Writing Resources

The following are a compilation of the most helpful books and websites I have used in the past, and continue to use, as I help myself and others become better writers. The first two sections include resources geared toward general/academic writing. At the bottom, I have included a couple sections on creative writing, because to me, all writing (even not-explicitly-fictional writing) is creative to some degree, and enhancing your creative writing abilities can only help you in all other areas of writing.

Websites

  • Google Scholar: Great place to start research when writing academic papers.
  • Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab): Provides a basic but comprehensive overview of MLA and APA formatting, including sample papers.
  • Citation Machine: This site helps you put your references in proper APA, MLA, and Chicago formatting. Simply enter the necessary information (title, author, date, etc), and press a button. Even better, if the source you are using is already in its databases, you simply need to type in the title, and that’s it!
  • APA Style Blog: The latest and greatest on all things APA.

Books

  • Writing with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing (John R. Trimble): a comprehensive book on the process of writing, from beginning…to middle…to end.
  • The Elements of Style (William Strunk & EB White): a classic book on writing that is as pithy and to-the-point as it advises its readers to be.

Creative writing sites

  • Kristi Holl | Kristi Holl: An experienced writer and creative writing teacher shares her thoughts on the writing life. Includes excellent tips for overcoming writer’s block and developing persistence in your creative writing pursuits.
  • The Author Studio: A blog covering many useful topics for creative writers, from use of point of view to avoiding overly used tropes.

Creative writing print publications (books & magazines)

  • From Inspiration to Publication: How to Succeed as a Children’s Writer (Institute of Children’s Literature. Editors: Pamela Glass Kelly & Mary Spelman)
  • Writer’s Digest: A monthly magazine that discusses the craft of writing.