There is a lot of talk about how the internet is a horrible time suck, a devil waiting to distract writers from their work. This certainly is true. However, cruising the internet also can be a great way to recharge the brain or refocus and find fresh solutions to writing problems. The trick is to set limits on the time spent online or the number of sites visited.
In the spirit of focused time wasting, here are a few blogs and websites I use for inspiration and recharging.
- Strangest Situation--a practicing child psychologist and writer, blogs from her unique perspective about psychology, books and more. http://thestrangestsituation.blogspot.com/
- Llewellyn—Along with the books they publish and merchandise, their website has a ton of articles on all things new age, paranormal and supernatural. Fresh articles are added regularly. Also, many of their writers have blogs focused on various areas of expertise. http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article_topics.php and http://www.llewellyn.com/blog/
- Archaeology News from
Europe —All kinds of funky and informative news clips. Follow them on Twitter and click on the link when a topic hits your fancy. http://archaeology-in-europe.blogspot.com/
- YouTube—Yup, I’m recommending YouTube--as long there’s a connection to your current project. If you want a hint about my current WIP, here’s what I watch for inspiration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZXKu9B-DEU&feature=related
- Scott Eagan—He is a literary agent who represents romance (which I don’t exclusively write). However, I regularly read his blog because his advice is solid and inspiring. http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/
- Heroines of Fantasy—Three sharp as a tack women writers blog about a variety of topics such as: food in fantasy, the realities of traveling on horseback . . . and they offer a look at writers and novels which break from the mainstream http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.com/
- Stephanie O’Dea--last but not least, because we all know writers are short on time, this is a wonderful website with amazing techniques and recipes for slow cooking http://stephanieodea.com
What are your favorite time wasting links? Do you have a problem with spending too much time online or do you easily curb the urge?
I'll admit, I'm afraid to click on any of the links. I already spend enough time online! I can't afford to get sucked in anyplace new ;)
ReplyDeleteFor me it's visiting the blogs of fellow writers. It just never gets old.
^Seven more reasons to hang around... I figured out long ago that computers DO NOT save time, they gobble it.
ReplyDeleteBut so does living.
You guys are both so right.
ReplyDeleteHanging around the internet and checking out my friends' blogs really is a part of 'living' for me--even if it gobbles a lot of time.
Oh, oh, these are good! I think I've been looking for some of these for a long time--and now you've delivered them with a little bow on top. Yay, early Christmas for me!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, I'm glad they helped. I know you have a weakness for fantasy, but make sure you check out the last link. There are recipes for special diets.
ReplyDeleteWow, Pat, thanks. I followed/favorited 2 of these already.
ReplyDeleteI schedule online time into my day/week. I go over sometimes, but not too badly.
Marcia, I'm glad you found a couple to follow. I read a lot of blogs, but some seem to strike a cord more than other. I'm also often cruising so fast I don't take time to comment on them like I should.
ReplyDelete