Writing and Other Resources

Writing Websites:

• www.writingtime.typepad.com - Barbara Abercrombie, one of my favorite instructors at UCLA Extension Writers Program, gives invaluable advice, writing exercises, and reading lists.
• www.marketingthemuse.com - Marla Miller, another great instructor of mine from Santa Barbara Writers Conference and Southern California Writers Conference, gives great tips for marketing and promotion.
• www.mediabistro.com - A great site for the business end of writing with workshops, networking, and a daily newsletter.
• www.chickensoupforthesoul.com - Information and topics for submitting your story
• www.writersmarket.com - Markets, database, newsletter for writers
• www.writersdigest.com - Publishing tips, contests, newsletter for writers

Women's Writing Websites:

• www.storycircle.org - Women who explore and share personal stories
• www.thespiritedwoman.com - Inspired women blogging, telechat author series, newsletter
• www.mamapalooza.com - Mamazina Literary Magazine for Moms Who Write
  

Writing Groups:

• www.iwosc.org - Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC)
• www.glaws.org - Greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS)

Workshops/Schools:

• www.uclaextension.edu/writers/ - UCLA Extension Writers Program
  Linda Venis was my English teacher at UCLA and now heads this fantastic writers program. This is where I was when I was first published and where I go back for more inspiration and knowledge.

Fun Hollywood Memoirs:

Writing for Love and/or Money; Outtakes From a Life on Spec by Frank Gilroy		How to Succeed in Hollywood Without Really Trying…Just Kidding by Melville Shavelson
When Do I Start? A Memoir by Karl Malden with Carla Malden (another father-daughter team!)

On My Desk:

Operating Instructions; A Journal of my Son’s First Year by Annie Lamott (Never off my desk-My favorite "momoir")		You’re Not the Boss of Me; Adventures of a Modern Mom by Erika Schickel (Hilarious!)
Fight Like a Girl and Win; Defense Decisions for Women by Lori Gervasi (Lori is an award-winning writer with important tips for every woman)		Total Health the Chinese Way by Esther Ting and Marianne Jas (Marianne is my talented sister-in-law)
A Writers Book of Days; A Spirited Companion, and Writing Muse for the Writing Life by Judy Reeves (Met her at the 2009 SCWC conference-an inspiring teacher!)