I make a lot of mistakes and errors when I write. I feel odd giving writing advice here, or anywhere. Mechanically, I can be weak. My power lies in making people feel and making people act. I’ve learned that over the past two years, and I’m more than okay with it. That being said, I am going to dose out some writing advice. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite writing resources.
Creating this list was a no-brainer. Through the years I’ve stumbled upon many a writing resources. Some of these sites are the ones I find myself thinking about from time-to-time and visiting just to see what’s new. Others are the sites I go to when I have questions. Of course many times Google is my favorite grammar guide. If I can’t decide to use who or whom, I’ll just Google “who vs whom.” Google is good for the basic questions, but if you’re here, I bet you are already well aware.
Ann Wylie’s Writing Tips
I learned about Ann Wylie as an intern for a local nonprofit from my supervisor. She suggested I sign up for emails from Ann, or a series called Ann Wylie’s Writing Tips and I did. Even nearly five years later, the internship is a distant memory, but I still get Ann’s emails. I don’t always open them, but when I do I never regret it. She’s good. So good, I fear linking to the site and having her find my little world of mixed up prepositions and misused words from a pingback. Her emails usually include a few short articles. For example, the articles in the latest email were about reading out loud to become a better writer. I know this. I’ve done it, but sometimes getting a reminder doesn’t hurt. I rush about and don’t even proofread things I post because of a lack of time, much less read them out loud to myself as I type or after I’ve finished. Sign up for Ann Wylie’s Writing Tips here.
No Job for Mom
At No Job for Mom, Felica writes about her journey from outside the home career to a freelance online writer. I honestly can’t pinpoint what it is I like so much about her site. She’s a wonderful writer. I always learn something from her blog, but her’s is the only blog that makes my list. I seem to often find myself typing in her URL to see what she’s had to say lately. I’ve been doing this and following along for a few years. I think what draws me to follow her journey is her perseverance and work ethic. Slow and steady seems to win the race for her, and she’s done a stellar job.
Grammar Girl
If I fear a visit from Ann Wylie to this site, I’m petrified of a visit from Grammar Girl. She’s built a large following as the go-to-girl for grammar and usage questions. I follow her Facebook page, but tend to visit when I think about it. She also has a popular podcast I haven’t listened to and at least one book that I hope to buy some day. If you’re a grammar geek or have been an online writer for awhile, chances are you know about Grammar Girl. Somehow she even manages to bring a big of spunk and excitement to grammar for us non-grammar geeks.
Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Yes, Purdue managed to come up with something worthwhile. I’m not biased or anything as a grad of their rival–Indiana University. The Purdue University OWL was even recommended to me in my IU English courses. If you have a question about MLA style, format of a letter and much in between, this is–I grudgingly admit–your spot. Okay, go, but don’t tell them I sent you.
Pin It