#prompted from reedsy

[d1g1tal-racc00n]

Free Websites / Tools that I use for Writing ! !

Organizational:

Notion : a personal favourite of mine. from what i've seen, unlimited projects with a variety of cards to use. it also has an mobile app with it. highly recommend.

Milanote : has some limitations on how many cards you can have but has different templates you can tinker around with. is more of a whiteboard type of site.

Hiveword : i haven't used it but it provides a novel-building template for plot, scenes, characters, etc.

Lucidchart : another i don't use but from what I've seen, it's similar to Milanote with their whiteboard style. also has a variety of templates of charts, diagrams, and more!

Helpful Tools:

OneLook Thesaurus : my go-to website for finding synonyms. also provides definitions!

Language Tool : a chrome extension similar to Grammarly that acts as a grammar-aid tool.

Character Creation / World Building:

Pinterest : a great source if you're searching for inspiration. you can also find tips and prompts on the site too!

Reedsy Character Name Generator : a name generator that include forename and surnames. has nationality specific names and a few mythic / fantasy name generators.

Fantasy Name Generator : this name generator has much more variety with character names and fictional location titles.

Inkarnate : a fantasy world-building site that I used in the past. fun fact: i made a little (it wasn't little) dragon shaped island for one story that never made it on paper.

[writeblrcafe]

A Comprehensive Guide for Writing Advice

Sometimes, despite enjoying writing so much, something is not working for you. Maybe your well of ideas has run dry. Or your WIP has hit a corner and you can't find your way out to the end of the story. Or you need to go back to your finished draft and see if there are any kinks to clear up.

Fortunately, everyone at Writeblrcafé has experienced such, and to help you out, we have a bunch of links to helpful posts by fellow writers to help you along on your writing journey as well as some helpful links to other websites, resources and software.

General:

WHY IS WRITING IS SO FUCKING HARD? (@writers-hq)

Writer Block First Aid Kit (@isabellestone)

Websites for writers (masterpost @2soulscollide)

Writing advice (masterpost @theliteraryarchitect)

Writing resources (masterpost @stinastar)

One look thesaurus (a reverse dictionary where you can enter words or concepts)

Coming Up with Ideas:

97 Character Motivations (@theplottery)

Character Flaws (@fantasyfillsmysoul)

Character Profile (@mistblossomdesigns)

Characters Unflawed (@emptymanuscript)

Why Theme is More Important than Plot (@theplottery)

Weekly writing prompts on Reedsy

Drafting:

3 of the worst story beginnings (and how to fix them) (@theplottery)

Cheat Sheet for Writing Emotion (@myhoniahaka)

Creative Writing for Writers (@writerscreed)

Describing Physical Things (@wordsnstuff)

How to Craft a Natural Plot (@theplottery)

How to Write a Story? (masterpost @creativepromptsforwriting)

How to write: ethnicity & skin colour (@youneedsomeprompts)

What the F is Show Not Tell (@theplottery)

Writing advice from my uni teachers (@thewritingumbrellas)

First Draft: story outlining template meant to help with planning your next big writing project (@fauxriot)

The wonder/ discovery arc (@evelynmlewis)

How to structure a chapter (@theplottery)

How to pace your storytelling (@charlesoberonn)

How to write and research mental illness (@hayatheauthor)

Seven Blogs You Need To Read As An Author (@hayatheauthor)

Editing/Revising:

Eight steps in making the editing process of your book easier (@joaneunknown)

Kill Your Darlings (@tibodine)

Self editing tips (first pass) (@projecttreehouse)

Publishing:

Chill Subs: biggest database for literary magazines and small presses; track your submissions and get your writing published!

5 steps to get your novel ready to self-publish (by @nanowrimo)

Resources for finishing and publishing your novel (masterpost by @nanowrimo)

For self-publishing: this page gives you the exact pixel count of a book spine based on its page count, and/or a template you can use for the correct width/height ratio.

Software:

Scrivener: one time payment of $60 or 70€ (macOS/windows), $24 (iOS; no Euro listed for iOS); used by professionals, many tools to write and organize your novel

Bibisco: free and "pay what you want" version; multilingual, world building, character profiles, writing goals, story timeline, mind maps, notes and more templates to write a novel.

Manuskript: free open source-tool; outliner, novel assistant, distraction-free mode

Ghostwriter: a free and open alternative which has a decent interface with some interesting features, like Hemingway Mode, which disables one's backspace and delete keys, emulating a typewriter.

NaNoWriMo: an international contest to encourage writers to finish writing their novel with many events, groups for exchange with fellow writers, helpful writing advice and help for self-publishing and publishing traditionally.

Campfire Writing: website, desktop app, and mobile app, with tools built in to help manage characters, magic systems, research, etc. It has a great free option, plus monthly, annual, and lifetime purchase options. It also has built-in NaNoWriMo compatibility and a catalogue of tutorials and writing advice videos (suggestion by @harfblarf)

Websites And Writing Apps Every Author Needs In 2023 (@hayatheauthor)

Let us know in the comments if there are any links we could add to it! Reblog this post to help a fellow writer.

Support our work by buying a cup of coffee on KoFi.

[a-halo-for-you]

Useful Online Resources for Creative Students

Tips to controlling your creative chaos.

Studying Creative Writing and Theatre led me to exploring more about myself as an individual as well as an aspiring writer and actress. And in my writing I managed to compile a few more secret helpers to my party so when I am on the verge of a meltdown due to stress and writer’s block, there’s always a helping hand to get me out of a tricky situation. 

Every writer has their tools, from their brain to the type of pen they most prefer to make notes with and which software they prefer to work on. In this article I will be going through some of the tools that have best helped me through my time at university. 

⊱ ────── The Dictionary and Thesaurus ────── ⊰

I know, I know, not particularly exciting and original but it is imperative for us to have these at the ready, whether through technological means of the internet or in printed editions. We have all been in that place where there is a word on the tip of our tongues but we just can’t find it and that is where these come to our rescue. 

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

⊱ ────── YouTube ────── ⊰

YouTube has plenty of channels dedicated to writing, publishing, editing etc. It also has footage of our beloved authors who give plenty of valuable advice from their extensive experience in the job. It is also home to many wonderful playlist channels- no doubt helping me with the flow of my stories a few times or concentrating on studying an essay. 

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

⊱ ────── Spotify ───── ⊰

Speaking of music! Music is probably a number one for me personally, it creates the atmosphere internally before you cry, sweat and bleed it out onto the pages yourself with your own words. Spotify is my favourite as with a student discount you can get a premium membership that means no advertisement interruptions. You can also spend time creating different playlists for different works, for characters, settings or a collective emotion.

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

⊱ ────── Pinterest ────── ⊰

Now, if you have not come across the wonders of pinterest I must direct it towards you as some are stimulated by music others are stimulated by photos. Helping to visualise characters, clothing, setting they have many wonderful photos for this, as well as plenty of information that can be shared on history, culture, creative ways to get rid of a body etc. There are also posts specifically tuned for writers, a large amount coming from Tumblr blogs which I would also recommend looking at. 

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

⊱ ────── Reedsy ────── ⊰

The next site I recommend is Reedsy. Reedsy is an online blog and website that connects writers, editors, artists and publishers. They have writing software where you can write your book in a publishable format, they have apps and tools that vary from generators and prompts to online classes that you can subscribe to. They also have writing competitions which help to create portfolios for new writers. At Reedsy you can meet other like minded individuals through the marketplace and post for your online portfolio.

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

⊱ ────── Fantasy Name Generators ────── ⊰

Now to some writers, using Generators can seem like a cheat but if you’re stuck then this website is a good place to go, whether you’re struggling with world-building or character creation and need some good names there’s always something you can find and note down. A tip to give would be to take two names and mix them to come up with something new, that way it also feels a little less of a cheat. 

