Current links for writers - September 30

Dual Protagonists? at Fiction Workbench

T3 - Types of Grief, Part 3 at The Character Therapist - Distorted grief and Disenfranchised grief

Polite and long at edittorrent - a short post on polite language

Obsessive Compulsive Editing Disorder (And How to Fight It) by Jeanne Kisacky at Writer Unboxed

If you don’t research your stories, you’re an idiot at Behler Blog

Sept #2: Top 25 Reasons Your Submissions are Rejected at The Blood-Red Pencil - plus 8 of why she'd ask to see more

Method of wrapping carrier pigeons at How to be a Retronaut - WW I & II story detail

Panama Canal fossils reveal ancient collision of worlds at BBC.com - just too cool!

CONTESTS

Glorious celebrations demand free books! at The Magic District

Original Contest delayed.... ...so we'll run a new one in it's place! - at Coffey. Tea. And Literary.

“It’s All About the Characters” Barbara White Daille at Seekerville

Current links for writers - September 29

It's All About The Details by Jane Lebak at QueryTracker

Ambiguous Characters at Mystery Writing is Murder

Character arcs - how characters change at TalkToYoUniverse

The Rule of Two at The Laws of Making - what readers see as significant.

Don't Overuse Names in Dialogue at WordPlay

Talking to Agents and Editors at Conferences at Kidlit.com

Ten Ways to Get the Most from a Writers’ Conference at The Blood-Red Pencil

From Query Letter to Cover Copy by Elana Johnson

A BookEnds Rejection at BookEnds - what a typical (if kind) rejection looks like

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Book Sales and one way to help - at The Roving Editor

Soliciting Elves at AuthorCulture - a new(ish) press is taking submissions for SF/F

Save the Adverbs! at Book Dreaming - LOL!

CONTEST

The Rats are Back - Hilary Wagner and Nightshade City! at Market My Words

Current links for writers - September 28

Better off dead? at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management - Dead parents in YA

Lists for Inspiration and characterization - at Mystery Writing is Murder

Complex sentencing at edittorrent - Double-negative Construction

A Rose By Any Other Name is Still Too Flowery. And Purple. at The Other Side of the Story

Tip Tuesday #56 at Literary Rambles - handling critiques

NaNoWriMo at Paperback Writer

The Importance of a Polished Manuscript - A Guest Blog at Chip MacGregor

More on the series question at Getting Past the Gatekeeper

The boutique query at Behler Blog - Get it right the first time.

Current links for writers - September 27

FtQ chapter on creating tension at Flogging the Quill

Diverting Attention at Mystery Writing is Murder

Quirk Ten at Paperback Writer - Ten Things to Give Your Characters More Character

Writing Nowadays–Why the Pen Name? by Steven Harper Piziks at Book View Cafe

Professional Address at Gabrielle Edits - about your email address

Do some agents give up if a manuscript doesn't sell in the first round of submissions? at Ask a Literary Agent

Demystifying the Mystical Art of Negotiation at Authorial, agently and personal ramblings

Marketing 101: You and Your Marketing Manager at The Roving Editor

Coordinating a book blog tour: Dotting your Rs and Crossing your… Rs by Crystal Patriarche at Writer Unboxed

Working Social Media at BookEnds

Monday Guest Blogging Post by Regan Leigh at GotYA - Why Adult Women Connect with Young Adult Books

Among my people at Behler Blog - Have you ever noticed that people don’t understand your writerly life?

CONTESTS

Birthday Contest! at * Fiction Groupie * - win Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran or a 5 page critique

Trish Perry's The Perfect Blend Review and Giveaway! at The Character Therapist

Current links for writers - September 26

Banned Books Week: “Put her in the fire!” by Sherwood Smith at Book View Cafe

HIGH CONCEPT BOOKS at Help! I Need a Publisher! - What is high-concept?

So your character's "insane" - what does that mean? at TalkToYoUniverse

#179-FTW at Query Shark - a query that works for agent Janet Reid

Ever wanna know… at Behler Blog - just because it's too cool.
Short video: Bach Duo dance on a giant keyboard.

