you put yourself out there! Going to events at your local library and bookstores, attending conferences, and getting involved with nearby writing associations or nonprofits are all ways you might meet a future mentor. You can also find mentors through LinkedIn or by checking out the website of authors whose work you enjoy — they might run mentorship sessions.?

Nonprofits

There are lots of writing and publishing nonprofits that offer resources to authors. Here are a few that I recommend:

• NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month happens every November. You can sign up for free with NaNoWriMo to set goals and track your progress with the goal of writing 50,000 words of a novel in one month!
• Writer’s Digest: This is a go-to resource with lots of information for authors on every subject, from craft to publishing to media. I have a column for them and I love reading their website and print edition!
• Poets & Writers: They have lots of helpful resources, including information about writing contests and awards, writing groups, Zoom classes, and a calendar of literary events across the country!
• Nonfiction Authors Association: I’ve spoken for this group before and this organization is so helpful and supportive! They have a blog, lots of trainings and events, and a yearly conference.?

Professional Associations

Finding a writing association that aligns with your work is one of the best ways to connect with colleagues who share your area of interest. Many professional associations are based around specific genres or fields. Writer’s Digest has put together a thorough list of writing associations — you can check it out here!?

One that I recommend is Author’s Guild. The Author’s Guild supports writers of all kinds. I’m a member and I love all the resources they have, from guides to protecting your copyright to events and webinars.?

Conferences

In-person and virtual conferences are both fantastic ways to meet writers and gain valuable insights into all elements of being an author, from first drafts to book tours. I always learn so much at conferences and I’ve met some wonderful people over the years by attending.?

I love the yearly Writer’s Digest Conference. I’ve been a speaker (and attendee) and I always get so much from it!

The Association of Writers and Writing Programs has a great searchable database for finding writing conferences all over the world. You can search by location, genre, conference type, funding availability, and keywords. I highly recommend checking it out!

I hope this list gives you some ideas for expanding where and how you find resources as an author!

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