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

Finishing here, I hope that any of these tools are useful for you as they have been for me in organising my creative chaos. And my last piece of advice for any unpublished writer or writing student would be not to compare your works in progress with any published works. Who knows which draft number it is so don’t compare it to your first!

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

[tychodorian]

I've been writing a lot about mirrors lately. I didn't win, but I submitted a new short story to Reedsy Prompts a few weeks ago! It is a horror story, so CW for self-harm, death, and mild gore.

Read the whole story here.

Here's an excerpt:

The house stood in eerie stillness, as it always did in the winter, the back room that used to be Grant’s practically screaming its secrets. It had been so loud since he left, especially in the wintertime. He loved the snow, and the room never let me forget it. The gray clouds muted everything, especially at night, and the streetlamp outside the second-story window cast a long, ink-black shadow along the wall. I hadn’t realized that the wallpaper had started to peel where the wall met the molding. My fingers trailed along the top of the old paint there, my skin catching on dust, the corpse of a dead spider, and flaked wood. It really had been a long time. I couldn’t seem to bring myself to step through the doorway. I felt his eyes on me. Grant’s. I knew it wasn’t possible. Not really. He was long gone. The wooden barrier swung open regardless, the hinges groaning in protest from lack of use. The room beyond, pregnant with energy – unsaid apologies, hateful ignominy, final punctuation – leaked old memories. I hadn’t cleaned it. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I had all his furniture burned, of course. Couldn’t stand the sight of it. It hurt too much. I flicked on the light switch, and a dusty bulb flickered to life above me. A chill breeze swept past me as I entered, and I realized very quickly that the window must have a crack or some kind of leak. The place was freezing. It probably explained why my energy bill was so high. My arms wrapped around myself instinctively. I didn’t really know why I brought myself to do this every single year. I was trying to get over something, something too big that I couldn’t put down. It hung on my shoulders like one of those sleep paralysis demons you see in old paintings, ghoulish and somehow a little like you. My fingers clenched around my sweater and the age-old unresponsiveness crept up on me again. My hands trembled. My chest wavered. Suddenly I couldn’t breathe. I had to do it.

[inkinthequill]

An Ant at the End of the Universe

A short-story done for a weekly Reedsy contest, for the prompt "Write a story where a character must continue to tell their tale to a listener to avoid unsavory consequences".

The universe was ending.

In truth, that phrasing may be a bit over dramatic– it wasn’t so much coming to an end in an explosive, bombastic fashion (though the supernova from the few stars left certainly made for a beautiful light show), as it was with a slow, sputtering gasp.

More aptly, it was dying.

In a fruitless pursuit to reverse the inevitable heat death of the universe, or really just anything in such a hopeless situation, a lone arthropod had fashioned a humble little spacecraft. Out of scraps of metal and splintered wood it was crafted, rusty nails and wood glue keeping the rattling junk heap fastened together. All signs of life in the universe his species could pick up were fizzling out into radio silence. There was one lone thing that his little radio was receiving now. The only thing left to receive. A ghastly howling of wind, and the quiet dripping of water at the very center of the whole, ever expanding expanse.

His crooked antennae twitched with grief as he witnessed the light of his own exploding star across the massive stretch of space behind him, the encouraging chatter from his in-ship radio descending into deafening silence.

They had been the closest sentient species to the center of the universe, but no one had ever dared to travel this far. Now, at the center of it all, he was the single living creature in the entirety of space and time to witness it in its full glory. A swirling, brilliant white vortex; shimmering, golden fractal patterns swirling out the center, spreading further and further into deep space with every passing second.

Its sheer size and magnificence was mystifying; the view of his planet behind him paled in comparison. Colors he had never seen rippled out in magnificent, concentric ribbons as he approached; all the while, the few stars he could see left blinked out into the all-consuming darkness around him.

This was it.

The last bastion left in space.

And there was no one left to tell how beautiful it was.

With a little chatter of his chitinous jaws, he pushed forward on the throttle, easing himself in slowly. Advancing further and further, the blinding white glow consumed everything he could see, bathing the interior of his ship in alabaster light.

Then, nothing.

He was still conscious– or at least, he could assume as much. He smelled… nothing. He couldn’t feel his mandibles nervously chattering, and neither of his compound eyes could make out anything but a massive, spinning shape shadowed in the blinding light. He could make out the shadow of multiple concentric rings, all whirling in different directions at a sickeningly rapid velocity.

“AND HOW HAVE YOU FOUND YOURSELF HERE, LITTLE INSECT?”

A voice, a voice! A sound! His exoskeleton trembled from the overwhelming bass the voice output– he imagined this must’ve been what it felt like being next to the tectonic plates on his home grinding across each other. He was surprised he could understand it… all his people were dead now.

All people were dead now.

Was he dead? Was this what was awaiting everyone else? A comforting thought, that he might not be alone here– if that was the case. His mandibles chattered with a bewildered mix of both dread and excitement, desperate to have a chat with this new entity.

[I came here on a ship! The universe is in quite a mess right now– and you seem to be all that’s left! Am I dead? Are we dead?]

There was a rumbling, and a violent wind so fierce it was as if a hundred dervishes were colliding into each other.

“YOU ARE IN A SPACE WHERE DEATH HAS NO HOLD. THE CONCEPT IS UNFATHOMABLE TO THOSE WHO DWELL HERE, AS ONLY THOSE WHO LIVE ON THE OUTSIDE WILL EXPERIENCE IT.”

The ant thought for a moment, shuffling his body to become as comfortable as he could make it. After all, what else was there to do?

[So, this is…. a heaven, of sorts?]

“A HEAVEN? NO. A HAVEN, YES. A PLACE BEYOND SPACE AND TIME– WHERE THE UNTHINKABLE IS THOUGHT, AND THE IMPOSSIBLE GIVEN SHAPE. THIS PLACE HAS EXISTED FAR BEFORE THE BIRTH OF YOUR UNIVERSE, AND WILL LIVE PAST ITS DEATH.”

[Ah, yes. That death part is happening currently, I believe. Or, I suppose, it has happened, hasn’t it?]

“IT HAS.”

[That’s a shame. I quite liked what I got to see of it.]

There was a pause. He could feel a hundred, titanic eyes staring at him– he couldn’t see it, but he could feel the gaze of this lone being casting a million curious glances down at him.

“THERE WERE EONS FOR ONE OF YOU TRANSITORY SENTIENTS TO FIND THIS PLACE. HOW ARE YOU THE ONLY ONE WHO MADE IT HERE?”

The ant thought for a moment.

[Well, I don’t know. I’m surprised I was the only one. I sort of assumed you were all knowing to some degree, can’t you tell me the answer?]

The fathomless being paused as well.

“WE ARE AT A CROSSROADS AT THE MOMENT. EVERYTHING THAT EVER WAS, IS SHUFFLING INTO EVERYTHING THAT WILL EVER BE. UNTIL WE SHAPE THE NEXT UNIVERSE, WE ARE NOT PERMITTED THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT HAS BEEN AND WHAT WILL COME OUTSIDE OF THIS HAVEN.”

[That seems so sad.]

“IT IS A FUNCTION. CONCEPTS OF EMOTION ARE MEANINGLESS FOR OUR ROLE IN THE UNIVERSAL CYCLE. WHAT WORTH WILL SUCH FLEETING CHEMICAL REACTIONS SERVE HERE, AT THE END OF EVERYTHING?”

[I happen to like them, thank you. Chemical as they are, they do have their worth and purpose!]

“IRRELEVANT. IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO CEASE TO BE, AND FREE YOUR ATOMS FOR USE IN THE NEXT UNIVERSE.”

