My home-made gardening toolbox

Like any other tradesman or craftsperson, writers need a toolbox. We need to have a store of useful items that we can call upon when needed. From interesting blogs to books on the art of writing, templates to brain teasers, there is a wealth of information out there designed to make our lives a little easier, or at least, more focused.

But as always, there’s the danger of procrastinating; searching the web or bookshelves for hours in the name of ‘research’ or ‘professional development’. So, here is a short series (3 in total) of a few useful/interesting items I’ve found along the way. This week: blogs that, as a writer, I particularly enjoy. This is, by no means, a complete list, so if you have any more suggestions, please add them in the comments so we can all share.

• Cynsations – an amazingly informative and inspiring blog for YA/children’s writers
• Photography by Jason Lee: particularly good for evoking mood, characters & ideas – this guy does some amazing stuff
• The Vandal by Derek Haines: wit, stories, poetry, writing tips & more
• Rant, with Occasional Music by Derek Flynn: fiction, music, reflections, writing, guest blogs
• Catherine, Caffeinated by Cath Ryan-Howard: self publishing, self printing, reviews & tips
• Pub Rants a straight-talking agent (of writers such as Sarah Reese Brennan) reveals all
• Not for the faint hearted, this Evil Editor blog gives some straight answers on synopses and covering letters.
• The Write Stuff – an amazing find, full of info gained from 30+ years as a freelance writer.

Please add more of your favourites below…