Everyone (including moi) has been blogging about Michael Stelzner's Top 10 blogs for writers--a competition that he described as "intense" and about which he noted that the "top 3 blogs . . . were within 1 percentage point of each other, making this an exceptionally close race."
So, how about the "also rans," I say. Surely, some blogs out there are worthy of special mention, even if they can't be in the top 10.
I will now list what are, (IM-ever-so-HO), some writing blogs that may have been entirely overlooked in the contest, based on their not being about freelance writing. The writing business is made up of various types of writers. For all those writers, there's a creative side and a business side. I think the business aspects of fiction, publishing and screenwriting are all interesting topics on which one can find particularly good blogs. Such as the following (again, in no particular order):
Fiction
The Writer's Edge -- This is a flat-out great blog for fiction writers. It covers topics germane to fiction writing as a creative and business endeavor. The posts are timely, well-written and thoughtful examinations of major issues in the fiction writing world, like the future of the publishing industry (is there one?), the fine points of book publicity, the role of editors in publishing today (is there one?)--parts one and two, and an examination of the "self-publishing conundrum" by some highly opinionated guest blogger. (Oh, yeah, that was me . . .) Required reading for anyone who writes fiction.
Work-in-Progress -- This is a good, concisely written blog that is just packed (packed, I tell ya) with useful and fun stuff to read. There is the useful, such as information about contests, workshops, events, jobs or other resources for fiction writers. And there is the fun stuff, like this book giveaway or this list of great books to read. There are also guest posts--this one by Paula Whyman was an absolute stitch. Updated frequently--and always with something interesting to offer--this is one to check daily.
Confessions of an Idiosyncratic Mind -- Okay. I ask myself, is Sarah Weinman's blog a fiction blog or a publishing blog? Either way, is it geared toward fiction in general or crime writing in particular? Is it an "authors and books" blog? A book review blog? Or something else entirely? The answer is "all of the above." Weinman truly has her finger on the pulse of the publishing industry--and she does acknowledge having a particular fondness for crime fiction, but she doesn't limit herself to it. Some of her posts are presented in great detail (like this item on Dennis Lehane); some are roundups of tidbits she refers to as "smatterings" (often she'll throw in a fun, possibly off-topic, frequently "news of the weird"-style item at the end of these roundups). Weinman also has a link list to die for--almost every crime fiction author you'd ever want to see is on there, along with other helpful resources. She recently finished up an in-depth, six-part series about various publishing imprints that should be read by all fiction writers with a serious interest in getting and keeping their work published. In fact, this blog should be read by all serious fiction writers (especially you crime and thriller writers out there) who want to keep track of the publishing business, along with what's new, what conferences are taking place and what your peers are up to (on the creative and business fronts). And Weinman does all this while writing for the Baltimore Sun and other publications. I mean, jeez, when does she have time to read?
Publishing
A Newbie's Guide to Publishing -- I've just gotten into this one, but I can tell you I already like it because JA Konrath provides no-nonsense, straight poop advice about the publishing business. No artsie-fartsie angst-ridden crap about writer's block or finding your muse. No promises of "if you write it, they will come." Just good solid advice like how to decide what writers organizations to join (or not join) and how Konrath has used social networking to market his books. Also, he's got interviews with authors (like Jason Starr) and tips on the creative part of all this. Good reading, all around.
Editorial Ass -- Moonrat, the "recovering editorial assistant," gives you a truly insider's view of the publishing world. Want to know how not to impress a publisher? This blog will tell you. Want to know about the latest acquisition news? This blog will have it--sometimes an opinion on it, as well. Want to understand the deepest, darkest thoughts of an editor working on a project? Yes, you'll find it here. Moonrat also discusses the need to have an agent (something we can perhaps have a friendly debate over someday?) and various fun things like a piece she enjoyed in the New Yorker or a recipe or a funny story about her great aunt. A highly informative and personable blog.
Self-Publishing Today -- Haven't seen much activity on this one lately, which makes me nervous. Nonetheless, Ray Robinson has put together some posts that interest me. Anything on book marketing always gets my attention--it's a challenge for all authors, but especially the self-published author. There's a list of 10 things editors and agents hate, as applied to self-publishing--an intriguing topic. And, of course, the stigma of self-publishing, a reality that must be acknowledged. And I love the most recent post, which showcases examples of self-publishing success stories. But it's dated August 25--please, sir, may we have some more?
The Book Deal -- I was tempted not to include this because I've only just started reading it, but even a cursory scroll-through shows that it's a highly practical, advice-oriented blog with interviews and information you can use. The latest post on the power of the opening sentence caught my attention right away. An article about an agent seeking writers (wow!) plus five tips for unpublished writers really grabbed my attention. An amusing post followed on how not to do a book signing (practical and funny!) and advice to writers from literary luminary Tom Robbins. Looking really good so far. Looking forward to more.