The ant assumed a defensive pose with its six legs, shaking one of them toward the being.

[Now, just a moment! I came all this way, so I think I’ve at least earned the chance to say my piece! If you’re as old as you say you are, and I am but a momentary blink in this universe, it certainly wouldn’t hurt the schedule to let me speak, would it?]

There was another fierce gust, another terrible rumble.

“IT SERVES NO PURPOSE.”

[Ah, but knowledge always serves a purpose! Do you at least remember what happens in this little period between universes, so to speak?]

“WE DO.”

[Goody! Well, I’d like to talk about my race for just a moment, if it’s all the same to you. If everything that came before is going to go ‘poof’, it would be nice to talk about it all before I go. Do you mind postponing my nonexistence until I finish?]

“I MAKE NO PROMISES.”

The ant smoothed over his bent antennae, taking a moment to collect himself and gather his thoughts.

[Well, you see, my people haven’t been around for very long. In the grand scheme of things, we’re very young. That’s what all our scientists said, at least. In truth, we barely just learned space travel, and the ship I came here on was pretty slap-dash.]

“WE WITNESSED THE CRAFT, YES.”

[Yes, it’s a bit of a mess. The scientists among my people found out that all the stars were beginning to die, including our own– way ahead of what they initially envisioned. So, as the best space pilot we had, they sent me out to the signal in the center of the universe with the best thing we could put together. We put all our hopes in that little tin can.]

“YOUR UNIVERSE IS DEAD. YOUR PEOPLE ARE DEAD. WHAT USE DID SUCH AN ACT SERVE?”

[A mix of things. There were some that hoped whatever I found could save all of them. Some felt it was the only thing left to do, so why not give it a shot? For me, it was curiosity. If we had nothing to lose, why not go out with one last great discovery?]

“AND WHAT HAVE YOU DISCOVERED?”

The ant tilted his head.

[That space is as scary as it is beautiful. That the unknown is as terrifying as it is exciting. I saw a thousand colors of stars I could never imagine in my compound eyes. I saw swirling gas giants of every size, and moons carved with the most gorgeous patterns. More than that, I found you at the end of all things. On top of it all, I get to be there right before it all begins again!]

“YOU WON’T LIVE TO BE IN THE NEXT ONE. WHAT PURPOSE DOES KNOWING SUCH THINGS SERVE?”

[It makes me happy.]

“A PITTANCE. A FEELING AS FLEETING AS THE UNIVERSE ITSELF.”

[Perhaps, but what a wonderful pittance it is! I can find comfort in it– alongside one other thing, of course.]

“AND WHAT WOULD THAT BE, LITTLE CREATURE?”

[That you’ll remember our little talk. You’ll remember me, and you’ll remember my people. Can anything really be so fleeting, when we’ll exist in your thoughts and memories forever?]

There was a long silence. The rumbling quieted, and so did the wind. For a moment, it was peaceful.

“HOW DID YOUR SPECIES LIVE, LITTLE INSECT?”

[We built sprawling, complex colonies from dirt and sand. Every waking moment we helped each other, even if we had our spats and fights on occasion. We worked together to build wonders out of nothing, all the way until we could come here, to the great black sea– and found out the majesty we got to see on our own world was a drop of sand in the infinite beauty of this cosmos. Oh, the things I wish I could’ve seen! The things I could’ve shown you, friend. It was such a good life.]

There was another long silence, the air starting to ripple and shake. The ant could feel his existence falling apart like sands through an hourglass, relaxing as he began to drift away into nothingness.

“INSECT. THE TIME HAS COME. WE CAN PROLONG THIS NO LONGER.”

[I can feel that, yes.]

“IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING LEFT TO SAY– ANY REGRETS TO AIR, NOW IS THE TIME.”

The ant pondered one last time, as his physical form began to collapse to dust and wash away into nothing.

[No regrets… but…] he chattered, lifting his head and clicking his mandibles happily. [I hope there are lots of eager little explorers in the next one!]

With those final words, he was no more. His atoms scattered like ash in the wind. There was no living creature left. Just the massive being swirling above where the ant stood— alongside more coming to join them in the coming turn of the cosmic wheel.

The universe was entirely dead.

And an untold amount of time later— it burst forth from the smallest particle, spreading gorgeous stars and nebulae of every color across the canvas of the cosmos once more.

************************************************************************

A little girl dashed and rolled around a grassy field, her hair swaying around with every excited step she took. Her older brother chased close behind her, coming to a careening halt as the girl suddenly squatted down next to a muddy puddle.

“Oh no!” she said, “Look at all the ants that drowned…”

Her brother walked behind her, taking a look for himself.

“They are soaked…” he said, leaning down to take a closer look. “But they aren’t dead. Watch this.”

The young man reached down and scooped a bunch of them in his hands, pouring them onto a patch of dry dirt under the shade of a tree. “Take a close look, now….”

The girl walked over and got as close as she could, innocent eyes wide with amazement at what she saw. She watched an ant with bent antennae start to wriggle and move again with the rest of their fellows, flipping back onto its legs and scouting out his new location.

“I didn’t know they could survive in water!”

“Yeah, they’re sturdy little things.”

“Wow….” the girl said, looking up at her brother and beaming. “You think an ant could survive in space, too?”

“Hmm, I don’t know…” her brother said, “I think he’d need a little suit and rocket ship to go out there.”

“True…”

“C’mon, we gotta get back now, Sara. Mom’ll get worried if we’re not back before it’s dark.”

“Fine…” she grumbled, taking the open hand that was offered to her and walking alongside him.

“Maybe I’ll go to space, one day. And I’ll take all the ants with me, in their own tiny suits.”

“I bet you could,” her brother said. “You always were an explorer.”

[ticketjohnson]

Written June 1st, 2021

Prompt from Reedsy: You thought he was dead, but there he is, right in front of you on the street, smiling.

I thought he was dead. No, I knew he was dead. I saw him in the casket. I watched as it was eased into the ground. Yet there he was, standing under a street lamp, smiling at me. Wicked shadows stretched across his face, making his presence all the more terrifying. The thought of running away went through my head, but I was frozen. It was like my feet had been glued to the sidewalk. I watched in horror as he started to mouth something to me. I couldn’t make out the words in the poor lighting of the night. My heart was racing and the bag of groceries in my hand began to feel light as a feather. Nothing around me mattered anymore. Not when he began to step towards me. I let out a strained huff of air that clouded in front of me. Each step he took echoed in my ears.

“Please,” I whispered. “Don’t.”

His smile grew wider as he got closer. A tone began to ring in my head. The closer he got, the more electric the air became. I managed to take a single step backwards and reminded myself to breathe. He’s dead, I repeated in my head. He’s dead and he’s not coming back. My thoughts did nothing to quell the fear building inside of me.

“Stop!”

“Already?” His voice whispered in my head. “But we’ve only just started.”

My vision blurred. The only thing I could see was his figure, stepping towards me but never getting any closer. His footsteps picked up pace, as did my heart. He started to run. I watched as his hand seemingly stretched cross dimensional boundaries right in front of my face. His fingers stretched, reaching for something inside my head. I felt a nauseating pull within my consciousness and tried grabbing his hand.

Suddenly, a car whizzed past me on the street. In the blink of an eye, he was gone. The feeling, the vision... It was all gone. Not a trace of his presence was left in front of me. I stared after the car that had passed. Though it was too dark to make out any details of the car, I did see one thing:

A string of rosary beads and a cross hanging from the rear view mirror.

