The Top Creative Writing Blogs

The Top 100 Creative Writing Blogs (Updated)

Posted on Monday July 2, 2012by Staff Writers

Whether a creative writer’s heart sits with prose, poetry, or both, there likely exists an author or aspirant author out there with something to offer his or her work. And that, friends, is why the Internet stands as one of the best possible tools for today’s emerging literati. Thanks to the online input of industry pros and fledgling dreamers, today’s writers enjoy some incredible opportunities to finely-tune their craft and seek personalized advice from those who came before.

We have updated our previous list to include some pretty nifty new reads since then, and we hope you’ll find them as advantageous and informative as we do! Please keep in mind that entries are not to be read as ranked in any particular order.

GENERAL

These reads cover a broad range of subjects concerning both novice and old-timer authors alike, making them particularly well-rounded starts to exploring the writerly corner of the blogosphere.

1. Writer Unboxed:
   Authors and aspiring authors alike post their thoughts and ideas regarding the craft of writing as well as other related critical fields.
2. Write Anything:
   eMergent Publishing’s cross-genre, international community of writers offers up prompts, advice, and pretty much everything else an up-and-coming author could possibly need.
3. Inkygirl:
   Debbie Redpath Ohi rounds out her highly informative postings about writing (mostly for younger readers) with some fun, quirky illustrations and comics.
4. WOW! Women on Writing Blog:
   This highly useful e-zine also hosts classes, workshops, contests, job postings, a writer’s market, and plenty more resources ardent wordsmiths need.
5. Write to Done:
   Write to Done features some of the web’s most accessible, informative articles about the writing process to help readers tighten their abilities and learn more about the industry.
6. The Urban Muse:
   Copy editor and freelance writer Susan Johnston dishes out advice and teaches classes on blogging and general authoring, posting much of what she’s learned right here.
7. Writing Forward:
   No matter one’s creative writing passion, chances are Writing Forward has already covered it, so stop on over for delicious tips and tricks.
8. Writer’s Blog:
   Hit up this one-stop digital shop when seeking out info about the publishing industry and expert advice on how to make it – and make it with an excellent body of work.
9. Writerly Life:
   Check Writerly Life often, as novelist Blair Hurley enjoys challenging her readers with prompts, advice snippets, and other resources meant to bolster their craft.
10. Creative Writing Contests:
    It should be pretty obvious what this blog is all about, but for those who never quite got the grasp of reading comprehension 101, it posts creative writing contests.
11. Strictly Writing:
    Multiple authors from across different creative writing mediums blog about anything and everything related to their respective paths, from valuable techniques to getting published, and everything in between.
12. Morgen Bailey’s Writing Blog:
    And podcast, too! Give ol’ Morgan Bailey a visit and hear what authors across genres have to say about the craft of creative writing, recommended events, reviews, and plenty more.
13. WEbook Blog:
    One of the largest online communities for writers keeps a wonderful blog packed with a wide variety of posts about improving, inspiration, and all components of the publishing process.
14. Writers In The Storm Blog:
    Another great group blog encompassing a wide range of genres and creative mediums for an in-depth look at anything and everything the writerly world entails.

ASPIRING AND EMERGENT AUTHORS

Follow the careers of — and, of course, network with! — writers hoping to publish their very first works as well as their counterparts with a little more experience to their names.

15. Emerging Writers Network:
    The Emerging Writers Network focuses on bringing together novices into a supportive online community to trade resources, tips and tricks, and even reviews.
16. Ficticity:
    Tim Bennett shares his short stories as well as experiences and advice culled from trying to break into the writing world.
17. Plotmonkeys:
    Read up on what four different aspiring authors have to say about the art of literature and what they’ve been learning along their journeys.
18. Emerging Writer:
    Author of the “dinky book” Some Poems Kate Dempsey chronicles all of the triumphs and tragedies behind getting published as a newbie to the industry these days.
19. Macmillan New Writers:
    Macmillan hosts this nice little blog to help its emerging authors without a web presence promote their books and learn how to navigate Internet promotions.
20. WriteWords Members’ Blogs:
    Wannabe writers gather at this wildly popular community and job listing service to share their philosophies, strategies, and sample pieces with the hopes of helping one another achieve their literary goals.
21. The Aspiring TV Writer and Screenwriter Blog:
    This blogger chronicles her journey after college and before she manages to land her dream job in a specific creative writing industry.
22. The WriteGirl Blog:
    WriteGirl encourages young women to take up the literary arts in order to voice their hopes, anxieties, and ideas to the world.
23. The New Author…:
    Promoter and author SB Knight hopes this blog will serve as an informative reference to his contemporaries hoping to get their names out there.

