Writing resources

Here’s some articles and links about writing you might find useful. I’ve also included some about the publishing process. On Twitter? I tweet links at @reynoldsauthor

Writers’ retreats

My article on Writers’ retreats: DIY, UK and going abroad

Inspiring writers

Cryssa Bazos – a charming Canadian romance writer who sets her novels in the Interregnum, like me!

Matt Cain – looking for some uplifting contemporary novels? He’s your man. He’s also given me some excellent advice about publishing.

Tracey Chevalier – Girl With A Pearl Earring is my go-to book when I want to immerse myself in Dutch culture.

Bernard Cornwell – My literary hero. if I can create something half as good as Sharpe, I’d be happy.

Samantha Ellis – I’ve known Sam since university. Her How To Be A Heroine book is inspirational.

S.J. Parris – another university friend who, as she phrases it, “murders Elizabethans for a living”.

E.M. Powell – an author who writes about medieval knights and a real cheerleader with gives me boatfuls of sound advice and encouragement.

Jessica Redland – writing heart-warming romances set on the Yorkshire coast. Also a generous and insightful source of advice for a fledgling author.

Alys West – a true ‘book’ Fairy Godmother, beta reader, ‘book whisperer’ and absolute star. My hero Audette and myself have so much to thank her for. By the way, her Spellworker Chronicles series with some rather dashing contemporary wizards is fantastic!

C.F. Barrington – He has given me so much support and encouragement over the years. And now I’m in the acknowledgements of the second in his Pantheon series. Which really is a cracking read.

Plotting

There are two types of writers: plotters and ‘by the seat of your pants’ters. I’m the latter, as is my hero Bernard Cornwell. However it does help to have an overview. I cannot recommend the following book more highly, it will transform how you look at your story arc:

The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler

Getting your submission together

How to Write A Capitivating Opening Sentence by Verily Merry Mary

8 Awesome Steps to Revising Your Novel by Writer’s Edit

The Synopsis: Demystifying The Mystery by John Gilstrap

Tips from a Frustrated Intern

Finding your agent

Literary Agent Hunter

How To Get A Literary Agent Without Dying of Old Age

The Agent’s View – A Guide to Finding And Working With An Agent (PDF) by Jonathan Pegg

Meet The Agents – Tips from Literary Agents

I thoroughly recommend attending a “Genre In The Court” fan evening at Goldsboro Books in London. I didn’t meet any agents at History In The Court but there were many enthusiastic authors happy to share tips.

Marketing tips

Author Website Must Haves

The Writer’s Guide to Building Your Email List

One thought on “Writing resources

  1. I wanted to tell you what a lovelu y website you have. Also, I found you on Twitter with the other #Seventeenth Century enthusiasts thread. I’m not great on Twitter, so figuring out what thread is what can be confusing. I write in the Seventeenth Century as well. And like you I was inspired by the PBS show By The Sword Divided. I live in the states, so it was shown on Saturday nights. I also fell in love with Pamela Belle’s series Moon In the Water, Chains of Fate, and Alethea. Which was set in the 17th Century. I don’t know what ever happened to her. Se was the one who introduced me to the period, and I love it.
    Tis nice to meet you.

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