The internet offers significant resources for writers. As a writing coach, I've chosen links that can help you further develop and sustain yourself as a writer. Each of the sites offers access to news, tips, opportunities, publications and people that can help you write as successfully as you want to and realize the writing life that you want to live.

Each category offers sites that can benefit you whether you are a commercial or literary writer.

Agents

Here are some sites that can help you to decide how and when to approach an agent:

Publishersmarketplace.com--"a site for publishing professionals to find each other". A benefit to writers is the list of the ten most visited pages of the week (includes writers, editors and agents)

Writers.net--a source for finding agents by location and topic. Includes helpful articles and information on how to approach and work with agents.

Thewritersmind.com--a source devoting to helping "bridge the gap between writers, agents and publishers".

Literarymarketplace.com--"worldwide resource for the book publishing industry"

Publishers and on-line resources for writers

Here are some resources that will keep you up-to-date on what's happening in the writing world--including commercial and literary publishing, grant and contest deadlines, submitting to magazines and networking with other writers

Pw.org--Poets & Writers magazine: What Creative Writers Need to Know

Awpwriter.org--"The Writer's Chronicle", a publication providing news, information, and inspiration for writers"

Publishersweekly.com--weekly magazine of the publishing industry

Writersdigest.com--source for Writer's Market and other Writer's Digest publications.

Creativescreenwriting.com--interviews, tips and news for screenwriters

Hollywoodscriptwriter.com--weekly newspaper for the screen industry

Writerswrite.com--information, books, writing and publishing. Also a strong resource for business writers.

Bookstores

As a writing coach, I recommend that you read a lot--for pleasure, to stay abreast of what's being published, to experience how others write. Developing a relationship with a bookstore that will get hard to find books or will quickly get a special order can be a genuine contribution to your writing life.

I recommend:

Bookpassage.com--Book Passage is an independent bookstore in Marin County (Corte Madre, California). Will get out of print books. Also, offers numerous classes and workshops.

Powells.com--A great bookstore in Portland, Oregon.

Conferences

Awpwriter.org/wcc--a division of Associated Writing Programs. This site offers a comprehensive directory of national and international writers' conferences.

Writing as Art

Sfcb.org--San Francisco Center for the Book--organization devoted to the art and craft of making books by hand.

Art materials

Flaxart.com--art materials and wide assortment of hand-made papers in San Francisco, CA

Dickblick.com--Dick Blick art materials

Utrechtart.com--on-line and in Berkeley, CA

Courses/Workshop

Ucsc-extension.edu---University of California Extension at Santa Cruz offers a wide variety of classes and workshops for writers. I've offered workshops there since 1998.

Ciis.edu--look for link to CIIS public programs. I'm on the faculty at CIIS and have offered Writing as Art through CIIS public programs. Because CIIS focuses on the integration of mind, body and spirit in education, many of its public programs will aid you personally, artistically and professionally.