[bookpublisher1]

Resources and Tools for Writers

Resources and Tools for Writers: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing is a beautiful and often challenging endeavor, where words become art, stories take shape, and ideas find their voice. To support the creative journey, writers have access to a vast array of resources and tools that can enhance their craft, streamline their work, and expand their knowledge. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the diverse resources and tools available to writers, from writing software and reference materials to writing communities and self-publishing platforms.

Writing Software and Tools

1. Word Processing Software: Word processors like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Scrivener are essential tools for drafting and editing your work. They offer features for formatting, spell-checking, and document organization.

2. Grammar and Editing Tools: Online grammar checkers like Grammarly and ProWritingAid help writers identify and correct grammatical errors, punctuation issues, and style inconsistencies.

3. Mind Mapping and Outlining Tools: Software like MindMeister, Scrapple, and Workflowy can help writers brainstorm, outline their work, and visualize the structure of their projects.

4. Note-Taking Apps: Apps like Evernote and OneNote are perfect for jotting down ideas, collecting research, and organizing notes on the go.

5. Writing Prompts: Websites and apps like Writing Prompts, Reedsy, and The Write Practice provide daily writing prompts and creative exercises to stimulate your imagination.

6. Writing and Word Count Tracking Tools: Tools like NaNoWriMo's word count tracker and online timers like TomatoTimer help writers set goals and monitor their progress.

7. Reference and Research Tools: Tools such as Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote are useful for managing references, citations, and research materials.

8. Thesaurus and Dictionaries: Online thesauruses like Thesaurus.com and dictionary resources like Merriam-Webster are invaluable for finding synonyms, antonyms, and definitions.

9. Readability Checkers: Tools like Hemingway Editor and Readable.io assess the readability of your writing, helping you create content that's easy to understand.

10. Screenwriting Software: If you're a screenwriter, software like Final Draft or Celtx can assist you in formatting scripts to industry standards.

Reference Materials

1. Style Guides: Manuals like The Chicago Manual of Style, The Associated Press Stylebook, and The Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook provide guidelines for formatting and citation.

2. Writing Guides: Books like "On Writing" by Stephen King, "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott, and "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White offer invaluable writing advice and wisdom.

3. Dictionaries and Thesauruses: Traditional print dictionaries and thesauruses are still valuable reference materials, especially for writers who prefer the tactile experience of flipping through pages.

4. Writer's Market Guides: The "Writer's Market" series provides information on publishers, literary agents, and markets for various genres.

5. Grammar and Style Books: Resources like "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Lynne Truss and "The Elements of Eloquence" by Mark Forsyth offer in-depth exploration of grammar and style.

6. Online Blogs and Articles: Numerous writing blogs and websites, such as Writer's Digest, The Creative Penn, and The Write Life, provide articles, tips, and inspiration for writers.

Writing Communities and Workshops

1. Writing Groups: Local and online writing groups, such as Meetup, Goodreads, and Facebook writing groups, writer’s circle provide a space to share your work, receive feedback, and connect with fellow writers.

2. Writing Workshops: Many organizations and universities offer writing workshops and courses, both in-person and online. They often provide structured learning and feedback opportunities.

3. Critique Partners: Building relationships with critique partners is a valuable way to get constructive feedback on your work. Websites like Critique Circle and Scribophile can help you find critique partners.

4. Author Forums: Websites like Absolute Write Water Cooler and KBoards (for indie authors) are popular author forums where writers can ask questions, share experiences, and seek advice.

5. Writing Conferences: Attending writing conferences and book fairs can help you network with industry professionals, learn from experts, and gain insights into the publishing world.

Publishing Platforms and Self-Publishing Tools

1. Traditional Publishers: If you're pursuing traditional publishing, resources like the Writer's Market guide and QueryTracker can help you find literary agents and publishers. Confused if to go or not for traditional publishing here are 5 Reasons Why Traditionally Published Books Sell Better Than Self-Published Books

2. Self-Publishing Platforms: If you're considering self-publishing, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Smashwords provide tools and guidelines for self-publishing your work.

3. Book Cover Design Tools: Software like Canva and Adobe Spark can assist with designing eye-catching book covers.

4. Formatting and Layout Services: For professionally formatted books, services like Vellum and Brave Healers Production can help you create professional interior layouts.

5. Book Marketing Tools: Social media networks are essential for book marketing and promotion.

6. Email Marketing Services: Services like Mailchimp and ConvertKit are valuable for building and maintaining a mailing list for your author newsletter.

Income and Rights Management

1. Royalty Tracking Software: Tools like BookTrakr and AuthorEarnings provide insights into book sales, royalties, and income tracking.

2. Copyright and Contracts Resources: Authors should familiarize themselves with copyright law and have legal resources for contract reviews if working with publishers.

Author Platforms and Websites

1. Author Websites: Creating a professional author website is a must. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace offer user-friendly website builders.

2. Blogging Platforms: Blogging can help you connect with readers and showcase your writing. WordPress and Blogger are popular blogging platforms.

3. Social Media: Building a presence on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can help you engage with your audience and promote your work.

Financial and Business Tools

1. Tax Resources: As an author, you may need to navigate complex tax matters. Tax software or the services of an accountant or tax professional can be invaluable.

2. Business Tools: Software for bookkeeping, invoicing, and project management can help authors manage their finances and business affairs effectively.

Online Writing Tools

1. Online Writing Platforms: Online platforms like Medium, Wattpad, and Vocal.Media provide opportunities to publish and share your writing with a broad online audience.

2. Collaborative Writing Tools: Tools like Google Docs and Scrivener support collaborative writing projects by enabling real-time editing and sharing.  Don’t miss the 5 FREE Writing Tools Authors Must Try In 2023

Conclusion

The journey of a writer is a continuous exploration of creativity and self-discovery. The resources and tools available to writers today are as diverse as the voices and stories they bring to life. This comprehensive guide should serve as a valuable reference for writers looking to enhance their craft, navigate the publishing world, and connect with their audience. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or have been on it for years, these resources and tools are here to support your passion and help you turn your ideas into art.

[al-val-meadow]

hello! do you happen to have any recommendations for short stories? i’ve been meaning to read more of them

(also thanks for all the tags! they were very sweet :))

aw you’re welcome for the tags :)

my first thought when you asked for short stories is the lottery by Shirley Jackson. Besides the lottery Shirley Jackson has a lot of other short stories that she had published. Shirley Jackson’s writing often have a sense of mystery but she often had left too much to the imagination. If that doesn’t stop you I really love her work and maybe you will too!

Idk what genre of short stories you’d like to read but a good place to look is reedsy prompts. It has many short stories that you can find in various genres so you can find what you’d like. It also has weekly writing contests which is where the stories come from. I can’t find the short stories I really loved from it right now since it’s being updated so much but there’ll definitely be something there for you.

I hope that helped :)

[bardic-tales]

Date: 3.30.23

To hold myself accountable, I thought that I would share a paragraph from the writing that I do each day. I look forward to sharing what I write each day.

Author's commentary:

Today was hard to focus and accomplish anything. My aphasia is becoming more of a problem each day, as sometimes simple sentences are harder to come to me. I used to worry that I was losing my talent, but no, that wasn't it. Having aphasia and pursuing a career as a writer is difficult at times.

I am hoping by writing every day that I will be able to strengthen my writing muscle. The words used to come easy to me when I was in my 20s and 30s. Not so much anymore.

I worked more on my short story featuring a giant and a hero from a local village. This short story is not placed in any part of my world I created for the WIPs that I share on here. It was given to me by a prompt generator on Reedsy.

Right now, I have a target of about 1700 words, but I will most likely go over that. As a fellow writer, I am sure you know how works tend to grow. It will be divided into three scenes.

