Welcome to the Wattpad Block Party - Winter Edition III!
Round FIVE of this popular event is coming your way the entire month of February 2017 and it's going to be epic! The invites have started to roll out and everyone from your all time favo...
Resources You Can Use In A Time (And Money) Crunch
RoshelleD
I want to start off by saying a huge "THANK YOU" to @KellyAnneBlount for having me here. I couldn't figure out what I wanted to post, but I knew I wanted to help my fellow writers out somehow. Here's hoping I came up with something at least a little different...
What's more enjoyable than creating words (and worlds) on a page? Whether you're able to spend nothing more than just your free time writing, or every day doing it comes down to that elusive "thing."
Which is what?
For me, it comes down to time and money. Much like the theme song from "Married with Children," it's like you can't have one without the other.
Or can you?
Access to writing resources can be hard to come by, but it doesn't mean they're not out there. If you're like me and want to improve, but don't have the means or schedule to do so, please read on. Here's some information I hope can bridge the gap until you have the money and time to make it to that next high-profile, writing conference near the beach.
Bookbub
They say that a writer's biggest resource is to read. You already have On Writing, Bird by Bird, The Emotion Thesaurus and The Elements of Style to refer back to. So where do you go from there? Bookbub's a good place to look. You set up a list of your favorite genres (or favorite authors) and get a daily email about deals in whatever you selected. Price points are as low as 2.99, .99, or even free (I usually have to go for the free option). It's a time saver for me because they do the work for me. Gone are the days of typing genres in Amazon and scrolling through page after page of books available, then having wasted even more time after reading questionable content or something you end up putting down. And remember, just because you got the book free doesn't mean you can't give something valuable. Be sure to take the time to leave a review. They're not as easy to come by as you think, and are a great way to help out your fellow authors.
Grammarly
Of course nothing replaces a beta reader or editor, but if you know grammar isn't your strong suit, then this one's for you. There is a premium version but you can also run the free version. I use Google Chrome and it checks everything from the sentences I post in the clubs, to my e-mails. It also found all of the commas I missed when I went over my finished story (I'm still working on that). Some of the mistakes it catches won't be ones you agree with, but I've found it doesn't hurt to check them out. I can always come up with a better sentence and Grammarly helps.
Positive Writer
Self-doubt, constant questions, fights with your inner critic. If you're like me, you've been there. I like this because of the writer's approach to tackling writer issues. He doesn't shy away from the bad parts of writing. Perhaps you're secretly experiencing a little envy about hearing about that awesome book deal a writer friend just got. It doesn't mean you're not happy for them, but that you're human. We all have our moments and he encourages you to embrace them. They're just as valid as other emotions we channel in our writing. That way you can move past them quicker and get back to what you're meant to be doing. Being supportive and continuing to write.
Bonus: There are also deals (or even free) books that will help you with writing. To save time, I've subscribed. I check my e-mail (usually two to five weekly) and remember to look at them later on when I have a block of forty-five minutes.
Standout Books
The blog posts here (emphasis on blog) provides a resource that helps you with tips and exercises to polish your writing. Using screenwriter techniques to create a scene, why writing short stories are important, or even tips on editing show that a broad range of topics are covered. Named one of the best resources of 2015 and nominated again for 2016, this is one you want to take a peek at. As a way to save time, I usually receive an e-mail or just go check the blog and bookmark two to four interesting posts to read on my days off.
Tumblr
Not only is this a great outlet for social media, but it's also a huge resource when it comes to writing. Are you into fanfiction? (C'mon, I know there're some SPN lovers out there). No?
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Sorry, I got sidetracked...
Fanfiction, fantasy, YA. There are plenty of blogs here which are sure to meet your need for content and the favorite ships in your fandom. I go there when I need inspiration and look for writing prompts or pictures. It's also a great resource of writer information. With everything from infographics on crime scenes and villains to lengthy posts about character development or writing about people of color, everything is right there on your dashboard. It doesn't have to take much time unless you want it to. My go to method is to set a timer for 30-45 minutes and dive into my dashboard.
Wattpad
I can't mention writing without talking about Wattpad. With such a diverse group of readers and writers and a site that has global reach, you can find what you need if you know where to look. Want to read on the go, just install the app and you're on your way. Looking for graphics, book trailers, news about publishing, or even a beta reader? You can find it here, too. Online magazines, contests, the Block Party. There's no limit to who you can interact with while meeting some great people and reading a huge mix of eclectic works. Even if you're pressed for time, (like me) you can still find something. I usually have to go on for anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour one to three times each week. Something is better than nothing and remember, as with most things in life, you get out what you put in.
*This is a bonus spot in case you have room to mention it. If not, that's fine.
And if you happen to have a little extra money handy, then this next suggestion could work for you.
Creative courses
Sites like Skillshare and Udemy offer many classes for creativity. Skillshare costs as little as $9.99 a month and also has an offer of three months for $.99. Udemy offers classes for as low as $10. In addition both offer free content as well. Skillshare even has classes presented by fellow Wattpadders you know and love. On both sites, you can add courses to a list and enroll when you're able, then take them on your own time. Learning on the go can help add to your writing arsenal. And since you have the control, it could be the creative outlet necessary to help you focus on that next story or piece of graphic art that inspires your next work.
And that's the list.
Best of luck to you. Now get out there, go tackle that book. And by all means, make sure you have a little fun while doing it. Any fun, cheap resources you can think of? I'd love to hear about them.
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P.S. Don't forget to enter the 130+ #WattpadBlockParty Giveaways! Clickable links are at the top of my Wattpad profile! :)
