Whatever Websites for Writers

I thought I'd do something fun today (not that my other posts aren't FUN, mind you) and post several links to some unique websites for writers. Some are helpful, some fun and some just plain wacky. So during that coffee break, click away. Have fun!

www.translate.reference.com. Need to translate a passage or phrase of your story into another language? No problem! This translation site can do it for you.

Cafe Press. Looking for cool stuff for writers? Cafe Press offers novelties, t-shirts, calendars you can give as gifts or pick up for yourself. I'm thinking of buying the mug that says "Will write for coffee." Because most of the time, it's true!

Noodle Tools. Funny name, cool site! If you have a young writer in your life, point them to Noodle Tools, where there are lots of great links to sites just for them. And many of them pay!

Predators & Editors. Wondering if a writing contest is a scam? Looking to find out whether a potential agent or publisher is on the up-and-up? Look no further than Predators & Editors.

Refdesk.com. This is a fun and informative site that provides news and a hefty dose of facts, trivia, and tidbits. Great for a brain boost when your creativity hits a lull.

The Eighteen Questions. Either answer the questions or learn from the experience of dozens of writers/authors who have taken the 18-Question Quiz.

The Rejector. Why do almost all query letters get rejected? Just ask The Rejector- she (or he?) will tell you. Tough skin required.

Story Starter. Experiencing a bit of writer's block? Just want some fresh ideas to get you going? Try Story Starter. Millions of creative ideas await you.

Googlefight.com. I had to add this one. One of my critique partners, Nicole O'Dell, introduced me to Google Fight last night and it's so cool! Just enter two words or phrases and see how they duke it out online. The one with the most hits, wins. Oh...and I beat Nicole. Not to brag or anything.

Know of any more fun websites for writers? Post them here!

Have a wild and wacky weekend!

8 Random Facts

OK, this post really has nothing to do with writing at all. But I am a total sucker for fun games and I know how much you all love learning more about me (that is said with sarcasm, people! I really am not an egomaniac) so I decided to transfer my post from GodLinked.com to my writing blog. Maybe this will confirm that writers are real people too!

And you are invited to play along! Either post your 8 random facts here in the comments (I LOVE comments!) or post them in your own blog - but be sure to leave a link here so we can read them!


Here are my VERY interesting and compelling random facts:

1. I would rather go through another root canal than work outside in the yard (all those bugs...shudder)

2. My first real job was at KFC and I got fired because I didn't do the dishes fast enough - it's true!

3. I also worked for a gas station, where I pumped gas and checked oil! I don't mind getting my hands dirty as long as it's not in my yard (see #1)

4. I once had my picture taken with Mr. T. And I didn't even go blind from the flash reflecting off all that bling.

5. I could live on ice cream. In fact, I have been known to down almost a half gallon in a single sitting. Particularly, vanilla with Hersheys syrup and milk

6. My step-dad sees dead people. He really does! He was previously a medical examiner and now works for a funeral home.

7. In high school I played Mary Warren in, "The Crucible."

8. One of my first writing pieces ever published was a greeting card by Blue Mountain Arts in 1994 and it's still being printed and sold in Hallmark stores around the country (I am VERY sorry I didn't demand royalties on that one)

So there you go. 8 things you probably didn't know about me but now you do! Aren't you the lucky one! If you'd like to know more, let me know. I'd be happy to pass along a longer list.

Now go on and blog 8 random things about yourself. I'm not buying that, "Oh...I don't like to talk about myself" stuff. Phooey - you know you LOVE talking about yourself. And I really do want to know! So go ahead and have some fun with it.