The main characters that are featured are Kaaksser and Lady Florence-Deniau Casimir. Kaaksser is a jungle giant who has recently lost his son. Florence-Deniau is the local hero who comes back from a successful dragon hunt to find her daughter and the villager's children missing. She is hired to find them.

I want this short story to be a tragedy and am working toward that end. Once I have finished the rough draft of it, my husband has agreed to edit it for me.

Below you will find a snippet of what I wrote today. TW: kidnapping. child abuse

The young boy ran from him, darting deeper into the numerous caverns. He was quick. Kaaksser, an aging jungle giant, chased after him. Taking long strides, Kaaksser quickly outpaced the child. The pebbles trembled beneath his thundering footsteps. The pursuit was something that excited him. Unlike this little human, most of his prey didn’t give Kaaksser any sport.

[calliope-lives]

Jacob & The Ritual

This piece was submitted in a contest hosted by Reedsy with the prompt: "Write about someone who summons the creative muse through a convoluted ritual or method."

Jacob sits with his legs crossed. The house is quiet, all seven candles are lit, the moon is in the right phase, and he's exactly eight feet underground.

The ritual can finally begin.

He peeks at the grimoire before he closes his eyes and settles his nerves.

A steady breath in and out as he reads the list one last time.

"Seven candles, waxing crescent moon, and eight feet underground."

That's all—wait.

His eyes scan the last item.

"One cup of ice water."

His body tenses.

Ice water?

How could he have forgotten something so simple?!

Jacob scrambles to his feet and carefully steps over the candles.

He climbs up the basement stairs and throws open the door.

His fridge glowers in the dark corner of the kitchen.

The dishes he washed just a few hours earlier sit on the dish rack, still wet.

He takes a cup and heads to the fridge.

When he presses the cup against the ice dispenser, the fridge rumbles...

It rumbles...

And it rumbles...

And shredded ice falls out. It lands on the walls of the cup and on Jacob's hand.

He shakes the ice off and fills the cup the rest of the way with water.

Then he trudges back down to the basement.

Jacob places the cup in the center of the candles.

He checks the grimoire as he gets settled.

"Seven candles." Check.

"A waxing crescent moon." Got it.

"Eight feet below ground." Of course.

"One cup of ice water." Almost forgotten, but collected nonetheless.

"The scraps of a burnt meal."

Jacob blinks.

He reads the list again.

Maybe...he just overlooked that one.

Jacob reads the list one more time just to be sure. It would be a shame if he missed anything else.

He goes down one by one, mouthing the words.

The list is only five simple items that he already has on hand.

Jacob stands again and heads back up the stairs.

He makes his way through the kitchen.

Around the counter sits the trash can. The lid is closed, concealing the violation Jacob committed in his negligence earlier.

He slowly lifts the lid.

The stench of burnt chicken parmesan wafts into the untainted kitchen.

Jacob groans and tries to keep himself from gagging.

It took hours to get the smell out, and now it’s back.

He scrunches his nose and debates forgetting the ritual altogether.

But, he’s made it this far and his deadline is closing in.

With a stuttered breath, Jacob digs the aluminum pan out of the garbage and picks the loose ramen noodles off of it.

He holds it away from himself as he heads back down.

“Seven candles, waxing crescent moon, eight feet below ground, one cup of ice water, and the scraps of a burnt meal.”

Jacob drops the pan on the farthest end of the circle and glances at the grimoire, where another item has been added.

Jacob slowly turns to face it.

“The feathers of a canary.”

He presses his lips together.

A canary?

Where on Earth would he find a canary at this time of—

A face pops into his mind.

Jacob takes his time getting to his feet.

He picks up the grimoire and sets off.

“You want what?” Carmen yawns.

Jacob points at the page in his grimoire.

Carmen reads off the list items. “Seven candles, waxing crescent...water...burnt meal...and the feathers of a canary.”

She looks at Jacob.

He tries to smile at her.

“Wait here.”

He relaxes.

Carmen shuts her door.

Jacob closes the grimoire with his finger on the page to his ritual.

He glances up at the moon.

She peers back down at him.

He exhales and looks back at Carmen’s door.

He taps his foot.

A mosquito flies right past him.

Another buzzes in his ear.

He flinches and shakes his head.

It flies away and into the night.

Carmen’s door swings open again.

She holds out a couple small yellow feathers.

Jacob scoops them up and looks closely at them.

Bits of vegetables are stuck to them.

He looks at Carmen.

“I got them out the bottom of Cheese Puff’s cage. I’m not plucking him for you.”

He looks at the feathers again.

“Are they alright?”

He nods at her.

“Great. Next time you do a ritual, read the ingredients before you start.”

Jacob’s eyes widen and Carmen shuts her door.

He huffs and turns away.

Cheese Puff’s vibrant feathers sit neatly against the charred chicken parm in the circle.

Jacob closes his eyes and opens the grimoire on his lap.

A beat passes.

He slowly peeks at the words on the page.

He hangs his head and shuts his eyes.

He looks at the book again.

The new item sits tauntingly at the bottom of the list.

“The seeds of a tomato.”

He puts the book to the side and stands again.

This has to be the last item.

Jacob makes his way up the stairs, into the kitchen, and opens the fridge.

An overripe tomato stares down at him from the top shelf.

He snatches it and shuts the fridge door.

He holds the tomato over the sink and digs his thumbs into the too-soft flesh. The juice inside is cold as it spills over his hands. Its tiny seeds are exposed to the world.

Jacob puts the tomato down and grabs a generous number of paper towels.

He wipes his hands off and scoops up the tomato.

He heads down into the basement again.

He plops the tomato between the half-melted candles and drops himself in front of them.

Jacob exhales slowly and picks up the grimoire.

His eyes jump to the end of the list.

“The seeds of a tomato.”

He clenches his jaw.

Wait…

He reads it again.

Then once more to be sure.

He reads through the whole list.

“Seven candles, waxing crescent moon, eight feet below ground, one cup of ice water, the scraps of a burnt meal, the feathers of a canary, and the seeds of a tomato.”

He quickly reads the ritual’s instructions.

His muse can be summoned.

Finally, after so long.

Jacob can finally write again.

[sakurawolfcat]

Toward the end of June, I deleted my Tumblr due to harassment. I should have just taken a break or deactivated it since I chose to come back. Shocking, considering my feelings toward this place. I was upset because one of the people who has issues with me over things I said/did/believed four years ago, came up with the wild accusation that I was lying about my mom and brother's place catching on fire. I was less hurt that anyone would believe that and more upset that...Wow. There are actually people in this world who would lie about such things?

Here's an update on that, though. It was mostly me doing all the cleanup. My mom and brother work most of the time, though she tries to help on her days off. Dad couldn't be around the smoke smell due to his weakened lungs from cancer treatments. He also couldn't do much because of the heat. Temps over 85F/29C take a toll on him. But I managed to get their portion of the house thrown away. It took about seven four-foot dumpsters and fourteen small trash cans.

The next step is to knock down the roof on that side of the house, and then we get to focus on the other side. Yeah, all of that time and energy for one half. Well, plus cleaning out the basement. Everything down there had water damage from the firefighters putting it out.

I've been hyper-fixated on Diablo IV this season. I got Tormented Grigorie down half last night (in two minutes, lol), so I've got a bit of a way to go, but I'm almost there! I also FINALLY beat the Raiden Training in Genshin, so I can move on in the storyline. And I've got 5200 Primos saved up so far for Mavuika!

Twitch Studio on my PC stopped working, so I had to find something else. I'm now using Prism Live, which lets me stream on up to six sites for free. So now you can find me on Kick, Twitch, and YouTube as SakuraWolf23!

I did, in fact, switch my Facebook gaming page over to also include crocheting and drawing, as I'm going to let SakuraWolf23 be the name I'm recognized by in those communities as well. Not much crocheting has been posted yet, but there will be as soon as I have more free time and energy to return to it.