Current links for writers - September 25

Pacing Dialogue and Action Scenes -- Your Story at Your Speed by Holly Lisle

One Big Reason Agents are Hard to Come By--Time at Mystery Writing is Murder

Literary agents open the door to self-published writers at The Book Deal

5 Things I Learned After Publication by Jenny Nelson at Writer Unboxed

Current links for writers - September 24

Specificity in Setting at Kidlit.com

DEVELOPING CHARACTERS at Seekerville

Find Your Plot Fridays: All That Glimmers Could Be Plot at The Other Side of the Story

Revisions, revisions – button your raincoat at Behler Blog

Readerhoods at Paperback Writer

Current links for writers - September 23

250 Chances at The Other Side of the Story - the critical first page of your novel

Fixing Problems at Seekerville - Characterization and dialogue, and a writer's book contest

Cussing tips at The Blood-Red Pencil

T3 - Types of Grief, Part 2 by Jeannie Campbell at The Character Therapist - Conflicted grief and Chronic grief

5 Questions That Always Surprise Me When I Write a Book at Mystery Writing is Murder

In Defense of Dead/Absent Parents in Children's Literature by Nathan Bransford

I Did What?! at Book Dreaming - the importance of crit partners

Pitching part of a series at Getting Past the Gatekeeper - different advice than I usually read

Thrillers and Mysteries: Compelling and Enticing by Deren Hansen at The Laws of Making

When do you prefer to find out that a writer was formerly represented by another agent? at Getting Past the Gatekeeper

Hostility, Mr. Konrath? I think not at Behler Blog

App Goes PBW at Paperback Writer - with a hilarious definition of "editor"

Current links for writers - September 22

It's About Time at edittorrent - more on prologues, and why they do or don't work

Favorites at Mystery Writing is Murder - another way to get to know your characters

Intimacy and Invasion at TalkToYoUniverse

Re-Write Wednesday: Oh, What Now? at The Other Side of the Story

Pointers from the Pros: Agent and Author Donald Maass on Great Fiction (Pt. II) at My Daytime Drama

Tools of the trade – MS Word at Behler Blog

Do Political Beliefs Impact Representation at BookEnds

Why, Oh Why, Did I Get Rejected? at Rants & Ramblings

Options! Options! Options! at Jennifer Represents... - the option clause in your contract

CONTESTS

Sixth ''Dear Lucky Agent'' Contest: Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy at Guide to Literary Agents

2K Giveaway! at Neverending Page Turner - two chances to win five books

Forecast: Early Frostfire at Paperback Writer - win an ARC of Lynn Viehl's next book

Current links for writers - September 21

Making it realistic by Cheree Smith at Justified Lunacy

What. Would. My. Main. Character. Do. by Danielle Meyers at Revelations of a Smoothie Girl

Authentic Details Reflect Character's Inner Life & Change within the Story at Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers

Flirting Fails by Angela Ackerman at The Bookshelf Muse

New Beginnings by Arizela at The Write Life

Pacing Ourselves at Mystery Writing is Murder

Guest Blog Post: How Deliberate Practice Can Make You an Excellent Writer at Writer Beware® Blogs!

Things Writers Should Keep Track Of: Part 2 at Books & Such - After Publication: Promotion

The Tripod of Publishing: Establishing Priorities at Adventures in Agentland

To Multi-book, or Not to Multi-book at Jennifer Represents...

Secret Agent Message at edittorrent - what she'd rather not see

10 Ways to Annoy a Literary Agent at Rants & Ramblings

Current links for writers - September 20

CONFLICT – WHY SHOULD WE CARE? at Help! I Need a Publisher!

Mental Health Monday–Daydreaming is required for good brain functioning at Diamond–Yup, Like the Stone

Write What Your Don't Know at The Other Side of the Story

The quick and dirty guide to structure, or stories are made of threes by Charlene Teglia at GenReality

Writing and Revising in Layers at Mystery Writing is Murder

11 Questions for Crafting a Pitch at Rants & Ramblings

Waiting on an Agent's Reply by Jane Lebak at QueryTracker

Resubmitting a Revision at Kidlit.com

So...Snarky lost his temper this afternoon. - at Getting Past the Gatekeeper - how to send a Full

Things Writers Should Keep Track Of: Part 1 at Books & Such

Writing Nowadays–The Dreaded Reserve by Steven Harper Piziks at Book View Cafe

Sticking it to the Ban at Pimp My Novel

Giving a Literary Gift by Julia Buckley at POE'S DEADLY DAUGHTERS

Current links for writers - September 19

Props in Fantasy at Chandara Writes

The Two Kinds Of Inspiration by Cassandra Brown at Writer Unboxed

What do Writers Owe Readers? by Sherwood Smith at Book View Cafe

Tapping Our Inner Dog by Steven Popkes at Book View Cafe - who domesticated who?

