As an emerging writer, I’m happy to share some of the resources that have helped me progress in my creative writing. Here are a few of my favorites.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

— Melissa F. Kaelin

New! My Own Advice on the Art & Craft of Writing

After studying the subject for many years, I’ve begun to develop my own advice on the art and craft of writing. Follow me on Twitter for updates, or check back as these resources take shape!

Books on the Writing Craft

• Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott
• Story Trumps Structure, by Steven James
• Now Write!, by Sherry Ellis
• The Lie that Tells a Truth, by John Dufresne
• The Magic Words, by Cheryl B. Klein
• The Emotional Craft of Fiction, by Donald Maass

Online Mentors and Guides

• Jane Friedman’s Blog
• Writer Unboxed
• Pub Crawl

Youth Writing Resources

• Writing for Theatre & Film (Outside Recommendation)
• NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

Organizations, Websites and Other Resources

• 100 Best Websites for Writers, from The Write Life
• Writer’s Digest
• Poets & Writers
• ManuscriptWishList.com
• The Loft Literary Center

Michigan Writers Groups

Though not an exhaustive list, hopefully these groups can lead you to find the right fit for critique and companionship. These groups are free to attend, unless otherwise noted.

• Grand River Writers Guild
• Writing at the Ledges
• Lansing Poetry Club
• Grand Rapids Writer’s Exchange
• Grand Rapids Region Writers Group (Paid)
• More Listings from the Skaaldic Society
• Listings for Michigan and Other States from ForWriters.com