What’s on the iPod: Empire by Trampled by Turtles
Finally — a relaxing weekend. I spent Saturday doing errands and spending time with my youngest. Sunday, we went out for caffeine in the morning and spent some time exploring our town.
Since this is a week traditionally spent with family, this will be my only post until next week. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t have some good stuff. This post is all about good stuff. Great stuff, in fact, as the title suggests. Here are links to things just for us writers — books, blogs, apps, and more. By no means is this to be considered a finite list. If you know of a great resource, let me know and I’ll list it.
In no particular order, here are my favorites:
Books
If I haven’t read it, you won’t see it here. I say that so you don’t pass up a particular book on the mistaken assumption that I don’t like it enough to list it. I’m just keeping the list real to my own experience. Here are the books I’ve read this year that I think every writer needs to own:
LinkedIn and Lovin’ It. Friend and fellow writer Susan Johnston has made it easy for your to capitalize on your LinkedIn profile. From setting up your profile to gain the most impact to using LI as a research source for companies and clients, it’s all here.
The Science, Art and Voodoo of Freelance Pricing and Getting Paid. Sometimes we get hung up on the price, even when we know what we’re charging. No need anymore — chum Jake Poinier has put together a fun, can’t-fail guide to coming up with that price and knowing what to do when negotiating. Even veteran writers can learn something in this book — I sure did.
The Freelancer’s Bible. Beginning writers, here’s that guide you’ve been wanting — you know, the one that answers your questions and sets you on the right career path. Freelancers Union founder Sara Horowitz has given you a roadmap to success. Everything from setting up your office to building safety nets is covered.
The Well-Fed Writer. It’s not a new book, but it’s a must-have book. In fact, I’d say just
buy everything Peter Bowerman writes. Great stuff from a great person who has demonstrated the success of his advice through action.
Blogs
For me, a great writing blog has to talk about our craft in a way that teaches, inspires, or invites discussion. I follow lots of blogs that are more in keeping with the origins of blogging — to journal online. I didn’t include those as they’re more personal and less of a resource, which is fine. There’s room in the world for all sorts of writing and ideas. But as a resource, this list won’t include those.
Well-Fed Writer blog. For the same reason I recommend his books, I recommend Peter’s blog. Here’s someone who brings new ideas and scenarios to us each post. Peter creates a great dialogue around each topic, which is the reason why this blog rocks — ideas are shared openly for all to benefit from.
Dear Dr. Freelance. You can’t help but like Jake Poinier, and his blog is no different. Jake gives us a fresh perspective by describing what he’s seeing in his career mirror and in many cases, by turning the mirror on us. Some of my favorite posts include the “Why you need a go-to-hell fund” and “When freelancer is the other ‘F’ word”.
Simply Stated Business. I’m a Cathy Miller fan. She is one of the quadruplet threat that make up my offline support group, and she’s a super-savvy business mind. Her MillerCathy.com blog is like talking to a friend over coffee, but her SimplyStatedBusiness blog is the meat-and-potatoes of freelancing.
The Urban Muse. You see a lot of repeats from book authors to blogs because these are people who understand how to build audience and deliver the goods. Susan Johnston is no different. Her blog is an offering of the best in writing advice and interviews with experts and authors. You’ll learn something great here. Plus her face appeared in lights in what looks like downtown Manhattan. How many people do you know who can claim that?
Resources
Resources include those places and things that seem to include nearly anything you could need to start and run your business. Here are my favorites:
All Indie Writers. To list this site, by good friend Jenn Mattern, as just a blog is a ludicrous notion. So I’ll say this — her blog is just one particular facet of a phenomenal site. When Jenn decided recently to combine her love of freelancing, blogging, and indie publishing into one package, she raised the bar to ridiculous heights. Start with the blog, but don’t forget to look into the forum, articles, guides, and all this site has to offer.
Get Paid to Write Online. Oh, you think it’s just a blog. But Sharon Hurley Hall (a super person and good friend) has put together a neat gathering of people and advice. Sharon runs a great blog, but she has also put together a terrific resource that begins at the Start Here tab, designed to get new writers up and running. Plus she offers e-books, both free and for a small fee, that answer those questions about online writing.
About Writing Squared/5 Buck Forum. Full disclosure: until recently, I was co-founder of this writing site dedicated to offering support and resources to writers at all career levels. I still think it’s the best bargain in town — for $5 a month, you’re rubbing shoulders with working, successful writers and getting discounts on some terrific courses and e-books.
Coursera.org.If you want to expand your writing potential, start by expanding your knowledge. When a local chum told me about Coursera a few years ago, I signed up right away. Now I’m a Coursera junkie, having just finished my second round of a modern poetry course. Free online education from top universities around the globe. Yes, free.
Apps
Every time I find a new app, be it writing-related or not, I want to share it, but with whom? Then I remember I have a blog….
Glympse. I’m a total Glympse addict. Glympse allows you to share your location with anyone you designate, and the recipient gets a live, moving update of where you are, including your driving speed, etc. Great for when someone can’t reach you by cell phone (if you’re driving), and is waiting for you.
Project Timer. For going on six years, this has been my go-to timer for all projects. Open it, select a project, hit Start. That’s it. You can pin it to the top of your work to see your progress, or just let it run behind the scenes.
eBuddy.com. I try to keep my chat to one program, but sometimes you have multiple messages going at the same time. Welcome to eBuddy, a great little app that lets you switch among MSN, GTalk, Facebook and other chat programs. One password versus seven? Count me in.
AutoCrit. Need a first edit on that draft but aren’t ready to show it to the world yet? Give it to AutoCrit. I don’t advocate using this as your only source of editorial support (that would be stupid), but it can help you spot the more glaring errors.
Tape-a-Talk. For your Android. It’s brilliant — know when you need that tape recorder but weren’t thinking you needed a tape recorder? This app records for you. It’s saved me a few times.
What great stuff are you willing to share?
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