As a long time writer, I’ve noticed a big change over the years—more help. With the advent of the Internet and Web and the generosity of writers, I’ve been able to query help for my writing much more often in the last decade or so. Two of my favorites are Writer Unboxed (http://writerunboxed.com) and Jane Friedman (http://www.janefriedman.com and her blog, http://www.janefriedman.com/blog). In the latter case, you can also sign up for Jane’s “Electric Speed” and receive emails about her latest advice. Jane also runs a Facebook group called “The Business of Being a Writer.”
While WriterUnboxed is more unabashedly commercial (calling for donations and so on), both offer solid content and both are clearly in love with the writing and fiction and the business of writing, too. With so many of us now finding alternate publishing paths, their advice is particularly helpful.
Of course, there are many other sources for good advice as well, but, over the last year in particular, I’ve found myself turning to these two sources on a more regular basis than any other. I’m grateful for their generosity, their honesty about writing, and the advice they offer. If you’re a writer of fiction, they’re great sources to consult. Thanks to both.