Tools for Writers
Rejection Resources
Let's face it... this writing thing is hard. It's a grueling cycle — a constant search for criticism that churns into a ray of hope only to be dashed by form rejections. It can go on for years if you're lucky, decades if you're not. Even if you have a good therapist (and you should try to find one), there's a chance they won't understand this writing life. While you're on a path to the mastery of the craft, don't forget to take care of your mental health. Here are some books to help you on your way.
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Grit for Writers - Tamar Sloan
Tamar Sloan is a psychologist and an author, so she knows the struggle. In Grit for Writers she tackles everything from rejection and slow sales to bad reviews and imposter syndrome. And she teaches us how to recalibrate our emotional compass.
The Successful Author Mindset - Joanna Penn
This is a must-have for any independent or self-published author. In bite-sized pieces of masterful advice, Penn lays out soothing universal truths. This book is especially useful for those just getting started and those who are so bogged down in the frustrations of writer life that they can't even pinpoint what's wrong. If you experience fear of failure, a harsh inner critic, a sense of futility, or even if you've lost your voice, Penn lays out strategies to measure success and create attainable goals.
Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert
It's easy to get trapped in a cage of our own making, locking ourselves behind bars of fear, negative thoughts, and powerlessness. All of those things can sap us of creative energy. Gilbert shares her insights into the power of inspiration and the mysterious source of creative endeavor to help us get back on course.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck - Mark Manson
I have mixed feelings about this book despite how empowering its messages are. At the end, Manson admits his privilege has led to much of his success and his ability to lean into the premise. But he's right. Positivity can be toxic. This Subtle Art allows us to accept the harsh realities and embrace them for what they are. If manifesting golden rings hasn't been a successful strategy, then Manson offers the antidote. Roll with the punches. Embrace the flaws and faults. Lean into your painful truths. Inside, you'll find courage, honesty, curiosity, and some healing, too.
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - Daniel H. Pink
The writing community has a bad habit of weaponizing "drive." Mention you're having a rough day of rejection and you're likely to hear you're a bad person who should be writing for the love of it. (And isn't it usually writers with agents who say such things?)
It's natural to be motivated. It's equally natural to be demotivated, though we often don't know what pushes us. In this New York Times bestseller, Pink delves into nearly 40 years of research on motivation to help us understand the power behind our sense of autonomy, desire for mastery, and purpose-driven lives. It wasn't written with writers in mind, but it sure is a helpful read.
Rising Strong - Brene Brown
This is one of my all-time favorite books, and Brown's TedTalks and YouTube videos are such a soothing place to settle your mind. In Rising Strong, Brown draws on her vast experience with people from all walks of life and success and asks what they all have in common. The answer is surprisingly simple. They simply get up when they fall. But it requires vulnerability, emotional honesty, and a three step plan: Reckon with emotions, Rumble with your story, and create a Revolution in your life.
The Gifts of Imperfection - Brene Brown
​Do you ever feel like you could achieve a lot more if you could get out of your own way? Brown lays out ten guideposts that can help you transform your thinking and overcome the self-sabotage that makes reaching your goals seem so impossible. It isn't just a mind-changing journey. It's an introduction to wholehearted living.
Self Esteem: Simple Steps to Build Your Confidence - Gael Lindenfield
If your self-esteem has taken a beating and your confidence is at an all-time low, it's possible you've picked the scabs of some really old wounds. And sometimes it's hard to see our strengths and achieve our potential while old habits, bad habits, and protective defenses hold us back. This great little guide gives you easy-to-follow steps that will lead you to some eye-opening clarity and new perspective.
Have one to add? Tell me about it! Drop me a note and let me know.
How to Write - Books on Craft
Writer Resources
Absolute Write
If you've just started your writing journey, the Absolute Write forum will quickly become a favorite place. more than a community, it's an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to tell their story and see it through to publication.
Facebook: Beta Readers and Critiques
​Before publishing, your manuscript will require the priceless perspective of beta readers. If you're lucky, you can make a few critique partners along the way. Make writing friendships and find beta readers through this valuable Facebook group.
Facebook: Ask an Editor
​Ever look at a sentence for so long that it doesn't make sense any more? Me either.No manuscript goes unpunished by errors. If you've got questions, these editors have answers.
Writer Beware
Before publishing, your manuscript will require the priceless perspective of beta readers. If you're lucky, you can make a few critique partners along the way. Make writing friendships and find beta readers through this valuable Facebook group.
Sensitivity in Writing
This comprehensive article offers tips and graphics to demonstrate ways writers can remove generalizations, stereotypes, and personal bias from their writing.