Writers Helping Writers (WHW), formerly called The Bookshelf Muse, is a unique and exciting blog for all things writing that was established in 2008 by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. Their collaboration and potential for success was perhaps meant to be, despite the fact that they lived far apart from each other: Ackerman, is from Calgary, Alberta, and Puglisi is a resident of Jupiter, Florida. After becoming acquainted online, the two met when Ackerman was on a family vacation to Florida. Although they differ(ed) stylistically, they shared steadfast resolve and visionary outlooks that have since served them admirably in their work together.
Both women are published writers and dedicated advocates of the writing profession, as well as accomplished workshop leaders, coaches and speakers. Their blog provides a plentiful array of tools and information tailored to the writing community. Their stated mission is to offer help and support, empowering writers everywhere.
The blog also publishes a newsletter that is available to those who sign up.
A glance at the homepage of WHW will immediately reveal the storehouse of creative riches that are accessible to writers or to anyone with an interest in the profession. Among the links that first come into view are Tools For Writers, which makes available an assortment of downloadable PDFs of important topics found in the books of Ackerman and Puglisi; and Webinars and Workshops, which lists upcoming writing events of note throughout North America.
Resources for Writers is a particularly useful link, providing:
- details about highly-rated blogs and general information pertaining to the writing profession
- information concerning plagiarism and intellectual rights
- noteworthy services and technology for writers
- editorial services
- links to selected online courses
Following is a closer look at some of the principal areas on WHW.
Recommended writing books
This is an excellent section in which Ackerman and Puglisi list a good number of their favorite books about writing. They include a brief synopsis for each title, plus a link to the Amazon page where the book may be purchased in any of its various formats. Their selection of books comprises an outstanding list, covering many of the essential issues inherent in the writing profession. Included in the recommendations are six of the bestselling volumes from their Descriptive Thesaurus Collection (discussed in depth below).
Guest post guidelines
Ackerman and Puglisi are enthusiastic about sharing ideas and inspiration with other writers and, in this regard, they are open to invitations to post on other blogs. They will also post content on WHW from other bloggers, selected after careful review of the large volume of submissions they receive. Because of strict guidelines, it follows that self-promoting ads and marketing articles are high on the list of posts that will be turned down. To be considered for publication, posts should be: 800-1000 words in length, tailored to all writing levels, concisely written, and already thoroughly edited. Among the types of posts that receive consideration are:
- Articles that focus on how to improve essential writing skills
- Articles that cover publishing and marketing skills
- Articles by successful writers and others in the field that share insights and that offer helpful advice
WHW will also on rare occasion review books from other authors. Ackerman and Puglisi make it clear that the odds are long, but they nonetheless provide an application form for writers with the caveat that unique content will be prioritized.
Resident writing coaches
WHW enthusiastically touts its Resident Writing Coach Program, emphasizing the value of this additional source of inspiration. The impressive roster of authors/coaches includes James Scott Bell, Sacha Black, Lisa Hall-Wilson and Jami Gold. Curiously, I can't find a link for inquiries or to apply for this program on the blog, although I have made persistent efforts to do so. It is likely that an email to Ackerman or Puglisi will set the ball rolling for anyone interested in receiving coaching.
One stop for writers
One Stop For Writers® is a truly exceptional area of the blog, a comprehensive library of resources that covers the spectrum of the writing process. It was developed by Ackerman and Puglisi in partnership with Lee Powell, the creator of Scrivener for Windows. The three excitedly proclaim that this library evolved out of their deep passion for the written word and combining it with the desire to help everyone write more powerful stories.
One Stop is the home base of the Descriptive Thesaurus Collection, a seminal series of volumes authored by Ackerman and Puglisi, each dedicated to a specific element of writing that regularly confronts authors in their work. Examples of some of the 14 titles to date in the ever-growing collection are: Emotions, Negative Traits, Weather, Talents and Skills, Physical Features, Symbols and Motifs, and Colors and Patterns. The goal of the collection is to aid writers in using fresh descriptions and expressions, and in avoiding weathered clichés and tired language, to create arresting fiction. Ackerman and Puglisi are continually growing the thesaurus collection to the point where it has been expanded and enhanced into a massive database. Visitors to the site can subscribe, at reasonable prices, for access to the complete contents of the thesaurus collection and a 14-day free trial is available. The bestselling volumes of the Descriptive Thesaurus Collection are also listed in Recommended Writing Books. Additionally, in addition to the English editions, several volumes in the thesaurus collection continue to be released in foreign editions in six languages—Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Romanian, Korean and Turkish.
Here are brief descriptions of One Stop's other impressive offerings:
- Idea Generator helps to formulate strategies for character and plot building
- Story Map is all about structure, focusing on strategies for plot and character development. It is informed to a large degree, but not exclusively, by Powell's Six Stage Plot Structure
- Scene Maps assists in story development, allowing the user to either work around the overall scope of a novel or to approach the task on a scene-by-scene basis. Any resulting structural components of the storyline can be re-ordered at any time
- Worldbuilding Surveys assists the writer in creating the world or environment in which a story takes place. In formulating a novel's particular world, the writer is able to consider and define inherent components, including the people, landscape, cultural issues, locales ranging from the nearest small town to the farthest reaches of the universe, and any other number of important variables
- Character Builder is a vital resource that helps the writer to come up with genuine characters. Ackerman and Puglisi point out the essential (and hopefully obvious) fact that characters
must be relatable, believable, and consistent for readers to connect and empathize with them
One Stop also provides Tutorials, plus a link to Checklist and Tip Sheets. Moreover, potential subscribers can create an account on WHW and take advantage of a free trial of One Stop before officially signing on.
Podcasts
Ackerman and Puglisi are regular guests on many of the most prominent writing-related podcasts. Podcasts provides links to all their recent interviews and to selected older podcasts. The general topics of discussion for each podcast or interview are briefly described, illustrating the broad range of material that is covered. WHW also invites its visitors to be procative by subscribing to some of the podcasts.
Final notes
Writers Helping Writers is an important blog for writers at all stages of their careers. It is undoubtedly prominent among the large number of creative writing blogs interspersed throughout the web. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi leave few stones unturned; both their passion for their craft and their genuine desire to enrich the work of others is clear.
Ackerman and Puglisi include a Press Kit in their blog . In addition to brief bio snippets, the kit also includes detailed descriptions of several volumes in the Descriptive Thesaurus Collection, a listing of past interviews and podcasts, quoted endorsements, and selected images. In one of the most charming sections of the Press Kit, the two writers suggest a number of directions that interviews of them can follow, two of which are worded as follows:
The unusual coincidences that have happened that leave Angela and Becca convinced the universe wants them to write books together
How focusing on relationships, not promotion, has allowed them to build a worldwide loyal fan base
Despite the fact that WHW is already abundantly full of outstanding resources, a Suggestion Box has graciously been included so that anyone who might have an idea for new content on the site, or who simply wants to make general comments, is welcome to speak out. Ackerman and Puglisi are really efficient and thorough in every aspect—this is one heck of a blog.
