Resourceful Writer

At a recent Rockville Writers Group meeting we started talking about who our characters are physical description, character traits, what motivates them - the sort of things an FBI profiler might put together. I've sat down, scratched my head a while and created profiles for my major characters lots of times. But often wondered just how much do I need to know about my protagonist, my villain? So, like any curious and somewhat-computer-literate ink-stained mere mortal, I discovered not to my great surprise there are tons of FREE online resources to help do that and lots, lots more.

How many times have you been stuck for a story idea? Wouldn't it be helpful to have a directory of inspirational articles, stories and exercises to keep you motivated? How about help beating the dreaded writer's block Just let your mouse do the looking, I say.

And in hopes that some of my favorite websites might come in handy, here are a few you may want to visit.

http://www.thewriterssite.com/ - Writing tips, writing resources, places to get published, writing blogs, self-publishing, and more.

http://www.internet-resources.com/writers/ - Writing links & links for writers' resources on the web and more. Writer's Digest listed this one as one of the 101 best websites for writers.

http://www.fictionfactor.com/links.html - An online magazine for fiction writers. This site has something for just about everyone.

http://fictionwriting.about.com/ A place for fiction writers to learn about the business and craft of making a living as a professional author. It is loaded with good advice for beginners and seasoned writers as well.

And if you have favorites of your own, please feel free to send them along. Writers need all the help we can get, you know.

~Dave Autry