SPEAK Up. at Adventures in Writing - the shame of censorship

I believe this with all my heart by Janet Reid - also about Speak

Current links for writers - September 18

A Piggyback Post: When Should They Meet? at edittorrent - this advice applies to your inciting incident, too

A MAJOR FLAW IN TEACHING CREATIVE WRITING (FICTION) EFFECTIVELY LIES IN OUR TERMINOLOGY by Les Edgerton - What we say ain’t always what we mean…

Query Letters by Denise Little

letters from the query wars 9/17/2010 at Arcaedia - when your submission contained a mistake

offended by rank OBJECTIFICATION of writers at A Grammar - LOL

Comic: The Paperless Office by Debbie Ohi at Writer Unboxed

Current links for writers - September 17

5 Motivations For Your Character to Cross the Road at Cassandra Jade in the Realm

Creating Compelling Characters at The Blood-Red Pencil

Find Your Plot Friday: Tying Up Loose Ends at The Other Side of the Story

All About Execution at Kidlit.com

Don't Be Stupid, Pilgrim at Seekerville

When Persistence Becomes a Vice at Writer Beware® Blogs!

Looking for an Agent—Thoughts and Resources at Mystery Writing is Murder

Publishing Pulse 9/17/10 at QueryTracker

Timing, baby… at Behler Blog - when talking about your book

CONTESTS

Ask An Editor: “The Meet” between Your Hero and Heroine at Romance University

1000 Followers Contest & Mentorship Opportunity! at The Bookshelf Muse - great prizes!

Winning Friday: First Chapter Story Consultation at WordPlay

Current links for writers - September 16

Inciting Incidents at Mystery Writing is Murder

T3 - Types of Grief, Part 1 at Character Therapist

Characters: Flawed = Strong, Stupid = Weak at The Laws of Making

In the Company of (Best) Friends at The Sharp Angle - sidekicks and conflicts

Grammar and You at The Other Side of the Story

When Dreams Become Expectations by Nathan Bransford

Before You Write a Single Word: Develop a Reader Profile at There Are No Rules

Workarounds–Up Close and Personal at Books & Such - writer's conferences

Current links for writers - September 15

Plotting from Character at edittorrent

Why Hypocrites Make Excellent Bad Guys at WordPlay

Manuscript Problems—Which to Jump on Right Away at Mystery Writing is Murder

Re-Write Wednesday: So Where Were We Again? at The Other Side of the Story

Does Your Day Job Matter? at Kidlit.com

Glass Houses, Elephants, and the Internet by Carolyn Kaufman at QueryTracker

And this begat success at Behler Blog - another reason to do book signings

How-To Book Review: Make A Scene at All I'm Saying...

CONTESTS

The 2011 Scotsman Calendar is here (giveaway!) at Scotland for the Senses

More WriteOnCon wonderful-ness! Leave a comment on each post to enter.

ARC and Pre-Order of Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

Pre-Order of Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Pre-Order of Mercy Lily by Lisa Albert

Pre-Order of OyMG! by Amy Fellner Dominy

Query Critique by Author Shawn Goodman

Signed ARC of Possession by Elana Johnson + Query Critiques

Signed ARC of The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Signed ARC of The Revenant by Sonia Gensler

Signed Copy of Broken Wings by Helen Landalf

Signed Copy of RIVAL by Sara Bennett Wealer + Critique

Signed Copy of The Eternal Kiss from Author Robin Bridges

Signed Copy of The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander

Signed Copy of Vanished by Sheela Chari

Current links for writers - September 14

Example of reader-character separation at edittorrent

Through My Eyes. Or Your Eyes. Or Somebody's Eyes. at The Other Side of the Story - about POV

