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Links for Writers
GENERAL:
http://www.Writing.com is an online writing community for writers of all ages, interests and skill levels. According to their founder, anyone may create a free portfolio and exchange feedback with other writers. They were among Writer's Digest's 101 "Best Websites for Writers, 2005" and have thousands of writers within their community. I've checked this out and it looks great. I'll definitely be joining.
www.fwointl.com has thousands of writing resources and links. The site includes job listings, news, education, research, money for writers, and information on more than 40 genres. there is also an e-zine for writers.
www.anotherrealm.com addresses such topics as contests, conventions, workshops, agents, education, and many more. One of its most useful features is the section called "Predators and Editors." Lynn Hightower says that the publishing industry is actually made up of two separate industries: publishing writing and preying on writers. The "Predators and Editors" section shares information about scams and how to avoid them.
www.hatrack.com is the web site of renowned author Orson Scott Card. I had the pleasure of meeting him (briefly) at the Southern Festival of books and found him to be warm, witty, and genuine--not to mention brilliant. His second "Ender" book, Speaker for the Dead, had a profound effect on me, and I recommend it highly to anyone who likes a good, thought-provoking read. His site includes an online writing tutorial with lessons from the master storyteller himself.
www.poewar.com lists conferences, workshops, markets, job listings, and hundreds of instructional articles.
www.stevens-arce.com is the site of screenwriter, novelist, and songwriter James Stevens-Arce. This site is heavy on the fantasy/sf genres, but also has a lot of other good information. If you aspire to be a writer, there is probably something here for you.
www.fundsforwriters.com is exactly what it sounds like: a place to find out about contests, grants, and markets. It offers three free newsletters and inexpensive e-books for writers.
www.writersweekly.com offers articles, a free newsletter, and information about markets, publishers, and agents.
www.writergazette.com has articles (more than 400), job listings, markets, contest information, a free newsletter, and a lot of good links.
Sites for Mystery/Crime Writers
www.mysterywriters.org is the official site for Mystery Writers of America, which hosts the prestigious Edgar Awards. This is a professional organization for mystery and crime writers. The site includes news, research resources, an online library, a bookstore, and a host of other services.
The Writer's Medical and Forensics Lab is a site dedicated to answering questions about and providing insight regarding forensic medicine. The information, targeted toward writers, covers a broad range of subjects in accessible language. Classes, lectures, case studies, and manuscript evaluations are all available through the site. Go to http://www.dplylemd.com/.
www.deadlyink.com features, contests, conferences, retreats, and other resources for aspiring and professional mystery writers. They sponsor the Deadly Ink writer's conference, listed below under" conferences."
http://www.semwa.com/events.htm is a calendar of events that take place in the southeast. The page is part of the Southeastern Mystery Writers of America site, http://www.semwa.com/index.html, which is loaded with good information for writers in the southeastern part of the U.S. This site is a treasure trove and is worth bookmarking just for the calendar of events.
Sites for SF/Fantasy Writers
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
General Research
www.askjeeves.com is an excellent source of information for any writer. Put in the topic you need to research, and Jeeves will take you to a host of sites related to your topic.
www.refdesk.com is a free site that has links to encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, all major online newspapers, thousands of small-town and international papers, over 50 search engines, and more. A simply invaluable resource for writers (and anyone else with an unquenchable desire to know things).
Conferences and Events:
KILLER NASHVILLE 2008 will be held August 15-17. Dr. Bill Bass, renowned forensic expert and creator of "The Body Farm" is the guest of honor. Dr. Bassand his partner William Jefferson also write the bestselling novels by Jefferson Bass. Organizers Clay Stafford and Phillip Lacy of American Blackguard are working to make this the best conference of its kind. It's large enough to attract good panelists but small enough to allow for a spirit of camaraderie. With critiques, breakout sessions, agent and editor pitches, and three tracks of panels, it has something for readers and writers alike. They're planning to unveil a new award this year, the Falchion Award. This one is for published authors. The Claymore Dagger Award (for the best beginning of an unpublished book) will debut in 2009. The URL is www.killernashville.com.
BOUCHERCON 2008, website: www.bouchercon.com. You may also want to check out www.bouchercon.info for information about upcoming Bouchercons. Check out http://www.bouchercon2008.com/ for further details. It's in Indianapolis this year!
DEADLY INK Mystery Conference for Fans and Writers. For further Information, go to www.deadlyink.com.
MALICE DOMESTIC is an annual conference that salutes the traditional mysteries of the type best typified by Agatha Christie. For further information, go to http://www.malicedomestic.org.
SLEUTHFEST is always a conference to remember. It's where I met Sue Grafton in the elevator and also where I had the opportunity to hear Daniel Keyes (author of the beautiful story "Flowers for Algernon") speak. For further information, go to www.sleuthfest.com.
OF DARK AND STORMY NIGHTS takes place Schaumberg, IL. For further information, go to www.ofdarkandstormynights.com.
HARDBOILED HEROES & COZY CATS is the annual conference of the Southwest Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. To learn more, go to www.mwasw.org/conf.html.
HARRIETTE AUSTIN WRITERS CONFERENCE will be held at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. For further information, contact Melanie.Baer@georgiacenter.uga.edu.
SOUTHERN FESTIVAL OF BOOKS is an annual event that rotates between Nashville and Memphis (Nashville odd years, Memphis even years).
CAPE FEAR CRIME FESTIVAL takes place in Wilmington, NC. This three-day festival is an intimate and well-run event. I was able to attend several years ago and highly recommend it. For more information, go to http://capefearcrimefestival.org/2008/about.html.
MANHATTAN MYSTERY CONCLAVE is scheduled for November. No, not that Manhattan. This is the other Manhattan--Manhattan, Kansas, where you can join a host of skilled writers at a conference billed as "A Golden Celebration of the Small Town Mystery." For further information, check out http://www.manhattanmysteries.com.
NEW ENGLAND CRIME BAKE, sponsored by the Northeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America features a short story contest, the winning submission of which is included in an annual anthology. I've never been to this one, but I've heard good things about it. Besides, how can you not love a conference with a name like crimebake? To learn more, go to http://mwane.org/crimebake/default.htm. Or email crimebake@aol.com.
http://www.southernscribe.com/resources/events.htm is a site where you can find events for southern writers.
Money and Marketing
www.chesterdcampbell.com is designed by Chester Campbell, author of the popular Greg McKenzie mysteries. Chester, known to the Sisters in Crime as "The King of Promotion" has compiled a list of tips for marketing your book.
www.fundsforwriters.com is a site that lists grants, contests, and markets for writers. Created by C. Hope Clark, the site is chock full of useful information, including articles, a chat, and a newsletter.