ESTABLISHED AUTHORS

Listen in on what veteran writers from different genres have to say about their processes, publications, philosophies, and experiences in general. Chances are, you’ll probably learn something!

24. Orwell Diaries:
    This 2009 Webby Award nominee posts George Orwell’s politically charged journal entries on the corresponding days they were written, spanning the years between 1938 and 1942.
25. Tim Conoby’s writing blog:
    With a blend of book reviews and routine observations about his own writerly strengths, weaknesses, and lessons, Tim Conoby’s writing blog has a lot of insight to give up-and-coming literary creatives.
26. John Baker’s Blog:
    Read up on what life is like for a full-time novelist who also writes book reviews on the side at this handy, well-written resources.
27. Neil Gaiman’s Journal:
    Beloved author of Coraline, American Gods, and The Graveyard Book Neil Gaiman pulls from a long and illustrious writing career to share his thoughts about the craft.
28. WWdN: In Exile:
    Geek icon Wil Wheaton went from the whipping boy of vocally angry Star Trek fans to a highly acclaimed writer and blogger, and his official web presence proves well worth exploring.
29. A Writer’s Life:
    Most writers won’t luck out and see their novels transition into critically acclaimed TV programs, but Lee Goldberg and his Monk series succeeded; he writes about the experience as well as other related topics here.
30. Paperback Writer:
    With 46 novels spanning eight different genres to her name, it’s safe to assume Lynn Viehl has a thing or two to share about the writing process.
31. Holly Lisle:
    She hosts writing classes and boot camps, but visitors don’t have to attend them to learn a few things from this prolific author.
32. Beyond the Beyond:
    Cyberpunk legend Bruce Sterling takes his sci-fi sensibilities to Wired magazine and reflects on the technologies that transition fiction into fact.
33. Contrary Brin:
    As both an award-winning fiction author and a scientist, David Brin knows a thing or two about publishing compelling, intelligent works.
34. Megan McCafferty’s Blog:
    Up-and-coming young adult novelists will likely cull something valuable from this Goodreads blog by the cunning satirical mind behind Bumped and Thumped.
35. Marjorie M. Liu:
    She’s a lawyer, adventurer, globetrotter, and author of novels and comic books with a seriously cool, often inspiring, and always fun blog to explore.
36. Warren Ellis.com:
    The renowned author of some of the 20th and 21st centuries’ best fictional and nonfictional transhumanists works keeps a blog as hilarious as it is frequently educational.
37. LKH Blog:
    Horror aficionados know Laurell K. Hamilton as the creator of the Anita Blakeseries, and visitors to her blog know her as a wildly popular author with quite a lot to say.

IMPROVING YOUR CRAFT

Nobody’s manuscripts are perfect; something always needs a tweak here and an edit there. Let the following reads act as awesome little guides to making sure your oeuvre stands strong.

38. wordswimmer:
    Explore the writing process through author interviews as well as articles brimming with expert advice and opinions about the literary sphere.
39. Time to Write:
    Presented by Jurgen Wolff, Time to Write targets both established and aspirant writers, those who work with them, and anyone else in creative spheres who think they can benefit from his postings.
40. Flogging the Quill:
    Storytelling is the name of the game here, where creative writers head to learn about how to piece together the most compelling narratives they possibly can.
41. Six Sentences:
    Six Sentences’ premise is simple: tell a story in six sentences and use it as a nice warm-up exercise or creative challenge.
42. LucReid.com:
    The eponymous blogger fills visitors in on how to stay motivated and keep loving writing, even when roadblocks start popping up along the way.
43. Write Better:
    While not exclusively about creative writing, the Write Better blog nevertheless seeks to improve English language proficiency and communication skills for pumping out worthwhile reads.
44. Clear Writing with Mr. Clarity:
    Bookmark this incredibly useful resource when wanting to learn even more about crafting tight writing that readers fully comprehend.
45. Kim’s Craft Blog:
    It may not update as often as some of the other blogs listed here, but Kimberly Davis’ little corner of the Web covers some excellent pointers about “fiction, memoir, [and] creative writing” well worth exploring.
46. The Office of Letters and Light:
    National Novel Writing Month’s (Also known as NaNoWriMo for fans of catchy abbreviations) official home also happens to boast other amazing challenges targeting both child and adult authors.
47. The Paris Review Daily:
    Famous authors from the 20th and 21st centuries weigh in on the writing process and whatever else compels their groundbreaking writings.
48. Becky Levine:
    As a professional author and editor with more than 15 years of experience, Becky Levine knows how collaborative efforts between aspirant authors does nothing but help everyone improve their output.
49. Writercize:
    Consider Writercize a butt-kicking boot camp for anyone and everyone looking to hone their skills and learn how to overcome everything holding their creativity and productivity back.

