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Creative Writing & Genre Fiction

This guide offers resources for creative writers and information about the Library's genre fiction collections.

Poets & Writers Contests, Grants & Awards

Useful Resources for Creative Writers

Reference Books for Writers in the CSULB LIbrary

 

International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses.  [Annual; most recent edition in Reference, 1st Floor of Library: PN 4836.D5]

 Annotated listing of small press publishers of books, chapbooks, and little mags.

LMP: Literary MarketPlace.  [Annual; most recent edition at Circulation, 1st Floor of the Library: PN 161.L5]

Listing of publishers (mostly mainstream and academic), with contact information and types of materials published; includes index by types of materials/subjects published.

The Writer's Market.  [Annual; most recent edition in Reference, 1st Floor of Library: PN 161.W83]

Annotated listing of mainstream publishers, some book but mostly magazine publishers, with information on types of materials wanted and submission requirements.

 

Online Resources for Writers

Writers Digest Web Suggestions

"WritersDigest.com is the one-stop shop for information, resources and writing community. Writers can connect with other writers on our forum, visit our blogs and sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter. They’ll also find weekly writing prompts, contests and competitions, conference listings, and online exclusive articles."

The Asian American Writers' Workshop

"Established in 1991, The Asian American Writers' Workshop, Inc. is a nonprofit literary arts organization dedicated to the creation, development, publication and dissemination of Asian American literature. Also, since 1998 they have sponsored the "Annual Asian American Literary Awards have honored Asian American writers for excellence in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, memoir, stage plays and screenplays."

AWP: The Association of Writers & Writing Programs

"Since 1967, AWP has supported writers a&writing programs around the world.  We now support over 24,000 writers at over 370 member colleges & universities & 125 writers' conferences & centers."  They publish a magazine, sponsor writing contests, provide information about careers and jobs, have lists of writers' conference and centers, have a small bookstore (called the 'Bookshelf'), and hold an annual conference which includes a book fair and a pedagogy forum.

 Writer's Center - Independent Literary Centers with Programs and Services for Writers

"Literary centers exist to be spaces for writers, much as dancers and musicians need spaces. But, of course, for a different reason. Literary centers support developing as well as well-known writers. In the regions they serve, they are a focus for small literary presses and magazines activity. The support literary centers offer comes in the form of community and audience development.   With some exceptions, the literary centers in [their] list are nonprofit and tax-exempt, have independent boards of directors and budget, a physical space, paid staff, and three or more of the following programs: a literary reading series, writing workshops, a newsletter or other communications, a book display, workspace and equipment."

Peace Corps Writers

Do you know that nearly 800 former Peace Corps Volunteers have published books (to say nothing of articles and other things).  Check out this place where 'returned Peace Corps Volunteers write about their world.'

Writer Beware

Sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer's of America, Writer Beware is a site devoted to educating writers about traps for the unwary, e.g., fee-charging agents, dishonest book doctors, fraudulent subsidy publishers, and fake contests.

The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest

"Where WWW means 'Wretched Writers Welcome'."  When you are feeling down about your writing, give this a try!

 

Other Resources

Writing Links & Links for Writers / Writers' Resources on The Web and More - Older

Older version of networking, the business of writing, reference and research, writing tools, the writer's life, fiction, and non-fiction links.  Also Towse's Links to Online Submission Guidelines -- Agents, Publishers, Markets for Writers. Still may have some interesting links.

A few Baby Name sites, to help with your characters!

Baby Name Genie

Mother and Baby

Best Little Baby Name Generator

And look at Pinterest.com for images of characters - other people are looking for visualizations too and costumers respond!