Favorite Posts on Writing, Literature, Reading, and All Things Bookish

Today’s post is a bit of a cheat.

I had the best intentions to write something original, inspiring, and informative; but … (always with the “but”).

BUT – life got in the way. There was an impromptu column I wrote for my local paper on Sunday afternoon, a few client deadlines, and the usual Monday insanity that saps me of energy and creativity. I’m also (knock on wood) feeling like I might be coming down with something, so staying up late is not, I think, the wisest choice.

Still, I wanted to share something of value.

So, I decided to share some of my favorite blog posts on writing, literature, reading, and all things bookish. I often retweet the writing posts of other bloggers on Twitter (where I am @suddenlyjamie), but I don’t usually have the chance to share the Good Stuff with you guys. Without further ado, here are some posts that I think are worthwhile:

Jeffrey Eugenides’s Advice to Young Writers

From The New Yorker, an excerpt of the speech Eugenides gave to the 2012 Whiting Award winners.

Six Tests of a Solid Story Premise and Eight Ways to Write One

From Adventures in YA and Children’s Literature, this post feeds my inner story structure geek with a five-course meal AND dessert.

Neil Gaiman’s 8 Rules of Writing

One in a series of “writing rules from famous authors” posts on Brain Pickings, I like this one best because I am a true Gaiman Groupie. (See the list at the bottom of the post, however, for links to other author entries in this fun and informative series.)

How to Become and Exceptional Writer

From Copyblogger (a site usually reserved for more commercial and technical topics) comes this great post on how to be a great writer.

Find Your Voice, Find Your Power

From Robin LaFevers (one member of the team at Writer Unboxed), a great post on what it means to find your voice … and use it.

5 Remarkable Writing Prompt and Exercise Books

I only recently discovered Jane Friedman’s blog, but I’ve already learned that each and every post is jam-packed with helpful goodness. I’ve put each of this books on my Amazon wishlist.

22 Rules of Storytelling from Pixar

We love rules, right? Whether we’re playing by them of breaking them, they are kind of comforting to have around. This very creative list from a Pixar alum gives you lots to think about as you craft your next story.

Kurt Vonnegut’s 8 Tips on How to Write a Great Story

Ok, I said I was just going to put Neil Gaiman’s BrainPicker post in the list. I lied. Kurt also holds a special place in my heart.

Six Core Storytelling Competencies … Good … Better … Best

If you’ve spent any time around here, you know I’m cuckoo for Larry Brooks and his Storyfix blog. In this post, he defines his six core competencies and then gives excellent examples of how to craft yours so it’s the best.

Dear Tom Hanks, Have We Got a Typewriter for You!

Typewriter porn from Collector’s Weekly.

There. I think that ought to keep you out of trouble for a while.

If you have a favorite blog post from elsewhere around the Internet, please feel free to share it in the comments. I always love to discover new sources!

P.S. If you’re on Pinterest, swing by and check out my board, Writing, Language, and Literature … Oh, my! I’ve picked up quite a collection of quotes, books, images, and so forth – all on the topic of the word-filled, story-filled life.