GRAMMAR AND EDITING

The most effective writers know how to self-edit, so put forth the effort to understand all the intricacies of spelling, grammar, and narrative and medium tropes before submitting a piece for consideration.

50. Evil Editor:
    Through comics, illustrations, answered reader mail, and more, the not-really-so-sinister-after-all minds behind Evil Editor dish out straightforward opinions regarding what constitutes crappy writing.
51. Headsup:
    Headsup covers anything and everything editing, so give it a read when scanning those drafts to make sure they come out as legible and grammatically correct as possible.
52. Grammarphobia:
    Word junkies unite! Whether looking for advice or word nerd laughs, the lessons on etymology and grammar here aim to please … and teach!
53. Apostrophe Abuse:
    Take a break and perhaps chuckle a little at user-submitted photos of incorrectly utilized apostrophes, some of which alter a sentence’s meaning entirely!
54. Daily Writing Tips:
    Make this a daily (or at least weekly) visit and digest some quick and effective strategies for crafting some excellent written pieces.
55. Grammar Girl:
    Mignon Fogarty’s wildly popular blog and podcast bring wordsmiths a “quick and dirty” glimpse at how the English language is structured.
56. Daily Grammar:
    Test those editing skills every day with a brand new, no-pressure quiz about parts of speech, punctuation, and more!
57. Motivated Grammar:
    Computational psycholinguist Gabe Doyle gets philosophical about all things grammatical, and the results are as engaging as they are educational.
58. Writer’s Helper Editor’s Blog:
    Before submitting that manuscript to an editor or publisher, check through all the thorough tips about correcting grammar, spelling, and other common writing issues provided here.
59. separated by a common language:
    An American linguist living in Britain sheds light on all the grammar and spelling quirks between the two different English dialects.

GETTING PUBLISHED

Publishing requires a fair amount of savvy if you want to pick the right agent, avoid scams, and see your manuscript sell, so get your research started right here.

60. Freelance Writing Jobs:
    It might not be exclusively about creative writing, but this essential resource provides information regarding publishing opportunities as well as oodles of professional advice.
61. NewPages Blog:
    When looking for the best literary journals for publishing that poem or short story or just tips and tricks on navigating the indie industry, NewPages is a surefire winner.
62. Allison Winn Scotch:
    This professional author is always very willing to answer reader questions about how to break into the extremely difficult publishing industry.
63. Guide to Literary Agents:
    Writer’s Digest’s Chuck Sambuchino outlines absolutely everything aspirant writers need to know about finding a legitimate literary agent who will help them meet their professional goals.
64. The Beacon Blog for Writers:
    Julie H. Ferguson tirelessly devotes her blog, website, newsletter, coaching skills, and plenty more to the cause of assisting fellow writers through the publishing process.
65. Questions & Quandaries:
    Another handy-dandy Writer’s Digest blog, this time devoted to the business end of buying and selling a written work.
66. Writer Beware Blogs!:
    Because so many nasty little scammers enjoy preying off the hopes and dreams of wannabe authors, it behooves all of them to know exactly which “businesses” and “offers” to refuse and avoid.
67. Pub Rants:
    The publishing industry isn’t always cake and pie, as this frequently frustrated literary agent so often attests.
68. Nathan Bransford, Author:
    As an author, social media expert, and former literary agent, this guy has a unique perspective on getting ahead in the writing world.
69. Practicing Writing:
    Thanks to Erika Dreifus, hopeful writers wanting to break in receive both candid advice and listings to pre-screened opportunities, like jobs and contests.
70. FullTimeAuthor.com:
    Learn all about the marketing end of publishing industry as well as other necessities of writing without needing a day job.
71. Help! I Need a Publisher!:
    With more than 90 books to her name — some of them pertaining to the craft of writing itself — it’s safe to assume Nicola Morgan knows a few nuggets about how to get a book on the shelves.

GENRE-FOCUSED

Specific literary genres typically embody specific perspectives and tropes, and anyone hoping to work within their favorites would do well to familiarize themselves with how they work — especially if they hope to tweak the formulas!