Gender, Sex, Identity and A Bunch of Other Fascinating Issues by Deborah J. Ross at Book View Cafe

Treatment Tuesday - Postpartum Psychosis at The Character Therapist

Sweating Through Writer's Block at No Letters On My Keyboard

Deal Breakers: Do You Know What Yours Are? at * Fiction Groupie *

7 Things I've Learned So Far, by Thomas W. Young at Guide to Literary Agents

The Promotional Quantity at Pimp My Novel

CONGRATULATIONS!

David Bridger's The Weaverfields Heir is sold!

CONTESTS

Today's Agent Pitch Contest! at Market My Words -Win a 1st chapter/query critique from agent Sarah LaPolla

Please welcome The Grammar Queen at Seekerville - Win a copy of Grammatically Correct

So Many Giveaways! at Literary Rambles - Win an ARC of EXTRAORDINARY by Nancy Werlin or a hardcover of WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON by John Green and David Levithan.

Via Elana Johnson - Win LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden and BREAK by Hannah Moskowitz.

By Jennifer Jackson at Arcaedia - Win a copy of Antiphon by Ken Scholes

At Confessions From Suite 500 - Win a copy of Lisa Desrochers' debut novel Personal Demons

WriteOnCon is have a flurry of contests! Leave a comment on each of the giveaways you wish to enter.

ARC of CHARLIE JOE JACKSON’S GUIDE TO NOT READING by Tom Greenwald

Between Shades of Gray ARC (by Ruta Sepetys) + Swag!!

Critique by author Caroline Starr Rose

Critique by author Tessa Gratton

Critiques, Books, Preorders, Oh My! (from Kendare Blake)

Critiques + Bad Taste in Boys (by Carrie Harris) Swag!

Pre-Order of WARPED by Maurissa Guibord + Unicorn Charm!!

Query + First Chapter Critique from Author Dawn Metcalf

Signed ARC of Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Signed Books from Author Randy Russell

Signed Copy of Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Pre-Order of Memento Nora by Angie Smibert

Current links for writers - September 13

5 Ways to Make Your Novel Unforgettable at A. Victoria Mixon

Rule Breaker at AuthorCulture

The First Page at The Blood-Red Pencil

The Character and the Reader-- expanding the response at edittorrent

Mental Health Monday–Multiple Personalities at Diamond–Yup, Like the Stone

How to be a User: The 48 Laws of Power at The Laws of Making - tips for creating an evil overlord.

Writing Nowadays–What Writing Pays by Steven Harper Piziks at Book View Cafe

Succeeding as a Writer: Confidence and Determination by Carolyn Kaufman at QueryTracker

In Search of Specific Information at Rants & Ramblings - why an agent can't give it to you

Guest Post: “Be Gentle… It’s My First Time” by Philippa Ballantine at Gabrielle Edits - What to Expect From Your First Professional Edit

An Epic Announcement of Epic Epicness at WriteOnCon

CONTESTS

Agent Pitch Contest - Sarah LaPolla (Curtis Brown LTD) at Market My Words

An Awesome Thanks: 100 Followers Contest!! at Operation Awesome

Current links for writers - September 12

Females in Fantasy–Guest Post by Cassandra Jade!! at Diamond–Yup, Like the Stone

Agent advice + FtQ chapter on inciting incident at Flogging the Quill

Word Counts for Children's Books at Literary Rambles

Research: When in Doubt, Make It Up at WordPlay

Working with an Out-of-House Publicist by Sarah Pekkanen at Writer Unboxed

Frontlist, Backlist, Midlist at Jennifer Represents...

The many rewards of a hike in Dollar Glen at Scotland for the Senses - pure inspiration

Current links for writers - September 11

The Role of Gossip or Spreading Tales at Mystery Writing is Murder

Pet Peeves at The Blood-Red Pencil

Flake-out Friday–Tension makes all the difference… at Diamond–Yup, Like the Stone - LOL

9/11

I will never forget at Behler Blog - This clip always moves me.

