I’ve been a full-time freelancer for a quite a few years now, but my writing life changed dramatically once I started to get to know other writers. I think as writers we tend to be solitary creatures. At least, that’s how I am. We sit at our keyboard or with our notebook and eavesdrop on conversations going on around us rather than engaging in them sometimes!

But writers need support to truly be successful. My writer pals are honest, helpful, and most of all, supportive. I’ve received great advice from fellow writers on upcoming books I had planned, support when I did a virtual tour, and kind words of encouragement when I was feeling frustrated. This can change your outlook on those days when you’re hammering away at the keyboard for ten hours straight without so much as a word from another human!

Most of all, I appreciate how different writers are. I see this in the interview series we have here at Working Writers. The things we ask writers may be similar, but the responses are totally different. Writers truly fascinate me, and always have.

A few weeks ago I was hanging out in the Suite101 forums, and realized that there are so many great writers there, many of whom have blogs about writing. I’m all for sharing the knowledge. I thought I’d share them with you! Please visit each and every one! (I’ll also include them in our “For Writers” section at the top of this site.)

Here are a few of the writer’s blogs I regularly read:

• Writers Weekly
  Angela Hoy’s Writer’s Weekly blog was one of the first I ever started reading. She is such a powerhouse, and I love the fact that she is an advocate for writer’s fair treatment and compensation. She’s also friendly as can be. A few months ago I had a very odd writing-related problem, and I wrote to her. Without knowing me at all she was very helpful with information for me. Her site offers new jobs, talks about the publishing industry, and has plenty of contests to keep you busy.
• Funds for Writers
  C. Hope Clark offers a wonderful site that gives tips on writing and (as the site says) obtaining funding. I love the articles and ideas she has there.
• Writers in the Sky
  Yvonne Perry is another one of those people who offers so much that can benefit writers.  She gives you a chance to announce success stories, new books, poetry, etc., in her newsletter.  Plus she has a plethora of services writers can take advantage of.  (Don’t forget to read our interview with Yvonne as well!)
• Publicity Hound
  I started reading this during my days in marketing, but now that I’m a full-time writer I still get just as much out of it.  There are awesome tips on getting publicity (hence the name!) but I also find that the site gives me great ideas on how to market myself as well.

Now to the Suite writers!  These are blogs written by members of the Suite101 staff.  Most of them are writing related, while the others will entertain and inspire you.  Enjoy.

• Art & Writing – Lyn Rasmussen’s blog about writing and art makers.
• I’m the Boss of Me Now – Elizabeth Beeson’s blog about being a freelance writer, teacher and jewelry artist.
• Angela England – Angela is extremely supportive and helpful to writers.  She’s very positive, and always manages to offer a kind word.  Her blog is filled with great tips for writers.  She’s done an especially great job of giving clear information on what it’s like to write online.  In addition to writing, you can find information about alternative medicine, animals, childbirth, gardening, and more.  You might also enjoy our interview with Angela, where I especially appreciated her advice for other writers.
• CreateWorkLive – Karen Berger’s blog about how artists and writers can survive and thrive in the creative economy.  If you weren’t encouraged to go after your creative dream before you read this blog, you will be once you get there.
• Purposeful Growth – Don’t you love sites that are positive and make you feel good?  That’s what Jerry Lopper’s site does.  Writers can definitely benefit by this mental shot in the arm.
• Quips and Tips for Successful Writers- When I first started at Suite, I hopped around the site and came across one of Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen’s articles.  I was immediately a fan.  Still am.  She’s got such great information on all her Quips and Tips sites, so once you’re there be sure to click on the “about Laurie” link to find them all.  You won’t be disappointed.
• The Write Words – I love that Roberta Goli shares her personal writing journey with readers on this blog.  She shares her thoughts on getting jobs, building her blog, and everyday happenings in a writer’s life.
• Diana Lambdin Meyer – We writers are a curious lot.  That’s why I know you’ll love Diana’s travel writing blog, which tells of the “stories behind the stories” she writes.
• Aromatherapy Notes – Sharon Falsetto writes about essential oil profiles, aromatherapy laws and pratice for the USA and UK.  Is there an oil that promotes good writing?  Find out on her blog!
• This Tour Guru – Donna West writes vacation tips and tours and a funny story or two thrown in for good measure.
• Simple Living Revolution – Sandra Williams is another favorite writer at Suite, and her blog is the perfect blend of cool and funky.  She shares tips for living a more simple and self-reliant life, something every writer should be aware of.
• Inspired Pen Offerings – Tel Asiado’s wonderful blog great thinkers, playwrights, poets, and self-help tips to inspire.
• Jennifer Gets Bloggy – Jennifer Walker’s blog about the writing life.  Here you’ll find tips for managing a freelance career, first-hand thoughts from the writing life, and writing lessons.
• Always Write – Karen Lotter’s blog about all things writing.  I’ve found some very good tips about SEO and website writing here.
• Writing Diva – Lynne Smythe has declared herself a blog-a-holic!  It’s true – just check out the Diva Blog Network on the right sidebar and you’ll find all the blogs she writes.  (A writer creating posts for an entire network of blogs?  Ambitious!)
• The Eclectic Muse – Beverly Hill’s got thoughts and info on everything from hiking and nature to spirituality and writing.
• Palimpsest - Lito Apostolakou blogs about writing and writing materials.
• Teacher Writer – Suzanne Pitner blogs about writing, teaching, and also offers a weekly notification of reputable writing contests.
• Writer Working -Lyda Phillips blogs about the writing life, and other fascinating observations.
• Adventures in Online Writing – Miranda Miller offers some fabulous advice for writers looking to succeed in the online writing world.  (Here’s a hint – it’s different from print!)

I hope you will check out all these fabulous blogs and show some love.

Image: sxc.hu.

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