The storms cut our power this week, so this is how my novel progressed while the storms raged…

I read as many books as I can, but I think online resources have a lot to offer also. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t spend all my time on the web avoiding writing – I write every day & work on various projects to keep the momentum going – but when I’m not writing or editing, I’m usually reading or learning more about the craft.

So this is a list of my some of favourite blogs for writers. I say this because each provides me with something useful as a writer. They’re blogs I return to time and again.

One of my favourite writers, one of my favourite blogs – Neil Gaiman’s Journal by Neil Gaiman (author of American Gods, Anansi Boys, MirrorMask, Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Graveyard Book,  & Sandman comics, to name but a few) is, as you’d expect, just brilliant.

If you’re writing for children or Young Adults, Inky Girl by Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a wealth of information about the craft and business of writing and illustrating.

One of my favourite short story blogs, Tania Writes from Tania Hershman is informative, interesting, witty and well written.  Also from Tania, check out Short Stops, the best short story info blog out there.

Novelist and screenwriter Chuck Wendig offers plenty of advice, information, and attitude over on Terrible Minds – I love the tone of this blog – warning, strong language!

Not strictly a blog but full of writing, publishing & promotion advice & tips, as well as weekly giveaways and extensive listings of competitions & workshops, writing.ie is Ireland’s number one spot for all things writing – but you don’t to be Irish/in Ireland to benefit.

For continuous up-to-date info on poetry, poetry competitions and workshops, head over to Kate Dempsey’s Emerging Writer blog – you won’t find better when it comes to sourcing opportunities.

…and although I couldn’t get to my favourite blogs, I could still enjoy a read!

You may think you’ve had enough of social media but Pinterest‘s visual approach is refreshing and useful for building up story boards. You can also have private boards – perfect for storing visual aids for your latest book/story/poem. Following other people’s boards is like following a really good pictorial blog.

Business & marketing is all part of writing/publishing – and you’ll learn a lot from Joanna Penn over on  The Creative Penn.

Clockwatching from Sinead O’Hart is a great blog by an emerging writer – about, you guessed it, the journey towards publication. If you’re starting out, or not quite there yet, or almost there, make sure you check it out. You’ll find mutual understanding & support & a damn good read.

Of course, there are plenty more great blogs for writers out there, but these select few stand out. They’re the ones I return to despite my busy schedule, – yep, that endless writer’s fight to balance writing, work and home. In my opinion, they’re all worth reading and sharing.

If you have any highly recommended blogs for writers, please start a list in the comments below – I’d love to find another gem or two!