What we mean when we say we will never forget at Janet Reid's

Current links for writers - September 10

Creating an Authentic Teen Guy's Voice by Julie Cross at * Fiction Groupie *

A Living, Breathing Main Character ~ Stephanie Morrill at Novel Journey

Killer Openings at Pub Rants

Cheerios and Space - and Language and Culture? at TalkToYoUniverse - especially useful for SF and Fantasy writers

When Author Intrusion Rears Its Ugly Head at The Sharp Angle

"The The Impotence of Proofreading," by TAYLOR MALI at Rants & Ramblings - I didn't watch the video; for me, this title says it all

Apply Triage Techniques to Your Manuscript at The Roving Editor

Tips for Fiction Series at Fiction Workbench

Getting Published is Not a Crap Shoot at Writer Beware® Blogs!

Talking to Agents at Conferences at kt literary

Interview with Literary Agent Elisabeth Weed, Part 2 by Therese Walsh at Writer Unboxed - thoughts on queries

Blogging Tips by Elana Johnson

Reading for Writers: WRITING GREAT BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS at Kidlit.com

CONTEST

Winning Friday: CD at WordPlay

Current links for writers - September 9

Character Motivation at Gabrielle Edits

Finding the Funny in Your Writing by Margeanne Mitchell at * Fiction Groupie *

Increasing Conflict In Fiction at Fiction Workbench

What ''Show, Don't Tell'' Really Means, by Agent Mary Kole at Guide to Literary Agents

Seven Keys to Writing Good Dialogue by Nathan Bransford

Getting Violently Epic at The Other Side of the Story

Are You Connected? at The Blood-Red Pencil - Sometimes you can’t do the actual research yourself.

On Breaking the Rules at Pimp My Novel

Behind the Scenes at a Pub Committee Meeting - at Rants & Ramblings

Fish or Cut Bait by Allison Winn Scotch at Writer Unboxed - about that second novel

An Opportunity to Read for Weronika Janczuk

CONGRATS!

I Haven't Snogged on Myself in a While - Stephen Parrish and The Tavernier Stones

Current links for writers - September 8

Common Manuscript Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them at Adventures in Agentland

Post: Structuralism by Chaz Brenchley at Book View Cafe

Making Sense of Story Structure at Advanced Fiction Writing

Creating Your Main Character by Carolyn Kaufman at Query Tracker

Re-Write Wednesday Golden Oldie: In the Flesh at The Other Side of the Story

That Sneaky Backstory at * Fiction Groupie *

World vs. creatures; contemporary vs. paranormal at Getting Past the Gatekeeper

How I Evaluate Full Manuscripts at Kidlit.com

More on Revision Letters at Rants & Ramblings

Who Do You Love? Or, Reader Obligation. at GotYA - on revision requests

Timing is Everything at Pimp My Novel - after the sale

The Self-Publishing Conundrum by Lynnette Bonner at AuthorCulture

Exploring: New Books for Writers at The Blood-Red Pencil

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Writers at Upstart Crow

The Fabulous Mary Kole is Teaching a Webinar by Jamie Harrington at WriteOnCon

CONTEST

PERSONAL DEMONS Prize Package! by Elana Johnson

Current links for writers - September 7

Not at This Address by Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming

I Wish by Madeleine E. Robins at Book View Cafe - characterization wish fulfillment

Flirting 101: Bust a Move by Angela Ackerman at The Bookshelf Muse

Heroic Traits and Scene Development at edittorrent

Capitalizing on the Strengths in Your Manuscript at Mystery Writing is Murder

Tip Tuesday #53 at Literary Rambles

How to Deal With Contradictory Query Advice by Nathan Bransford

DC4W: Be Friendly, Let Them Talk, and Give Them a Chance to Say, "Yes" by Deren Hansen - includes tips on queries

Earning Money By Writing Fiction? Part 1 at Fiction Workbench

Either ... Or at Joyously Prolific - how the world of publishing is changing

Leaving Your Mark Behind while blogging - by Elana Johnson

CONTEST

Plum Blossoms Everywhere at Stephen Parrish

CONGRATULATIONS!

