Seven Great Resources for New Writers

As a writer you probably spend a lot of time working alone, and you probably wouldn't have it any other way.

Yet, when it comes to promoting your work in either print or electronic format, it’s a completely different ball game. Networking with other like-minded and experienced people is crucial and there is much to be gained engaging with others through the many social media platforms, blogs and websites available.

Here is a list of some very valuable resources for new (and experienced) writers …

Everything Books & Authors

This website dedicates a page specifically to new authors and their work, and provides great tips and resources on writing as well as well researched reading recommendations for readers.
On twitter: @WriterToniC

One Thousand Worlds in One Thousand Words

A site where new sciFi and fantasy writers can showcase their work and submit the first 1000 words of their published novels, novellas, or other works 

On twitter: @1000worlds

Scifi Book Cafe

A virtual Facebook café that discusses science fiction and fantasy books – aimed at both readers and writers. Authors can post their novels and promotions in the vein of science fiction, fantasy or horror books. Request to join.
On twitter: @ScifiBookCafé

Author Central

A Facebook Page moderated by Daniel L Carter – for authors to share their experiences, events and promos, network and support each other – request to join.
On twitter: @G6Chronicles

MarSocial
(Media Arts Review Social)

MARSocial.com is a dynamic social media network and online magazine for writers, authors, artists, and musicians, with the opportunity to contribute commentary, poetry, and excerpts from original works of fiction.
On twitter: @ceoMARS

The Book Designer

A goldmine for writers, providing a wealth of articles, advice and resources to help you write, design and publish a print book or eBook 

On twitter: @JFBookman

The Book Reviewers & Authors Club

Authors can showcase their work through an author interview or Member’s Biography pages.
On twitter: @review_club

Nisha P Postlethwaite is the author of The First Sense eBook available from several online retailers. To find out more visit www.nppostlethwaite.com

The Character Build vs. A Character Assassination

I am currently writing two, very different books. 

The first, is a moving but darkly humorous collection of short stories based on relationships, specifically how we painstakingly build them up, only to tear them down again. The relationship-stages of laying foundations, building, destroying, recovering and the rebuilding process are told through different characters.   

I am also working on the sequel to The First Sense; this second novel is set in my British City of the future, in the genre of magical-realism, and revolves around several complex and unusual characters.

For me it's all about character building. I love breathing life into seeds of imagination to grow characters of substance with many colourful layers. 

As writers we become our characters’ closest confidants – nurturing their traits, sharing their secrets, feeling their pain, enjoying their highs, inventing their histories, even giving them habits, and we always know what they’re thinking.

If I have to tear a character down again - all in the interest of a good story - I can’t help grieving.  A character assassination is never easy, even if the character deserves a gruesome ending. It’s like having to say saying goodbye to someone you don’t necessary like but you are deeply connected to, because you shared so much along your journey.

   

Maybe there is some truth in that old adage ‘everything happens for a reason,’ because many of the joys, successes, misfortunes, atrocities, break-ups and kicks in the lives of those around me and also in my own, become the building blocks to base my characters on. Maybe that's why I get so attached. 

Nisha P Postlethwaite is the author of The First Sense eBook available from several online retailers.  To find out more visit her website 

Discover more about the main characters from The First Sense eBook, their extraordinary gifts and what makes them tick