62. Storytellers Unplugged:
    Multiple writers contribute to Storytellers Unplugged, making it a nice start to learning all the ins and outs of various genres.
63. Chicken Ranch Gibberish:
    Explore the fantasy and science fiction genres through this highly accessibly blog by Jayme Lynn Blaschke.
64. Science Fiction & Fantasy Novelists:
    Like the title promises, multiple authors from the science fiction and fantasy genres weigh in on the ins and outs of their respective areas of professional interest.
65. History Refreshed by Susan Higgenbotham:
    Lovers of historical fiction either wanting to learn more or write about Tudor-era England can learn quite a bit from this popular author.
66. News and Random Musings about Historical Novels:
    Both the blog and the website discuss writing and reading historical fiction from various time periods, and the frequent author interviews shed light on how to make such novels work.
67. Myth & Mystery:
    New York Times No. 1 bestselling author Rick Riordan knows a thing or two about the mystery genre, which he expounds upon in great detail here.
68. Type M for Murder:
    Some of the best murder mystery novelists of contemporary times weigh in on their experiences and thoughts about creating the tensest, most evocative narratives.
69. Crime Fiction Dossier:
    Explore all the ins and outs of the always-popular crime fiction genre with critic and author David J. Montgomery.
70. Jungle Red:
    Eight ladies who love penning some mystery and crime novels talk about both their chosen craft and their respective lives.
71. Novelicious:
    All things chick lit, all the time, with a special focus on bringing writers and wannabe writers to their pink and fluffy audiences.
72. Romance University:
    One of the most comprehensive genre-specific writing resources on the Internet caters to women and men hoping to publish every sort of romance imaginable.
73. Women Writing the West:
    While not the most active genre-specific blog out there, Women Writing the West does feature an often-overlooked demographic: female writers exploring both westerns and literary themes related to the American West.

FICTION WRITING

Creative writing enthusiasts who enjoy getting their prose on should check out the following reads and pick up some fresh, fabulous insight on novels, short stories, flash fiction, and related mediums.

74. AdvancedFictionWriting.com:
    “America’s mad professor of fiction writing” keeps a blog and a website where aspirant authors can read articles about the publishing industry, buy reads and software to help them get ahead, and simply learn more about making their stories stand out.
75. Killer Fiction:
    Multiple authors weigh in on the strategies they wield in order to craft amazing works of fiction readers will flock to again and again.
76. Fiction Writers Review:
    This online journal focuses on teaching novice fiction buffs how to create and market their short stories, novellas, novels, and other works.
77. Angela Booth’s Writing Blog:
    Angela Booth covers fiction, nonfiction, and copywriting for freelancers, packing her blog full of almost every bit of advice and resource imaginable.
78. Every Day Fiction:
    Stop here to read a daily short story under a thousand words and learn all about flash fiction as well as up-and-coming writers looking for a little bit of a challenge.
79. writing fiction right from novelist gail gaymer martin:
    Writing and publishing fiction form the crux of this blog’s focus, with information presented by a seasoned industry veteran.
80. Flash Fiction Chronicles:
    Flash fiction makes for an excellent way to bust up writer’s block and pique creativity, as these authors happily attest.

POETRY

Lovers of the lyrical enjoy delving into these resources when seeking in-depth coverage of poetry’s history, structures, and practitioners across eras, geographies, and genres.

81. Coffeehouse Junkie’s Blog:
    Although about more than just poetry, this great read by “a creative director at an international publishing house” frequently covers new and exciting crafters working in the medium today.
82. The Best American Poetry:
    Just as the title promises, both the annually published book and the blog it promotes showcases the nation’s best poems and poets from the past and present.
83. Harriet:
    Explore The Poetry Foundation’s official blog for news, views, tips, and trends about anything and everything related to the lyrical arts.
84. Poems at the Poetry Showcase:
    Here, users submit their own poems to share with readers and receive feedback from their contemporaries — and maybe a few seasoned professionals!
85. Poetry & Poets in Rags:
    Follow the latest news and views from around the poetry world, and maybe even learn about some great opportunities to submit work!
86. Silliman’s Blog:
    Ron Silliman runs one of the Internet’s best resources on analyzing and writing contemporary poetry, meaning all young’uns should throw him a bookmark.
87. PoetryExpress:
    Beyond the blog, which aggregates users’ poems and thoughts on the craft, PoetryExpress also offers groups, communities, a bevy of reads and resources, and more.
88. THEthe Poetry:
    All poets from all points in their respective careers (or even hobbies for that matter) have to keep THEthe Poetry on their must-read lists, as its analysis, reviews, and interviews can’t be topped.
89. Book of Kells:
    Poet, editor, and critic Kelly Russell Agodon blogs about the craft in addition to general tips about writing and living creatively.
90. 32 Poems Magazine:
    32 Poems comes out biannually, and its blog supplements the material with news, commentary, bios, reading recommendations, and other poetic content.

 

 

 

 

Source: (http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2012/07/02/the-top-100-creative-writing-blogs-updated/),