''How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack'' Comes Out Today!!! by Chuck Sambuchino

Current links for writers - September 6

Five Ways to Discover Your Unique Voice at The Roving Editor

Medical Mondays: Ondine's Curse at The Word is My Oyster

Close Calls: Abductions That Failed by Julia Buckley at POE'S DEADLY DAUGHTERS

Emotional Investment in Our Story—When to Have it, When to Lose it at Mystery Writing is Murder

Reading Out Loud: An Effective Editorial Tool by Mary Lindsey at QueryTracker

Tricks of the Trade: Self-Editing Checklist at The Blood-Red Pencil

Writing Nowadays–The Cost of Writing by Steven Harper Piziks at Book View Cafe

The Professional Online Presence by Sierra Godfrey at * Fiction Groupie *

Blogging Trifecta Explosion! by Elana Johnson - how to cultivate blog followers

CONTEST

The Final Blue Fire ARC Contest at The Other Side of the Story

Current links for writers - September 5

Dragging out ending at edittorrent

Is Your Story Mysterious Enough? at Wordplay

Comic: Not An Old Wives’ Tale After All by Debbie Ohi at Writer Unboxed

Writer crash test by Holly Lisle - problems in novels & their fixes -- Holly is a great teacher

Current links for writers - September 4

Young Characters Are People Too at edittorrent

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Herbalist Shop (Fantasy) by Angela Ackerman at The Bookshelf Muse

Reviews – How should an author react? by Chris Dolley at Book View Cafe - about reviews

MONEY MATTERS FOR AUTHORS at Help! I Need a Publisher!

Reader Requests at The Blood-Red Pencil - "I recently asked readers in a Kindle forum what they would like to see more of in novels. Here are their answers, verbatim."

Current links for writers - September 3

Parallelism ... not as hard as parallel parking at Brenda Drake Writes

How to Know When It Works at Kitlit.com

Looks and Personality at Mystery Writing is Murder

Busted! Mark L. Danielewski caught building on cliché at The Blood-Red Pencil

Find Your Plot Fridays: Come On, What's the Worst That Can Happen? at The Other Side of the Story

Birth Complications – Shoulder Dystocia at Muse Medicine

Author Websites for the "Pre-Published" at * Fiction Groupie * - a good reason to create one

CONTESTS

Humdinger Contest via Book Dreaming - lots of contests

September Seekerville Contest Update at Seekerville

Announcing New CD and Winning Fridays at Wordplay

Current links for writers - September 2

Lullaby Language: Putting Your Readers to Sleep by Gerald M. Weinberg at Book View Cafe - great tips to use these words to create the effect you want

What's in a name? at edittorrent - the comments are interesting, too.

Writing About People We Know at Mystery Writing is Murder

Washing Clothes across cultures at TalkToYoUniverse - details to consider in your fiction

The Pernicious Momentum of First Ideas by Nathan Bransford

This is Why You Always Meet Your Deadlines at Pimp My Novel

Fiction Book Proposal Questions at Fiction Workbench

Be Confident: Let your writing do the talking for your query - by Janet Reid

What Drives an Agent Crazy? Part 4 at Books & Such - when a client leaves an agent badly

Author Headshots at Rants & Ramblings - tips for the (dreaded) photo

Current links for writers - September 1

Keep Unfolding by Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming

Of Disasters and Scenes at Fiction Workbench

The Inner Journey by Donald Maass at Writer Unboxed

Re-Write Wednesday Golden Oldie: Get Over Overstating at The Other Side of the Story

The art of paragraphing by Jordan McCollum

Resources for Bloggers at Mystery Writing is Murder

How I Found My Agent by Sarah Page at Literary Rambles

Your Questions, My Answers at Rants & Ramblings - including query tips

Agent Barbara Poelle On: 6 Things Writers Can Do To Make Their September Rock at Guide to Literary Agents

From the Vault: Don't quit! at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management

After the Book Deal at Black Gate

Follow-Up on Writers Earning Money at The Rejecter

Promotion is like Costco at Behler Blog - great tips!

Secrets to Author Promotion by Danyelle Leafty at QueryTracker - more helpful tips

Self-Publishing Realities by Bob Mayer at GenReality

CONTEST

Happy September! at KT Literary - win a galley of Small Persons With Wings