Books

Stephen King’s On Writing is one of the most useful, straight-talking books about writing around.

Louise Doughty’s A Novel In A Year is one of the wisest things I’ve ever come across about writing a novel-length project.

Julia Cameron’s The Right to Write is easier to dip into than The Artist’s Way. Reflections followed by a writing prompt each time. Very wise and calming.

Nancy Lamb’s The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Stories for Children is very smart on storytelling for kids.

Websites

Writing.ie. Start with 100 tips from Ireland’s top authors, and then check out the range of articles on writing, reading and publishing, all with an Irish focus.

Big Smoke Writing Factory. Creative writing courses, including online classes. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter with regular updates on writing-related things and opportunities.

Children’s Books Ireland. Organisation for everything kidlit-related in Ireland. Not just for writers, but readers, parents, booksellers, teachers and other kidlit enthusiasts.

DIY MFA. Practical and inspiring writerly blog. It’s worth subscribing to the newsletter as well.

Writer Unboxed. Useful blog about writing and publishing, including author and agent interviews and guest posts.

TV Tropes. Not strictly about writing, but about storytelling, and things that turn up in different forms over and over again. The most fun way of analysing pop culture ever. Oh, and slightly addictive.

Nanowrimo. Write a 50,000 word novel in November. Go on, you know you want to. There’s plenty of advice here from writers during Nanowrimo each year, so it’s well worth checking out.