I’ve found a couple of new helps in my efforts to become a full-time, honest-to-goodness, speculative fiction writer.

The first is a new (fairly new) podcast series from Brandon Sanderson, Howard Taylor, and Dan Wells called Writing Excuses.  The podcasts usually last about 15 minutes, which is a really convenient running time for me– I can listen as I wait for someone to offer me a ride home from work.  Then when I hop in the backseat, I can open my laptop and my mind is all set to write.  The trio are savvy, bring very different writing experiences to the table, and are largely entertaining.

The second is a wonderful email list from Dave Wolverton/Farland (I’m not sure what to call him– these crazy successful authors and their pen names…).  Dave talks knowledgeably about both the writing world and the Hollywood world; his advice is clear and useful.  You can find samples of some of it here; to subscribe to the mailing list, send an email to dwolvert@xmission.com with a message containing the words “Kick me!”

You won’t be sorry.