Screenwriting
Jane Espenson -- Titled "Jane in Progress" (but no one calls it that), Jane Espenson's blog is a great place to look for advice on writing spec scripts for television. A writer and co-executive producer on Battlestar Galactica (a show I so love), Jane's credits are impressive. She's written for a wide variety of shows, including Gilmore Girls, Ellen, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (an eclectic mix). She'll clue you in on all the tips and tricks of the TV screenwriting trade--stuff like how to use the intentionally bad joke in your script, how to write good character descriptions and how to choose a show for which to write a spec. She answers reader questions about script writing (though I've never been able to locate her email--is it me?) and gives you the inside scoop on various aspects of the TV biz. And she'll tell you what she had for lunch. (Hmm . . . okay.) An excellent resource for the aspiring TV writer. And what a perfect segue to this blog . . .
Amanda the Aspiring TV Writer -- Again, we're talking TV here. And, in this case, the blogger is an agency assistant, working her way up the ladder of the television industry--and sharing the process with others. Where Jane has the experience, Amanda gives it to you from the viewpoint of the up-and-coming (relative) newcomer. Reading her blog not only gives you an inside look at the business, but the occasional glimpse at her life in general. As an agent's assistant, Amanda gets to read a lot of scripts, so she can offer good advice on what works and what doesn't. She gives information on writers groups and keeps you informed of upcoming contests. She also tells you what types of assistant jobs are out there for people looking to get a foot in the door, how to go about finding an internship or job and the little, practical things you need to know--like where to live in LA and what to wear to various jobs. Not only is the blog a treasure trove of information, but Amanda has a wry, funny, endearing voice that makes her blog a great read. So, if TV writing is your ambition (or even if you're just curious about it), you simply must read this blog.
Lee Goldberg -- Yes, it's titled "A Writer's Life," but no, nobody calls it that. (Is it a TV blog thing?) Lee Goldberg is actually a two-fer--a TV writer-producer and a novelist. So he writes with great authority and experience about both the television and publishing industries. That's one thing that makes his blog unique. Another is that, in addition to writing about those industries, providing all sorts of news and information about both, traveling between the two worlds and succeeding in both with a stunning effortlessness (at least, I find it stunning and his photos don't show him breaking a sweat or looking like he's nearing the edge of a nervous breakdown or anything), he also keeps you up-to-date about feature films. And then, on top of that, Lee provides cautionary advice on some of the shady players in the publishing business and some of the unethical behavior you run across. But that's not all! In addition, every week, Lee throws in the "TV Main Title of the Week"--a video of credits from an old show like this one. Covers a lot of ground and is relevant for novelists (especially--yes--crime writers) and screenwriters of the big or small screen. I highly recommend it.
What It's Like -- This blogger, Lisa, has worked on Sci-Fi Channel shows like Flash Gordon (one of my favorites) and Painkiller Jane (just can't get into it--sorry, Lisa). She's written for the Star Trek franchise and for other sci-fi and action shows. I like this blog because it gives good, straightforward advice--on writing, on networking, on asking for favors. While written for TV screenwriters, much of it can be useful for any writer. I like the tone and style of Lisa's writing. Her advice seems sound. She doesn't feel the need to post each and every day, which allows her to write longer, more substantive pieces than people who blog constantly--I like that a lot. A great blog, well worth the reading.
The Artful Writer -- I was on the fence about this one, because it's of such specific interest to members of the Writer's Guild of America. Then, I realized that this is the only blog I know of that focuses almost single-mindedly and exclusively on that topic, so I decided it was worthy of mention for that reason alone. If you want to follow the politics of the WGA and SAG, this is one place to do it. Craig Mazin, who writes the blog, has no shortage of opinions. Being an industry outsider myself, I scan his blog, note what's going on with a certain detached interest and am in absolutely no position to agree or disagree with most of it. He often writes on internal guild matters like board elections and political infighting within or between unions. However, his recent post about screenwriters (still!) not getting the respect they're due was one I could relate to (if not as a screenwriter, then at some level) and expressed a position I could support. He has also (sometimes) written about writing. Other topics, like the creation of StrikeTV, I find interesting because it's sort of the screenwriters' version of self-publishing, providing them an alternative to the studios for getting their work produced (as self-publishing provides an alternative to traditional publishing). I'm always fascinated by the parallels I find between the screenwriting world and the published writing world. So I like to keep my eye on both. And this blog provides one good way of doing that.
Next time: Honorable Mentions for Small Business and Miscellaneous Writing Blogs.
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