Writing Resources

[Ashin Varanin]

We all like to write, so here are some of my favorite resources. Be prepared to spend hours on these -- they're as addictive as TVTropes.

I'll add to this list from time to time, and everyone should feel free to post similar resources or, I dunno, writing questions or whatever.


The Limyaael Rants.

• By Number
• Alphabetized

Legendary for a reason. A complete breakdown of basically every component of writing fantasy and science fiction stories and all things like unto them. This is the place to start. There's something for everyone.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

Jim Butcher's Livejournal

A complete breakdown of plot construction and character creation from a very successful fantasy writer.

I strongly recommend that every RP'er search for the phrase 'Tags and Traits' on that livejournal. It'll change your life.

 

[Asemir]

You won't believe how useful Wikipedia is for writing, especially when you're writing on a subject you may not know much about.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

Is everyone familiar with Brandon Sanderson? He's a skilled prose stylist with a list of fantasy bestsellers as long as your arm. He teachers SF/F creative writing at Brigham Young University. Last year, he let his students videotape the entire semester and post it on YouTube.

I've watched the entire semester, and it is worth it. YouTube links and other resources are available here.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

This Stephen Fry clip about language is a must-watch for any serious prose stylist.

 

[Darren Onyx]

That was all helpful. To be honest I think to RP in general by using text (forum RP) can greatly improve someones writing skills.

The reason why I think this is because you are writing a story with someone else. You could write one thing and then someone else could take that and take it a new way. It just opens a lot of doors and at the same time makes it difficult. It is difficult because you never know when someone is going to join and what someone is going to do, add, take away, ecetra. It just makes you better.

I have always written fan-fictions and stuff like that but I have always had problems with grammar and a few small flaws but since I have joined this site, my writing skills have sharpened.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

This is, to my mind, a pretty decent glimpse into literary criticism -- not the theoretical stuff, but writers versus writers.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

A handy flow chart to defeat writer's block and reignite the muse.

http://imgur.com/gallery/id9czrF

 

[Davin Jusik]

There's a beginner's How To Book on writing Fantasy and Science Fiction by Orson Scott Card at most public libraries and book stores. Excellent tips.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Science-Fiction-Fantasy/dp/158297103X

 

[Sal Katarn]

particularly when it applies to Star Wars tech and fleet knowledge, this is the be all end all:
http://www.scifights.net/SciFights.net/Star_Wars.html

 

[Meret Blackmoon]

thank you

 

[Yasha Cadera]

If you're into quick-read articles, help, workshopping & honing your craft, I thoroughly suggest LitReactor.

I send a LOT of amateur writers there, so they can workshop & educate themselves before they send their manuscripts to me for a professional read.