Recommended Resources
All the resources listed here are ones that I have personally tried and found to be useful for furthering my own writing journey. Any affiliate links will be clearly marked.
Books
Websites and Blogs
Podcasts
Books
Editing Secrets of Best-Selling Authors by Kathy Ide
Who wouldn’t want to be able to self-edit well, be it for fiction or nonfiction? Kathy Ide shares tips for editing your story and your prose that you will be able to implement.
Find it here: Editing Secrets of Best-Selling Authors.
The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
This is a must-have in any fiction writer’s toolbox, especially if you want to write realistic emotions and bring scenes to life in vivid detail.
Find it here: The Emotion Thesaurus.
The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, fourth edition by Robert Hudson
More user-friendly than the Chicago Manual of Style, this book covers the important elements of style in a user-friendly way. This is especially necessary for writers of Christian nonfiction, as it covers many of the important details relating to writing in this niche.
Find it here: The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style.
The Twelve Key Pillars of Novel Construction by C. S. Lakin
Written by an editor and published author, this book takes a close look at twelve vital parts of your story.
Find it here: The Twelve Key Pillars of Novel Construction.
Story by Robert McKee
While I wouldn’t recommend this book for new authors, it is packed with tips and ideas that will help you take your story writing to the next level. While this book focuses on screenplays, many of its principles can be applied to writing fiction.
Find it here: Story.
The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne
This has become one of my all-time favorite books for both the writing and the editing process. The Story Grid introduces a new understanding of genre and also gives you a useful tool that you will be able to use for editing your story.
Find it here: The Story Grid.
Fight Write by Carla Hoch
If you’re writing anything that involves a fight or weapons, then this is a must-have book. Carla Hoch goes into detail about crafting believable fight scenes, walks you through selecting weapons and fight styles for your characters, and unpacks injuries and death. An excellent resource that I will be using with both my writing and editing.
Find it here: Fight Write.
Websites and Blogs
Story Embers blog
Filled with great writing articles as well as encouragement for Christian writers, this is a treasure trove of tips for fiction writing. While you’re there, take a look at their Christian Storyteller’s Manifesto and consider signing your name to it.
Visit it here: Story Embers blog.
The Christian PEN
If you are a Christian editor, then I highly recommend becoming a member of this group of editors. If you are an author, then the list of Silver and Gold members can be an excellent resource for finding your next dream editor.
Visit it here: The Christian PEN.
The PEN Institute
This is, in my opinion, one of the best places to receive training in all levels of editing for both fiction and nonfiction. There are also courses that will benefit writers who do not want to pursue editing as a career but who want to improve their mastery of English.
Visit it here: The PEN Institute.
Christian Editor Connection
This is the place to go to find Christian editors. Their matching service is free to use and is designed to connect authors with editors.
Visit it here: Christian Editor Connection.
Steve Laube blog
Excellent, short, easy-to digest articles on the publishing industry and on writing from one of the leading Christian agents of our time.
Visit it here: Steve Laube blog.
My Story Doctor newsletter
If you are writing fantasy, then David Farland’s insights and tips are ones that you will definitely want to listen to.
Visit it here: My Story Doctor website.
The Story Grid
This is where I go when I am looking for articles on specific genres, but it is worth visiting the discussions on character and other story elements as well. A useful resource for fiction and nonfiction writers alike.
Visit it here: The Story Grid.
Podcasts
Novel Marketing podcast
The longest book-marketing podcast in the world, this is an invaluable asset for anyone wanting to up their marketing game.
Find it here: Novel Marketing podcast.
The Christian Publishing Show
If you are looking to better your writing skills or are interested in learning more about the niche of Christian books, then this is the podcast for you.
Find it here: The Christian Publishing Show.
Ink and Impact
An excellent and encouraging podcast for authors seeking to glorify God in their writing.
Find it here: Ink and Impact podcast.
