Thursday, February 3, 2011

Shannon Style...But NOT Mine


Do you recognize this face? 
Do you follow her blog? 
Every day?


Well, here's why you should . . . 
(longer than normal post, but worth every extra minute!)
 
I have been researching and brainstorming and all the good stuff that goes into prepping for a new project. Yeah, so? Been there, done that, O'Donnell.  I know, I know, but hear me out, people.

After much searching, reading, and spending money, I have discovered something that might surprise you. The best resources I have found--anywhere--for prepping and then writing a novel can be found within our very own blogging circle. One is the home of the brilliant and well-loved Shannon #1 (I am #2, in case you're wondering). The other I will share with you tomorrow, so come back again.

I have two folders that do not leave my side when I'm researching, prepping, or writing. One is now lovingly referred to as my "Shannon Style File". The other is my Angela file, but that's for tomorrow.

When Shannon started her "Shannon Style" entries I thought, "Oh, yay. This will be interesting." Um, it has been SO MUCH more than that. To fully understand why, keep reading.

Instructions for becoming a happier writer:
Go here, to the Shannon Style label on the right side of her blog to see every post. Next, Highlight, copy, paste into a word document and print! Now you have the beginnings of your own "Shannon Style File".  Read and learn!

Also:
Her Creating Characters entry from 11/30/10 has a two-page character profile template. Click on it, and make one of your own. Use it!  

I made one for each of my new MCs and have spent several hours figuring out and filling in info for them. One of my girl characters surprised me by becoming someone I wasn't aware she wanted to be (characters are funny that way, aren't they?).

But wait!  There's more:
I am a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants writer. Plotter--what's that? 

BUT . . .  Shannon has tips for outlining that are so amazing I find myself irresistibly drawn to them, using them! *shudders at the thought of such blasphemy* She has changed the way I approach a new project.

I know Shannon isn't exactly a new commodity to most (or all) of you, but maybe you haven't seen (or appropriately appreciated) her Shannon Style posts. I  believe there are now 12 of them, which when printed = 14 pages of very wise and uber-useful writing tips, and all for FREE. 

What is one of your favorite free and uber-useful 
writing resources?

28 comments:

Candyland said...

I LOVE Shannon Style posts!!! She really takes the time to teach us things she's either succeeded or failed at. She's fantastic.

Old Kitty said...

We love us some Shannon Style tips!! She is so not a crazy cat lady!!! And who could resist her big round puppy eyes and pout!?!?!?!? :-) Take care
x

Sophia said...

My number one go-to resource is Edittorrent comes in at a close second.
- Sophia.

Vicki Rocho said...

Cool links ... I'd missed the character sheet the first time around. I really need to do this because I'm having to flip back and remember stupid details I made up on the fly 80 pages ago. Character sheets would be SO much easier.

Janet Johnson said...

I've been following her for a while now, but hadn't seen these posts. Thanks for the tip!

Kelly Lyman said...

THis is great! I, too, have a shannon file. I loved the character post she did with the worksheets. I filled those out for my new wip!

Jen said...

Great post and I LOVE her Shannon Style posts!!! They are always, always helpful. What an awesome post YOU'VE done here, missy :) Kudos to you for passing this awesome lady and her resource along. Looks like I need some more printer ink...and file folders!

Cheers!
Jen

Colene Murphy said...

She is great! Some brilliant info had been taken from her!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for bringing Shannon #1 to my attention! Great information and bonus that it is free., like you said.

Carolyn V. said...

I agree, bloggyland is a great place for resources! I'll have to check Shannon's blog out!

Catherine Denton said...

So true! I follow Shannon and completely agree.

Shannon Messenger said...

Okay, wow. Was NOT expecting this. I'm a little overwhelmed by it, honestly, because you KNOW how much I worry that people find the things I post ridiculous.

SO glad it's helping you. ((hugs #2)) You just made my day.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

She has brilliant advice, both of you do! Although, I am in every way disorganized, so Shannon Style will crimp my style a bit, BUT she has some really super tips that are worth it!

And also, isn't she just adorable?

VR Barkowski said...

Yay, Shannon's Style posts and Shannons #1 and #2! Outstanding post Shannon #2!

One writing source I use a lot is The Blood-Red Pencil (http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/). There's a searchable database that makes it easy to find answers: em dash or comma? lay or lie? So on and so forth.

Shari said...

I follow her, but haven't seen all of her helpful posts. I'm going there NOW! Thanks Shannon!

Heather said...

I do follow her and you're right, she is totally awesome! You my dear are too for coming up with this fantastic idea! I'm off to do that right now...

Jill Kemerer said...

I love creating character sheets. Off to see the Shannon Style tips!

Nicole Zoltack said...

Both Shannons are awesome! :)

Kelly Polark said...

I love all the practical info I get from my blogger/writer friends! Shannon's are so useful!!! I'm going to bookmark some of these!

Anonymous said...

I follow her blog. : )
Not everyday. : (

Looks like I've missed a few awesome posts that I need to go back and read.

Lenny Lee said...

hi miss shannon 1 and miss shannon 2! i just gotta say FMGM is my most favorite monday stuff. i got a lot of shannon style stuff copied down and its in my writing better stuff file. i got soooo much good writing stuff from lots of my blogger friends. my files gonna explode pretty soon cause its full up of real cool stuff. thanks to you two shannons for such really good posts.
...hugs from lenny

Myne said...

I'll be checking her out.

Mrs. DeRaps said...

I read Shannon's blog whenever she posts...Love it!

BK Mattingly said...

I love reading Shannon's blog too! I love all the free advice that I get from blogs in general, not only writing blogs. I think there's a blog on every topic under the sun, which is so interesting.

Beth said...

Great post. I'll visit Shannon. There are a lot of great resources in the blogging community and everyone is always so supportive.
beth-project52.blogspot.com

Jemi Fraser said...

Shannon rocks! She's sweet, kind and brilliant! :)

Corey Schwartz said...

That's so cute that you keep a Shannon file! She must have a big smile on her face today :)

Laura Pauling said...

I agree that right here in the blogger world we have some of the best resources!

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