I'm still streaming on Mon/Fri nights at 5.30 PST, but I hope to return to my MWF schedule soon or add a fourth day! Maybe even an every-two-day thing or something. I just enjoy it a lot and want to do it more.

Currently working on the next chapter of my Guardians of Sanctuary fanfic. You can still find me as SamanthaNBishop on Archive of our Own and Wattpad, but I decided to reactivate my Quotev, so I'm there as well now. I let go of Reedsy after reading more into their terms and conditions. But I'll still use the prompts there to get ideas.

While away from here, I polished up four short stories. I still have about ten more to revise and ten or so to write, and then I'll be looking to publish my first short story collection!

I'll also restart my thing, where I share my opinions about books, movies, games, etc. Interesting parts, life lessons, or scenes that evoke a strong emotion in me. Thinking of calling it Magical New World or something similar just to have the acronym MNW.

At the moment, I can't think of anything else I need to update on or speak about. So I guess that's it. Sorry for the long post!

[renee-writer]

Never Like This

Written for a Reedsy Prompt: End the story with someone saying, 'I Do.'

“Not like this,” she thinks to herself as she prepares for her wedding, “never like this.”.

She has dreamed of this day since she was a little girl. Back then, people were married for love, or so her romantic heart firmly believed. Most probably were.

No one, well, almost no one, saw this coming. A reduction in population was so severe that the governments around the world took over. 

It started small. Posters and advertising encouraging childbirth. The  abortion centers, those that remained, were closed. A good thing. It did start out that way.

Her government gave incentives for each child born. Still, the population kept falling. Her graduating class was only twenty -five. It became a crisis.

It wasn't that people didn't want to have children. It was that most couldn't. Years of preservatives and pesticides have taken their toil. All types of thought safe meditation was found to cause sterility. Vaccines as well.

Important people got together and tried to figure out what to do. That is when the mass testing began. She was in highschool when her blood was drawn. One of the lucky ones, she is found to be fertile.

“So, there is nothing to do but match those that are able to conceive with others that likewise can,” the president says from behind his podium. She watches with her mom and dad, unaware that her life is about to change forever, “every fertile young person shall be matched with another in their 19th year. I know this goes against our cherished freedom. To keep our nation, this world, alive, it must be done.”

She looks to her parents, who stare wide eyed at the screen. She can taste the metallic fear that floods her mouth. 

“Does this mean? It does, doesn't it? I will be…” Running to the toilet, she is sick. Tears mingle with the sour sick on her lips. Her mom comes in.

“Darling.” Her arms feel safe, like home. The smell of the honey vanilla from her hair is soothing. As is the way she is rocked, back and forth like she was as a baby.

“Kelly, he isn't… He told me after the tests. Oh mama!” She weeps helplessly against her. She rocks harder, unable to heal her broken heart.

“I won't do it! I will run away. We can run away together.” His hand is sweaty in hers. They met up the day after that awful announcement. Grief hangs heavy around them. The smell of the roses that line the park brings to mind a funeral.

“Amy, you can't. There is nowhere to go. This is everywhere.”

“The woods. We can go deep in them. Hide away. Grow a garden and hunt.” Her eyes flash and he knows she has never looked so beautiful. He also knows that this is the last time he will see her.

“I love you. Remember that. I love you but you must marry someone you can have children with,” She starts to jerk her hands away and he tightens his grip, “I hate it. This is bigger than us. It is a way to save the world.”

“Screw the world!” 

His smile doesn't reach his eyes. “That we could. You know I am right.” 

She looks away, out over the park. It should be full of children and their parents. One lone child is being pushed on the swing set. She sighs and turns back. He is the love of her life. She has dreamed of marrying him for years. Now she knows she never will.

“You are,” her eyes fill with tears, “it isn't fair.”

“No, it isn't.” He kisses her, tasting her tears before he stands and walks away. It will be the last time she sees him.

She is protected. Taken out of school to finish at home, a teacher and nurse come by daily. One to educate and one to make sure she is healthy. 

A regiment of special vitamins are started. Everything she eats is approved by the government. She swallows the vitamins and her grief every morning. Eats the super healthy foods and her disappointment with every meal. 

A year later, he is presented to her. They see each other.

“I am Daniel.” She takes his offered hand with no enthusiasm. His grip is strong. 

“Amy. I love Kelly but he…” a sigh that comes from her soul, “so, we are to be wed.”

“Amy,” he says with extreme tenderness, “mine is Jane. I understand.” 

It helps that understanding. They have a month to get to know each other. Days sitting on couches and porches, walking around, shopping and talking. Nights talking under the stars, laying beside each other to get used to the feeling.

“Did you and Jane?” She asks one night, three weeks in. She rests against his chest, the sound of his heart under her head.

“No, we discussed it. It would have been too painful,” a harsh laugh, “more painful. You and Kelly?”

She shakes her head and her hair tickles his nose. “Same.” 

They both sigh. 

“It will be alright. The act, I mean. I have read the material they provided.”

She laughs. Unable to stop, she goes into hysteria as he stares at her. After a few choking gasps, she is calm enough to talk. 

“Sorry. It is just the idea,” another giggle escapes, “of the government explaining how to,” her laughter builds again, “do something humans have been doing forever.”

They both laugh helplessly. It helps that laughter. 

A week later 

Her mom adjusts the veil. “You are beautiful. I know this isn't how you planned this. Daniel is a good man.”

“Yes, just not the one,” A quick shake of her head, “sorry. You're right. I am sure there will be marriages of people that don't get along at all. Even hate each other. For what it is, I am blessed.”

“You are.”

Her dad comes in. He takes her arm. They walk down the aisle. She manages a smile for her groom. Their guests include the representative from the government. He watches carefully as she says, “I do.”

[keep-writing]

moon dust (originally written for Reedsy Prompt)

As much as it’s horrifying, watching the silver Moon fall apart is a beautiful sight. The way its shine slowly dies, and the surface cracks into pieces, falling from each other.

A girl stands on top of the stairs, her armor lays behind her as she sheds it, running up to the peak. Chest falls heavily, she tries to catch her breath, too enticed by the scene in front of her. Palm tingles with magic, begging to be let loose.

She could-… no. She must try.

One last glance at her palm, an intricate purple tattoo looks back at her, the lines precise and clean. It shines with a gentle glow, but as another rupture appears on the Moon, the symbol’s glimmer fades.

“Violet, what are you doing?!” A scream cuts through the wind.

Violet turns to find a woman standing a few steps away from her, at the bottom of the stairs. She wears a similar armor to hers, the one lying on the ground. Well-crafted silver and purple, decorated with symbols of the Seven Moons and the stars. Silver locks spill around her neck, long gone from the strict bun she usually wears.

She tries to take another step forward.

“Rina, don’t!” Violet commands, her voice shrieking with something unsettling.

Her lilac eyes move between the woman and the Moon. Palm pushed against her chest, her skin tingling under the warmness emitting from the vibrant symbol.

She takes a step towards the raised Statue at the end of the stairs. The Statue depicts a woman, cupping her hands in front of her, holding up what seems to be a purple orb, floating. Her eyes look towards the sky. Vines have woven their way around the Statue, the rock slate in front of it cracked and unused, beaten up by the weather.

“Stay away from me, Rina!” Violet warns her again, slowly inching towards the Statue. “This is too dangerous for you!”

As she nears the Statue, the orb comes to life. It slowly spins around itself, purple and blue swirls on the inside.

Rina stands there, for only a moment, hesitating. “Me?” A scoff. “You are the one who stands at the sacrificial altar!” She points at the Statue accusingly.

