A writer’s resources are almost as important to her as her pen and notepad. Research is a vital part of writing and makes the difference in the end between good writing and great writing. A writer’s research is not limited only to historical fact checking but includes, also, character sketching, plot development, creation of settings and political infrastructures, social mores and cultural idiosyncrasies. After polling a handful of my writing peers I have compiled a list of resources they value above all others.
- Dictionary - Specifically a version of the English dictionary but also mentioned were the Urban Dictionary (for popular slang), Garner’s Modern American Usage and specific dictionaries based on the writer’s subject matter (Medical Terminology for Dummies, etc).
- Thesaurus - One important thing to remember when consulting the thesaurus for “another” word, is that just because the words listed have relatively the same meaning doesn’t mean they have the same definition. Always use your thesaurus and dictionary collaboratively.
- Prompt book - There are dozens of these on the market, books of story starters and ideas to build from or exercises to combat The Block.
- Baby name book - I have three. These are helpful in finding character names by meaning and etymology, or even if you just need a name for a female character beginning with the letter K.
- Grammar guide - Of course the most well known is probably Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss but it is definitely not the only grammar guide (punctuation guide) on the market. Very helpful when it comes to self-editing.
- Writer’s Market - With listings for thousands of agents, publishers, magazines, writing contests and so much more, the aspiring author should not be without this mammoth reference guide.
- Writer’s Digest Magazine - New issues every six and a half weeks give up to date information on contests and publications requesting manuscripts as well as writing tips, how-to guides and much more.
- Outliner book (for lack of a better category heading) - These often come in the form of workbooks or journals with specific questions to help guide writers through the creation process. Everything from character interviews to setting creation can be found in these books.
- “Self-help”/”Self-education” - There are countless writing guide books on the market, ranging from books in the “…for Dummies” series, the “Write Great Fiction” series, the “Idiot’s Guide…” series. I have trouble writing dialog so I have a copy of Write Great Fiction - Dialog handy for when I run into trouble.
- Peers - Nothing is more valuable to a writer than a trusted peer group, people with whom you can hash out ideas and who will give you their honest opinions about what they think works and what doesn’t, where they think you should take the story next.
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