Resources for writers

There are stacks of resources available to writers. Some will be beneficial to you, while others may not. Below, I’ve compiled a list of things that I found helpful on my way to getting published.

• The Australian Writers’ Centre
  The Australian Writers’ Centre (AWC) is full of fabulous tips and tools for writers at all stages of their career. They offer paid courses in almost all aspects of writing and publishing, but there’s also a heap of free resources available. In particular, there’s an annual list of short story competitions which can be a great way for new writers to get their work seen, including the AWC’s own monthly Furious Fiction contest.

• Podcast: So You Want to be a Writer
  The AWC also creates podcasts! This one in particular focuses on authors, though they do also offer one on copywriting. Each episode is full of news from the world of writing, as well as advice and in-depth interviews with published authors. This has been an invaluable tool, and it’s a great way for authors to connect and get inspired.

• The Australian Society of Authors
  The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is run by a team of folks with a background in the craft to protect and advocate for the rights of writers in Australia. Even if you aren’t a paid member, the ASA website has a host of information available, from information on contracts and rates of pay, to upcoming news and events around the country.

• The Australian Literary Agents’ Association
  If you’re at the stage in your writing journey where you’re looking to be published or find an agent, first of all, woohoo! Second, if you’re searching for an Australian literary agent, the ALAA is the best place to start to ensure you aren’t going to get taken advantage of. The site also offers a host of information regarding publishing and agent contracts, and ideas on how to best pitch your work.

• MasterClass
  If you’re after something more structured but don’t quite want to commit to a formal course, MasterClass if a great option. There are some really big names involved through their writing programs, including Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood. These online lessons are beautifully filmed, informative, and incredibly inspiring.

• Brandon Sanderson’s Creative Writing Lecture Series
  In my humble opinion, this is the writing resource for anyone looking to invest their time into creative fiction. Much of what he talks about is in relation to speculative fiction, but his notes on character development and story structure can be applied to other genres as well. I actually still can’t believe that this is freely available, because there’s so much to take out of each installment.