“You don’t…. It’s…” Violet averts her eyes away from the Statue to look at the woman again. “I’m the only one who can stop this. I can save the last Moon, I can save Celestia.”

Her voice is filled with hope, the kind that reminds Rina of a child, instead of a Moon Priestess who spent her life defending dynasties and magic. Ignoring the pleas of Violet, she takes the next stair.

The world around them slowly falls apart. The once grand and proud Temple of the Seventh Moon is nothing but ruins, it burns with black and thick clouds as the structure has fallen into itself. In the distance, the wind carries the screams and pleas of the people, the glide of magic, and the destruction it brings with itself. Blue and red shrouds of the tall trees shake with vigor while the wind runs through between them.

It all fell silent for Violet.

She reaches for the orb, and like a magnet, it draws her towards it.

A few inches and she could fulfill her destiny, the one that was never trusted upon her, yet she has picked it up and carried it through her life.

Expect, Rina’s hand clamps on her wrist, and yanks her away. Lilac meets with rosy pink, eyes locked together in a silent battle.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Rina screams over the wind. “How could you? The Guardians are long gone, slaughtered!”

“Not everyone,” Violet says, it sounds like a whisper against the storm that has gathered around them.

“What are you-”

Violet shows her palm, glowing and thrumming with magic, and it gathers around it slowly, then releases in small waves. The symbol that has always been hidden by her gloves, her hand she has barely used in fights, instead learning to wield the sword in her left hand.

“This can’t be… How…” Words stuck in her throat, she takes a step back, dropping Violet’s hand. “You’ve lied to me… You’ve lied to all of us!” She pushes Violet away. “How could you? How could you stay silent when we needed you?! Why now? Why not when the First Moon has fallen, or the Second?! Why now Violet?!”

Rina screams at her, her body shaking, anger flushing her cheeks. Violet says nothing, she stares at the woman, watching as her rosy eyes fill with tears, and they roll down her cheeks.

Without another word, Violet lunges forward and hugs Rina, weaving her arms around her. “I’m sorry…” She whispers. “I’m sorry…. I’m sorry.”

“You let our word be destroyed.” Rina’s voice sounds muffled against Violet's shoulders. “You caused this…”

“I know.”

“You killed all of them, without doing anything… You killed them.”

“I know…” She bites back her own cries.

Violet lets go of Rina, touching her forehead gently. Slender fingers frame her cheeks, and when she opens her eyes, she sees Rina looking at her.

There’s an unspoken promise between the two, just like on the first night they confessed to each other many years ago. A promise that will never be fulfilled: I want to stay with you forever.

“I’m sorry, Rina.” Violet closes her eyes once more, pressing her lips now to Rina’s forehead. “Go, please.”

Rina slowly lets go, fingers trailing her shoulders, arms, and hand. She takes every detail of her face, wanting to remember every mole, the small smile lines around Violet’s lips, the scar on her eyebrows, the freckles scattered all around her face. The way her black hair falls into her eyes, and how the blunt cut frames her face.

“I wish…” Her words never come, swallowed by regret and bitterness. “Goodbye, Violet.”

She retreats. Stepping away, her steps are hesitant, slow, and unwilling. Despite the anger she possesses, the tenderness in her heart is stronger. Yet, she still turns her back and walks away, down the stairs and disappearing among the trees.

Violet ignores the way her own heart pangs, ignores the way Rina’s shoulder shakes, and ignores the bitter fantasy of their life together.

The Moon Priestess turns, tattooed hand cradling the orb. The blinding light banishes the storm around her, it takes her whole body in, enveloping her in the glow.

Her entire being, mind, and body have become one with the light. It consumes her, as her body cracks, purple rays escaping through it.

“Take me as your offering, for I exist only to serve you.” The words of the ancient texts echo around her as she speaks.

The light expands.

The Moon in the sky glows with the orb, and magic gathers around it, old and wild, as it holds the falling parts together, mending, and restoring it.

The ancient and feral magic runs through the land, it erases the storm, the suffering, and the disease the destruction of the previous Moons brought with them. It mends the world, not into its previous glory, but into one that can grow and progress. The rives clear from blood, the soil heals from the rot and the sky clears from the cursed clouds.

What it cannot heal, is a grieving heart.

[anumberofhobbies]

Creative writing fun today

Just for fun, here's what I got for our timed writing to prompts exercise at our weekly creative writers group meeting today. Character sounds like they might have a paranoia issue or two. And I swear the only things I was on when writing it were caffeine and sugar from the bakery and coffee shop we meet at! ---------------------------------------------------------------

June 22, 2024 prompts (via Reedsy) Select one or more.

start story with character being followed

character overhears something at a black tie event that puts the night in jeopardy

story about someone participating in a seemingly innocent game that suddenly takes a turn

story about character who sees a photo they shouldn't have seen

story from point of view of a non-human character -------

Okay, yeah, maybe sometimes I'm a little slow on the uptake. But you can't deny you know how it is, you get focused on a task, a mission, a goal, and that focus narrows and your peripheral vision becomes a mere incidental.

But then your gut talks, and it reminds you, “Look around, be vigilant, note the recent increase in incidents of coincidence, things be happenin, mate, things be happenin.”

I'm not the smartest guy on the planet but I'm not the dumbest either, it only took me a few days to see the coincidences, to see the patterns. Recurring people on parallel paths. Unseen neighbors now seen. Bus stop waiters who do not take a bus.

Who knew, or who at least suspected, was a thing I could not say, had no evidence for. But the pattern indicated someone somewhere did suspect, if not outright know. Somewhere up their food chain someone had discerned that I had seen the image, that I had discerned the pattern. And they likely did not like that I had.

What to do, what to do.

Of course the first thing to was disrupt or even better dissolve my own patterns with a deliberate introduction of apparently random entropy.

What was I unlikely to do? Ah, this corner has the tram to the zoo. I need to experience the butterfly house today.

Now, what otherwise apparently aimless ambler crosses the street to this tram stop?

I glance this way and that. Seemingly scanning the boulevard for approaching trams, returning my gaze to the schedule board between scans. I am just a passenger passing time on my day off. The zoo is cheap, I am not rich. The zoo is popular either with family or alone. Who parallels me in that population percentage patronizing the place. Someone must, that is the pattern.

And yet I am aware that they can break pattern too. That's the thing when you know things someone with power rathers you did not.

I must be, must do, the random amblings of near madman driven to the edge by the daily grind of mediocrity, not the purposeful pursuits of the whistle blower seeking greater good. I must show no path, no pattern, no predictability. They must always be scrambling to catch up to me, not me thrashing to get free from them.

Everybody buys a soda. I do not stand out while standing in line for a soda. Who notices me then immediately comes to likewise buy refreshment? It is that timing which decides the following, not the general similarity of endeavor. --------------------------------------------- But, hey, remember, a conspiracy theory is only just a theory until it actually happens. ;D

[bookpublisher1]

Building Your Author Toolbox: Essential Tools for Every Stage of the Writing Journey

The path to becoming a published author is an exciting adventure, but it's also one that requires preparation. Just like any skilled craftsperson needs the right tools, authors too, benefit from a well-stocked toolbox. From the initial spark of an idea to the final polished manuscript, the tools you choose can significantly impact your writing journey.

This blog post delves into the essential tools you'll need at each stage of the writing process, whether you're aiming for traditional publishing or self-publishing. We'll explore tools to help you brainstorm, research, draft, edit, revise, publish, and even market your work.

Pre-Writing: Spark Your Creativity and Lay the Foundation

The journey begins before you even put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!). This is where you brainstorm ideas, develop characters, and build the groundwork for your story. Here are some tools to ignite your creativity:

Mind Mapping Software: Tools like Miro or Coggle allow you to visually map out ideas, characters, and plot points. This helps you see the bigger picture, identify potential connections, and organize your thoughts.

