Writer's Blogs that I Love

Today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite blogs. Most are ones that I've been using since I started freelance writing, and they've been a tremendous help to me, and others I've started reading as I've progressed in my writing career. All are packed with great information, and the writers are terrific people.

• My favorite blog when I first started freelancing, and one that I still frequent almost daily, is Ask Allison by Allison Winn Scotch. Since I started reading her blog a couple of years ago, she has written and published two books and is writing a third. Prior to that (and still, I think) she wrote for several magazines, and her website archives have a ton of info for anyone aspiring to write for magazines. You could spend a month there!


• Another blog that I love is The Urban Muse. The writer, Susan Johnston, has recently moved to full-time freelancing, but has been writing for a living for a long time.


• My other favorite blogs include The Renegade Writer (they offer classes too), Men with Pens, Serenity for the Self-Employed and Inkthinker.


• One that I recently started reading is The Writer Mama Riffs by Christina Katz. Here I'm learning a lot about building a writing platform. Christina also offers some great classes.

Congrats, Allison Winn Scotch!!

I want to give a big shout out of congratulations to Allison Winn Scotch. Her new book, TIME OF MY LIFE (Random House, 2008), was just released, and she's having great success so far. Check out her blog today to catch her excitement and take her up on a great offer. She's offering to sign copies of her book for those who want one. See the site for details.

The Department of Lost and Found-- Paperback

So tomorrow, Allison Winn Scotch is hoping that you'll all rush your local bookstore and pick up a copy of the paperback edition of The Department of Lost and Found, which makes its debut in paperback tomorrow. She says, "I know that a lot of people don't like to buy hardcover books, especially from unknown writers, but most folks are willing to splurge on the $14 paperback ($11 on Amazon.com!!), so I hope that you will too!"


"And, please," she says, "spread the word far and wide, via blog, email or just plain old word of mouth."

Allison, I'd be glad to!

I blogged about The Department of Lost and Found here, and as I said then, I loved the book! And I'm not usually attracted to books that deal with illness, let alone cancer, but I have to say that Allison's book is one of my favorites to date. This story is not only touching, it's smart, AND a great read.

Get your copy of The Department of Lost and Found tomorrow or preorder it today from Amazon.com for an additional 5% discount. For more information about Allison, and to get a sneak peak of The Department of Lost and Found, visit Allison's website.

Also, get a sneak peak of Allison's newest book Time Of My Life, coming October 7, 2008.

The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch

Allison Winn Scotch's debut book, The Department of Lost and Found, is everything that I hoped it would be and more! This poignant, funny and enlightening story takes the reader on a true journey of self discovery.

TDLF is the story of Natalie Miller, a highly driven New York Senator's aide, propelled by her will to succeed (and someday become President). She will do everything necessary to get to the top- no matter who gets hurt in the process. Just when she feels that her life is on the right course, Natalie is diagnosed with breast cancer AND her boyfriend dumps her!

Feeling alone, Natalie learns to let go and lean on friends and family for support- a concept very foreign to her.

Though breast cancer is a tough subject, Allison does a remarkable job of weaving humor, strength and eye-opening life lessons into her debut book. Follow Natalie on her journey of self-discovery and you will not be disappointed! TDLF is a definite "must read"!




ABOUT ALLISON
Allison Winn Scotch is a frequent contributor to numerous consumer magazines including American Baby, American Way, Arthritis Today, Bride's, Cooking Light, Fitness, Glamour, InStyle Weddings, Lifetime Television, Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Parents, Parenting, Prevention, Redbook, Self, Shape, Weight Watchers, Woman's Day, Women's Health, and ivillage.com, msn.com, and women.com, as well as American Airlines Custom Magazines and American Express Custom Magazines. Her debut novel, The Department of Lost and Found, will be published in May 2007 by William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins.

You can read more about The Department of Lost and Found and check out Allison's Website and Blog at these addresses:

www.allisonwinnscotch.blogspot.com
www.allisonwinn.com