Ithaca, NY
courtesy of the talented Paul Jordon

Strictly Genre: Ithaca Fiction Critique Group

Resources for New Writers

We critique based on the recommendations for writing good fiction found in articles, books, conferences, and courses. Each of us regularly study good writing outside of the critique group meetings by reading and re-reading how-to books and articles, attending conferences, and taking courses and workshops. If you're not familiar with current recommendations about good fiction writing technique, you'll want to learn more on your own. We've found the following sources helpful and readily available.

Writer's Digest Magazine (available by subscription or in local bookstores) back issues can usually be checked out from the public library

The Writer's Journal (available by subscription or in local bookstores) back issues can usually be checked out from the public library

Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook: Hands-On Help for Making Your Novel Stand Out and Succeed by Donald Maass available at local and online bookstores and in libraries. One of the best hands-on, exercise-oriented approaches. Helpful and thought-provoking guidance.

Dwight Swain's Techniques of the Selling Writer (or any of Dwight Swain's other books) available at local and online bookstores and in libraries

Debra Dixon's Goal, Motivation, and Conflict (available from Gryphon Books and local libraries)

Stephen King's On Writing (especially the second half of the book which discusses the process of writing)

Writer's Digest The Elements of Fiction Writing series which includes titles such as Character and Viewpoint, Setting, Dialogue, Plot, etc. (available in local bookstores or directly from Writer's Digest Bookstore or local libraries)

There are a number of How to write a Mystery, Romance, Western, Fantasy, etc. books that can be more or less helpful.

For genre-specific self-education, members are encouraged to also join and participate in the activities of other national and local writing organizations as appropriate:

Mystery Writers of America (MWA)

Romance Writers of America (RWA)

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA)

Horror Writers of American (HWA).

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)etc.

Workshops, classes, retreats, courses (online and/or through local community colleges adult education programs). A sample of online courses (ranging in cost from nothing to several hundred dollars):

In the Ithaca area:

Writing-Partner.com offers a host of writing services and e-tutorials

TC3 (Tompkins County Community College) offers both evening adult ed non-credit coures and an Associate's degree in Creative Writing

The Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts (CSFA)

Broome Community College continuing education courses in Binghamton and Broome Community College online writing courses

Boces creative writing courses in Cortland

Elsewhere and online:

Writing Workshops and classes http://manuscriptediting.com/workshops.htm

Shaw Guide to Writing Workshops http://writing.shawguides.com/

Fiction 4-writers http://fiction.4-writers.com/creative-writing-classes.shtml

Writers Studio http://www.writerstudio.com/

Writers Digest Courses http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/

Writing Classes.com http://www.writingclasses.com/index.html

Coffee House for Writers http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com

RWA Kiss of Death http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org/coffin.html

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Updated June 17, 2011