Writers - Reference

Links and resources for writers, bloggers and other curious people.

Caves of Lascaux: Horse 15,000 BC.

Basic Word Lovers Reference

An Etymological Dictionary of Modern English: Word root and phrase origins
Baby (and character) names and meanings: Character names and meanings
Translations.com: Free online translations
Babelfish Translation: It's wise to double check translations
Symbols.com: Online encyclopedia of western signs and ideograms
Urban Dictionary: Dictionary of English slang
Bartley's Reference: Dictionary, quotations, cultural literacy references...

Someone once said...

"Nothing is particularly hard
if you divide it into small jobs." Henry Ford

"Choosing a goal and sticking
to it changes everything." Scott Reed

"Faith without works is dead." Two Women Listening

"The harder I practice, the luckier I get." Gary Player

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

Visit my blog

Tracy O: On writing, art, motivation, marketing, psychology, creativity...life ttp://tracyoliver.blogspot.com/

Essential Research Sites

Findarticles.com: Search millions of articles from leading academic, industry and general interest pubs.
Highwire Press: A division of the Stanford University Libraries, HighWire Press hosts a large repository of free, full-text, peer-reviewed content.
How Stuff Works: Simple Explanations on Some Complex Stuff
The Internet Public Library: The Internet Public Library
National Institue of Research Advancement: Listings to World Think Tanks
FBI Homepage: FBI
The World Fact Book: CIA World Fact Book
The Library of Congress: The official research arm of congress
Wikipedia: So obvious I don't really need to include the link
Suspense and Mystery Writers: Links to research resources

Trust the creative process

"The horse sees in the dark."

The trainer to the blind jockey.
Line from Seabiscuit

Bookmarks for Fiction Writers

Poets and Writers: Online Edition of Poets and Writers. List of conferences, workshops and competitions. Info and inspiration for writers.
Writers Digest: Links to Writers Market, competitions, and numerous resource sites.
50 Writing Tools Not Rules: Solid approaches to writing.
Backspace: Articles, agency listings, online writers conferences and lots of other info.

More Writers on Writing

Painting by Marc Chagall

"All starting points are equally valid." Patricia Ryan Madson

"I listen to the voices." William Faulkner

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down and open a vein." Red Smith

"The best books...show us deeper truths we've always known. The best writers expose our universal secret thoughts." Anon, Agent 007

Agents and Marketing

Everyone Who's Anyone: Go here if you're looking for an agent. It will make you feel better.
Markets for essays, poetry and short work: Joanne Merriam was nice enough to share her market list.
Writers Market Online: This service is kind of like a gym membership...only worth it if you use it. It's available in hard copy.
Agent Query: A free searchable database of literary agents.
Preditors and Editors: P&E is a watchdog guide for writers researching agents.
Personal Essay Markets: Markets for short essays.
Wooden Horse Publishing: General info on magazine and freelance markets.
More Essay Markets: More short essay and article markets.
Writers Write Market List: More market lists from pulp to literary, from trade to fiction.
Promoting Your Books: Web site by the writer of 1001 Ways to Market Your Book

Indie Film and Radio Producers Resources

Transom: Tutorials, interviews and info on producing independent radio stories.
Indy Media: Independent Media Center

News, Press and Free Speech and Information

Journalism.org: Daily news briefs and info resource
Public Records: Electronic Access to State Records
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press: News and updates on press freedom
Media Bistro: News feeds and regular updates on editorial staff changes and other misc.
Columbia Journalism Review: Industry news and interesting reading.
Sree Tips: Coloumbia Universtity professor shares his favorite links and tips.
Lexis Nexis News: Lexis Nexis news access.

"Can't never did anything." Mrs. Clement

Don't give up
Don't quit
Persevere
Keep Going
Write!

Ideas and Inspiration

World Mythology and Art: World Myths and Art
Essays on Ideas: Food for thought. An Eclectic collection of nonfiction essays that I have't read yet.
Manifesto by Ira Glass: All story tellers should read this and study Ira Glass.
This American Life: This American Life is produced by Ira Glass. Check the audio archives for touching, funny and/or stranger than fiction stories. Read the section about submitting work for universal insights.
Post Secret: Postcard Confessions
The Sun Magazine: Check the "Readers On" section for PDF. Memorable and evocative.
Philosophy Now: Subscription supported with some free articles and commentaries in the archives.
Language is a Virus: Writing experiments, prompts and a wealth of links to other sites.
How to Be Creative: Hugh Macleod's thoughts on creativity. (Inspired)

For Writers and Producers in San Francisco

SF Literary Arts: Bay Area classes, workshops, critique groups, book signings etc.
San Francisco Film Arts Foundation: Local Resources for Indie Film Makers
National Radio Project: Oakland based independent radio producers resource.
The Book Passage: Model book store marketing. Classes, activists and advocates.