Character Development Tools: Apps like Character Profile or The Novelist Game offer prompts and exercises to flesh out your characters' personalities, motivations, and backstories.

Writing Prompts: Websites like Reedsy or Daily Prompts provide writing prompts to spark your imagination and overcome writer's block.

Are you thinking about using ChatGPT to write a book? Here's what you should know

Research: Uncover the Details and Bring Your World to Life

A well-researched story adds depth and realism. Whether you're writing historical fiction, fantasy, or a contemporary novel with a specific setting, these tools can help:

Online Databases: Academic databases like JSTOR or online library resources are invaluable for factual research. Sites like Wikipedia (use with caution and verify information) can also be a starting point.

Citation Management Software: Tools like Zotero or Mendeley help you organize research materials, create bibliographies, and avoid plagiarism.

Historical Archives: Many libraries and historical societies have online archives with digitized documents, photographs, and other resources.

Drafting: Put Your Words on the Page and Build Your Narrative

Now it's time to start crafting your story! Here are some tools to help you get those words flowing:

Writing Software: Choosing the right writing software depends on your preferences. Popular options include Scrivener, a program specifically designed for novelists, or Microsoft Word and Google Docs, which offer basic writing tools and collaboration features.

Distraction-Free Modes: Many writing applications offer distraction-free modes that hide menus and notifications, allowing you to focus solely on your writing.

Outlining Tools: Most writing software has built-in outlining features. You can also use dedicated outlining tools like Aeon Timeline for more complex narratives.

Editing and Revising: Polish Your Prose and Refine Your Story

Once your first draft is complete, the editing and revision phase begins. This is where you refine your writing, identify structural issues, and polish your prose.

Grammar and Style Checkers: Tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid help with grammar, punctuation, and style errors. Remember, these tools are not a substitute for your own editing skills.

Plagiarism Checkers: Services like Copyscape help ensure your work is original and avoid unintentional plagiarism.

Beta Readers: Connect with beta readers who can provide constructive feedback on your plot, pacing, and characters. Online communities or writer's groups can be great resources for finding beta readers.

Check out these 9 Must-Have Book Editing Software for Writers (Paid & Free)

Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing: Taking Your Work to the World

The final stage involves getting your work published. Here, the tools you need will depend on your chosen route:

Self-Publishing:

Formatting Software: Tools like Vellum or Calibre help you format your manuscript for different eBook platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Apple Books.

Cover Design Tools: Canva or Adobe Spark offer user-friendly templates to create professional-looking book covers, even without graphic design experience. Use Free tools for Book Title Ideas, to help you with book titles

eBook Creation Platforms: Platforms like KDP allow you to upload your formatted manuscript, set your price, and distribute your eBook to a global audience.

Traditional Publishing:

Query Tracker Apps: Track your query submissions to literary agents with tools like QueryTracker.net.

Submission Management Software: Services like Submittable streamline the submission process to literary journals and publishers.

Beyond the Basics: Tools for Your Authorial Journey (Continued)

Time Management Tools: Apps like RescueTime or Focus Keeper track your writing time and help you identify areas for improvement. These tools can be particularly helpful in overcoming procrastination.

Focus Apps: Software like Freedom or Forest helps minimize distractions by blocking social media and other websites for set periods, allowing you to focus on your writing.

Speech-to-Text Software: Tools like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or Google Docs' dictation feature can be helpful for composing first drafts or overcoming physical limitations with typing.

Building Your Author Platform and Connecting with Readers

Publishing your book is just one step. Marketing your work and connecting with readers is crucial for success. Here are some tools to help you build your author platform:

Social Media Management Platforms: Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer allow you to schedule social media posts across various platforms, saving you time and effort.

Email Marketing Tools: Services like Mailchimp or ConvertKit help you build an email list and send engaging newsletters to keep your readers informed and engaged.

Author Website Builders: Platforms like Wix or Squarespace offer user-friendly website templates specifically designed for authors, allowing you to showcase your work, connect with readers, and offer additional content like blog posts or excerpts.

Embrace the Learning Curve

The world of writing tools is constantly evolving. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Remember, the most important tool in your toolbox is your own creativity and dedication. Here are some additional tips for navigating the world of author resources:

Read Reviews and Comparisons: Before investing in any tool, research it thoroughly. Read online reviews and comparisons to see if it aligns with your needs and budget.

Start Free: Many tools offer free trial periods or freemium versions with limited features. Take advantage of these to test out their functionalities before committing.

Join Online Communities: Connect with other authors online through forums, social media groups, or writing conferences. These communities are great places to share experiences, ask for recommendations, and learn from others.

By equipping yourself with the right tools at each stage of your writing journey, you can streamline your workflow, polish your manuscript, and take your story from concept to publication. Remember, the author's toolbox is constantly evolving, so embrace new technologies and resources as they emerge. With dedication, the right tools, and a dash of inspiration, you too can turn your writing dreams into reality.

Bonus Tip: Consider attending writing workshops or online courses specifically designed to teach you about writing tools and resources. These can be a great way to learn new skills and discover tools you might not have otherwise known about.

This blog post has explored a variety of tools to equip you throughout your writing adventure. Remember, the most powerful tool remains your own passion for storytelling. With dedication and the right resources at your disposal, you can craft compelling narratives and embark on a successful authorial journey.

[thecosmicminds-blog]

Nothing To Her

(A short original story by me, inspired by a #reedsy prompt)

The chocolate-skinned girl sunk deeper into the tub, eyes shut and breaths ragged. The heat from the water combined with the heavy weight in her chest had her drowning in the tiled room. As the steam rose her vision got blurry, the misty white tiles transformed into a steely grey metal room.

Empty, cold and lifeless, a warm voice broke the silence. "What are you?"

"What?"

"What are you?" the voice asked again, louder and less gentler than before.

"A person?" the girl sad questionably.

"What are you?!" the voice boomed.

"A girl," she responded.

"What are you!!"

"A daughter"

"WHAT ARE YOU!?" the warm voice was no longer, instead it was replaced by a chilly, high shriek.

"NOTHING!" she yelled back in a strained voice.

"I'm nothing," she repeated as if to remind herself that truth.

Laughter erupted, the kind of laughter people throw towards a blind naive person. Mocking laughter. Laughter of the high and mighty or as some would say, laughter of a bully.

Laughter that has echoed throughout that girls' life, was now echoing within that room.

She felt suffocated. Panicky. Anxious.

Doing the only thing she knows how, she curled up into a ball and cried.

Her crying turned into screams.

Screaming from the depth of her chest, nothing but muffled sobs left her.

The harder she wept, the more her lungs burned.

Soon she didn't know what her sobs were for, the taunting laughter or the suffocating burns?

It carried on for what felt like hours, and as if she was settling back home, she became numb.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The chocolate skinned girl emerged from the water gasping for air.

"You've been in there for too long! Hurry Up! What are you?!" the voice on the other side of the door yelled.

The voice.

THAT voice.

'"I'm sorry mum, I'm coming out now," she said absentmindedly, almost robotic.

She took deep breaths to even her breathing, completely ignorant to the laughter outside targeted towards her. A joke made about her no doubt.

The once steaming hot water was now ten times cooler, lukewarm. Her chest now as light as a feather and a pounding headache from the sauna-like room. In front of the mirror she wiped away the mist and stared at her reflection.

Eyes dull.

Lips straight.

Her chocolate complexion had a tint of red from the heat.

An empty shell she was again, emptying all her emotions in the tub routinely.

"Smile," she whispered to herself before plastering on a grin.

"You don't want to disappoint her."