Resources for New Writers
Skip the cluelessness of transitioning into the writing world. Here are resources that helped along the way. Subscribe below to get updated tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Workshops/Classes
Best workshops I've taken to improve my craft. I've specifically curated the ones that offer classes for writers of all types, especially for those who enjoy writing across different forms and genres.
As a novice with a limited budget and unsure of who I was as a writer, Writingpad was my saving grace. The instructors were knowledgeable and my peers ranged from newbies like me to published/professional writers who were all just as welcoming. as the instructors.. And there's a variety of genres/formats to choose from such as TV writing, personal essays, and novels.
Quality instructors provide mentorship and sharpen your skillset as a writer. I love that many of the instructors works in their fields and can offer practical advice based on current trends. They have various writing programs to choose from such as creative writing, film and tv writing, editing and publishing, and poetry. Their programs can be taken in-person or online.
This is an all-encompassing organization for writers. With online writing workshops, a helpful magazine, and multiple conferences that introduce you to writers at all levels, this is a good place to expose you to the writing world.
Media & Software
Some of my favorite tools and resources for emerging writers. These are what I use to keep myself inspired and my ideas organized.
This is a great tool for screenwriters and picture book writers to get their ideas out through storyboarding. You can upload images, rearrange them, and share them with other collaborators. I personally enjoy it as a visual organizer of my plot.
When working on a novel, keeping track of all the details in the plot can get overwhelming. Plottr was a life saver. You can keep notes on different characters, settings, and timelines. Instead of post-its all over my office, I have all of the important details and references in one place.
Scrivener is my Arkenstone for writing a novel. Although the inter-face takes some getting used to, I love how you can view your novel in parts and take notes along the way, without it being a cumbersome pile on your desk. You can store research, refer to your outline, and rearrange chapters with a touch of a button.
Spectacular podcast hosted by an author and an agent that gives a wide-eyed perspective on the publishing industry and a writing career overall.
My go-to software for creating aesthetically pleasing posts for social media, flyers for book events, and simplistic storyboard templates. I've also used it to create editing portfolios and resumes. Canva is my right-hand guide when it comes to the business side of writing and editing.
Writing Conferences in CA
If you are looking for ways to learn and network with other authors and writers, conferences are a great way to do both. Here are a few I've attended and enjoyed. More to come in the future!
This is a large conference that rotates locations around the country every year. When I attended last year, it was a bountiful resource to make connections, listen to the first-hand experience of authors, and learn more about different literary organizations. They offer panels and workshops for novelists, poets, and screenwriters.
The first writing conference I ever attended and it was a huge win for me. I made my first contact with other writers, attended fantastic workshops on the publishing industry, on what it means to be a writer, and a treasure trove of tips to improve my craft. My favorite part was listening to the guest speaker, Taylor Jenkins Reid, share her journey to author-hood. I mean, come on!
If you prefer a small, intimate conference where you can observe from the sidelines, but still participate in intellectually-engaging and inspiring discussions, this conference is for you. My favorite memory here was listening to a musician play his guitar along the reading of a poem by Santa Barbara's poet laureate. I left with tears and a big itch to dig deeper into my craft.
This is everything books and writing on steroids. Tons of books, tons of new authors, tons of food trucks, and tons of book signings. It was a great place to discover new independent bookstores in the area. Once you get through the crowd, you find yourself among the most amazing panelists The line to see Percival Everett and hear him speak was out the door. But well worth the wait!
Craft Books
Books that will upgrade your writing from blah to muah!
John Campbell created a great resource when it comes to plot. This book is super detailed when it comes to writing a good story. He really breaks it down, dedicating a chapter to each of the most important elements of plot. A must have.
This book reads like a novel and is well organized. She maps out different types of editing as macroedits, microedits, and line edits. It also has a section on editorial feedback. This book was super helpful for me when I was a self-editing novice.
A book to keep on your shelf as a new writer. It's a book you can return to over and over again. My biggest takeaway was learning how to structure your writing so that plot and the character's evolution go hand in hand, which can be tricky at first.
This book was a reminder on how becoming a writer is about staying persistent, moving past the things that make you feel defeated, and normalizing our inner terrain of wonkiness. It's also a good beginner's guide on developing a story.
Journal Submissions
Submitting to journals can be overwhelming. These resources made the process more bearable.
This platform offers a variety of resources when it comes to submissions and publishing. For a $50 annual fee, you can track your submissions, review and access advanced research tools to help you find the perfect agent or publisher for your writing.
Poets and Writers is a great resource for writers at all levels. It has a page that lists all of the literary magazines you can submit to that are vetted by their staff, so you can save time and skip the vetting process yourself.
Take the hassle out of researching the right place to submit your writing baby and hire chill subs. With an account, you can save your favorite journals. and view upcoming submission dates. The best part? These two editors will take your piece and give you a list of journals that would be a good match for a small fee..
CA Retreats
A list of the top-rated retreats at different budget levels.
Writer Magazine has a great list of DIY retreats all over the U.S. that other authors and editors recommend. I like that it is organized by state, so it's easier to find a specific location. Heck, you could even create a whole year-long road trip writing retreat with this list!
Located in Idyllwild, at the Tahquitz Pines Conference Center, this is a four day retreat organized specifically for middle grade and YA writers. This is only one example of the many retreats that SCBWI hosts. They have events for picture book writers, illustrators, or a combination of both.
This is a writers retreat I hope to attend one day. They offer two retreats in Carmel valley, one is tailored towards publishing alongside editors and agents and the other is geared towards improving your craft led by their author-in-residence. Both retreats include writing workshops and ample writing time.
The Quiet Desk
Along with another writer, I host affordable retreats in the SoCal area for under $500. Come gather with other writers where the focus is on writing and sharing our work with others. Nothing stuffy or pretentious, just good food, good company, and good work.