Writer Resources for the New Year 2019

If you're like me, your inbox is crammed with emails from sites you signed up for because you thought they just might have information that would help you as an author. Unfortunately for me, the ol' inbox is so inundated that I have to fortify myself with a Xanax before I delve into the swamp. My response as I slog through the pile is usually something like Who is this again? Why did I sign up for this? 

Photo by Robbin Higgins

Authors, who I am certain are very nice people, clamor to tell me about their new releases-sales-free offers. Enthusiastic marketers guarantee that I'll be an Amazon best-seller in a very short time if I only listen to their podcast or live event or sign up for their course.

I'm starting to feel like Grady Tripp from Wonder Boys, the author who just can't stop writing his novel.  As one character advises him,  "It's like you didn't make any choices." (I paraphrased. It makes me want to watch the movie again. It's one of my favorites.)

Well, this year, I'm making choices, and I thought I would share the keepers with you.

Author Marketing Club

You can join them for $97, a one-time, lifetime payment, and access their resources. But they have plenty of free resources, too.

The Creative Penn

Author Joanna Penn has tons of free advice on her website, and her fiction is good as well.

Dana Kaye Publicity

Again, tons of good information about marketing. I've followed her for a while, and my interest was renewed when she held a free seminar for Sisters in Crime members.

Kristin Lamb

Kristen Lamb's blog is like having your own cheerleader--a very blunt, funny, honest cheerleader. I've read both her fiction and nonfiction and enjoyed both.

 Cupcake Training  and  Renae Christine's Youtube Channel . She's a bit goofy (which I love) and she has great advice and free training videos on selling. She is geared toward Etsy, but much of the information can apply to anything your selling. 

La Guardia Cross's Youtube Channel   Because everyone needs to laugh, and the New Father Chronicles are hysterical. It's the clever editing and Cross's personality that puts these videos before all other parent/child humor videos.

Mel's Video of the Day  How else are you going to get inspiration for that book unless you open your mind to all of the wonderful, weird happenings out there?

Jenny Can Cook  Do you remember Jenny Jones? Well, she's back with brown hair and easy recipes that will make your mouth water. We all need to eat.  I also purchased her fiction novel, but I haven't read it yet.

Sisters in Crime  This is a members only site, but they have great resources for writers who join. I belong to the Los Angeles chapter as well as the national chapter. 

Now, if only I can get the unsubscribe button to work, I'll have a clean inbox. :)