Useful links to writers' resources

General Writing

Writelink

Markets, newsletters, help guides, competitions - a mammoth site.

Get Writing

Part of the mammoth BBC site.

greatwriting

A site set up by fans of the BBC site when the Powers That Be decided the BBC was not allowed to support writers any more.

Author.co.uk

Something for everyone.

Festival of Writing

What it says on the tin.

Politics & the English Language

Brilliant essay by George Orwell

13 writing tips

I especially like number 11…

Is your character a Mary Sue?

Hugely entertaining reality check for your characters

Fish Publishing

Runs the Fish Short Story Prize, one of the largest international short story competitions. Also runs poetry, crime, and historical fiction competitions and provide a full editorial consultancy service to provide writers with one to one, constructive feedback.

Project Gutenberg

Stunning free resource of out of copyright books including some of the most famous and important works of literature. You can also sign up to be a volunteer editor.

Essay Info

Generally useful reference site, but the linked page is a fantastically clear and concise explanation of when and when not to capitalize (redundant capitalization being a Webmaster's Pet Hate)

The Plain English Campaign

'Nuff said.

Other writers groups

Leighton Buzzard Writers

Founded by former VWC member Kate Allan

Watford Writers

A thoroughly nice bunch

Poetry

Ver Poets

Our friends and rivals

Writelink

Also includes poetry sections/ competitions, etc.

Screenwriting

Celtx

Open source (ie free) media pre-producion software (scriptwriting etc)

The Writers' Room

Another part of the BBC, this time dealing with tuition and opportunities in the world of TV.

Script Smart

Free to use formatting gizmo for use with MS WORD - small download, big help for those who can't afford mega-expensive software packages. This is REALLY good (unless you are a Mac user).

Writing Treatments

How to do it, examples etc.

Legal & Technical

Copyright Licensing Agency

All you could possibly wish to know about the laws of copyright.

BECTU

(Broadcasting Entertainment
Cinematograph
and Theatre Union).

Code of Practice for the Submission of Programme Proposals

BECTU's script registration service