writing
resources

When it comes to storytelling, there's a learning curve. It takes time and dedication to grow our skills and write powerful fiction. So open your mind, draw your keyboard close, and challenge yourself to learn all you can. Here are some great articles, tools, and books that can help you level up your fiction.

On Writing

There is a short story or novel inside everyone. Did you know that there are essentials to writing, especially if you want to publish your creativity. The following resources will help assist you with that process.

Story Elements You Need to Know

The Secrets of Story Structure

How to Build a Flesh and Blood Character

Eight Ways Not To Start A Novel
Writing Strong Heroes – 7 Qualities To Include
How to Uncover Your Character’s Deepest Fear
How to Write a Novel When You Have No Idea What You’re Doing

One Stop for Writers Storyteller’s Roadmap

On Editing

Editing is a difficult concept. Some say to edit each chapter as you go. Some say not to use AI to assist with these, they are the purists. The thing is no book will be perfect. it takes time to edit, but it is worthwhile. readers don’t like to see grammar mistakes or issues such as he had blue eyes on one page and green on the next. These resources are, while not extensive, are provided to help you with the task of editing.

Why No One Is Reading Past Your First Chapter
How to Slay Your Bloated Word count

Everything You Need to Know about Editing and Revision

If you are looking to hire an editor, always ask for a sample edit. This isn’t something you pay for (if they charge a fee for a sample edit, don’t engage further). Sample edits help you decide if their editing style and skills are a fit for you, and they can see if your writing and needs are a fit for them. Further reading for hiring an editor:

The Difference Between an Editor and a Book Coach
When Are You Ready for Professional Editing?
Best Practices for Working with an Independent Editor

Writers Helping Writers Recommended Editors & Coaches List

Feedback and Critique Groups

One of the best things you can do to improve your writing is to seek out feedback. Having other people read your work and offer respectful opinions and suggestions can be very helpful as they have the distance you lack (as a writer will always be emotionally tied to what they create).

As you move toward publication, it’s important to revise before querying (Traditional Publishing) or engaging a freelance editor (Self-Publishing). The more you refine your story, the better chance it has of standing out, and if you self-publish, strengthening a story with critique partners first can reduce your costs for editing.

Critique Groups:

FWG Critique Group Information
The Critique Circle
Scribophile

Helpful Information:

Story Feedback: Free & Paid Options

Scene Critique Checklist

The Writer’s Support Triangle: Critique
The Writer’s Support Triangle: Accountability

The Writer’s Support Triangle: Mentorship

Critique Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide

The Right Time for a Critique Group

What a Great Critique Group Looks Like
Six Rules to Keep Critique Relationships Golden
The Up and Downsides of Critique Groups
When to Leave Your Critique Group

Local Writing Organizations & Groups

We live in a vibrant area of the world with many terrific organizations and festivals for creatives. There are man more than we have included here. Search for Calgary and area writer’s groups. We encourage you to check a few of these out:

Foothills Writers Group

Alexandra Writer’s Centre

Imaginative Fiction Writers Association

Writer’s Circle Calgary Public Library

FWG Favorites

Our members have found some amazing online tools and resources. Here are some of our favorites to add to your writer’s kit.

OneLook Reverse Dictionary

Can’t find the right word? Work backwards and type in the gist of what you want to describe, or the mood you’re going for.

writing resources