Comments on: 10 Resources for Diversifying Your Writing Skills

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 19:22:22 +0000

Chuck, that's terrible. I'm sorry to hear the experience was so bad. Have you thought of pushing that complaint up the food chain? Might do them good to know she's not leaving a very good impression.

Thanks for the info on Brandon Sanderson! Happy to hear about another great resource.

By: ChuckB

ChuckB — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 01:57:02 +0000

On to a more positive contribution to your blog.

I've discovered Brandon Sanderson, a University of Utah writing professor who's entire class on writing has been videotaped by a student and published on YouTube. He's a kick to watch and listen to. Free, too.

By: ChuckB

ChuckB — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 01:44:29 +0000

Personally after my recent experience I'd shy away from anything WD has to say or sell. Unfortunately my experience was with one individual who kindly let me know she was holding all the trump cards. When I asked for my money back it took her two weeks to reply to that email and her response was the deadline for refunds had passed, so no bananas. There is one guy, and I won't name names, but he's an editor on the on-line side of the equation who is worth his weight in gold and my communication with him prior to my turning over my credit card number was great. Unfortunately, he has nothing to do with their course offerings.

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:17:58 +0000

Chuck, that's good to know. Maybe that's why I don't do paid webinars -- I tried one that was just awful. Have you tried their free webinars?

John, great point. I'd love to take advantage of more TED talks. There are lots of raves for them.

So do I, Kimberly! At some point, I'll have to just insist that people wait until I get a vacation. :)

By: ChuckB

ChuckB — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:43:23 +0000

Good morning, Lori,

Great list of resources. Last year I attempted to take a couple of the Writers Digest online courses only to find that what glitters is not gold and to say the least they really left me with bitter feelings about what could have been a positive experience, needless to say the money I invested could have been better spent. Chuck

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 14:34:12 +0000

This is an amazing list, Lori. Really good stuff. I hope you get the chance to recharge your batteries on what sounds like a much needed vacation!

By: John Soares

John Soares — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 00:42:36 +0000

Lori, I'm honored to make your list!

I've been listening to lots of TED talks lately, both as mp3s and via the TED channel that's on my Roku. Most don't directly address writing, but they do address business and life.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 20:57:43 +0000

Happy to have both you ladies on the list, Susan and Lexi! You're both quite inspiring.

Lexi, I figured you weren't, but I thought your existing stuff was great.

Susan, thanks! I'll check that one out.

Devon, I can't get enough of Coursera. Mind you, I'm not into taking the same courses I took in college, but I love exploring the ones I missed! That means I have time to leisure over the Humanities stuff. :)

Paula, the courses aren't quite like that. You can work to get the certificate or you can just follow along and not do a lick of work.

By: Susan Johnston

Susan Johnston — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 18:40:24 +0000

Thanks so much for including me, Lori!

I'd like to add another resource that I've found invaluable: the Reynolds Center for Business Journalism. (Website is http://bizjournalism.org/) They have an excellent blog with tons of great ideas for business stories and their free webinar series is fantastic! I've learned so much from both.

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:04:08 +0000

One day I'll need to look into Coursera, but not in the same week that I had the dreaded it's-time-for-finals-and-I-forgot-I-was-even-in-this-class nightmare. It always feels so real.

I try to approach writing the same way I approach knitting: I want to learn something new from each project or client. If you keep your eyes, ears and mind open, you'll learn no matter where you are or who you're with.