A Search Engine for Writers
How do you search for writing articles on a particular topic?
For most of us, we’d first pull up Google.
Let’s say we’re struggling a little bit with POV (point of view) — we’ve gotten some editorial feedback that we’re head-hopping. So we plug in POV to Google.
The first result is a documentary series for Public Broadcasting, followed by some Wikipedia references to POV in screenwriting. Not very helpful for preventing point of view switches.
You can narrow down the results by putting in POV+writing, but you’ll still be slogging through pages of articles that aren’t applicable.
Instead, try looking up POV in the free Writer’s Knowledge Base (WKB). (http://writerskb.com)
It’s a search engine specifically designed to help writers. Typing in POV in this database brings up 1158 results that are targeted to writers. All of the results are articles by writers and industry professionals and clicking on a result will take you directly to the writer’s blog.
Elizabeth S. Craig and Mike Fleming, co-founders of the Writer's Knowledge Base (TM)
The search engine currently has over 14,000 articles free articles on writing. I have about 2400 blog subscriptions that I scan daily for content. Software engineer and writer, Mike Fleming, designed the database and indexes the content of the best posts that I find in my RSS reader.
So, if you realize you need help plotting, if your book has a saggy middle, or clunky transitions, or if you need help rounding out your characters, search the WKB for resources.
In addition, do you you have a resourceful post you’d like to have included in the WKB? We’re always especially interested in craft-related, industry-related, and social media posts, or posts on how to effectively promote. You’re welcome to point me to articles with strong content by emailing me at elizabethspanncraig(at)gmail(dot)com, or sending me a direct message on Twitter (@elizabethscraig).
What are some of your favorite tools and resources for writers?
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Elizabeth S. Craig’s latest book, Hickory Smoked Homicide, released November 1 2011.
Elizabeth writes the Memphis Barbeque series for Penguin/Berkley (as Riley Adams), the Southern Quilting mysteries (2012) for Penguin/NAL, and the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink and independently.
She blogs daily at Mystery Writing is Murder.
Writer’s Knowledge Base–the Search Engine for Writers
Twitter: @elizabethscraig
Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing
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What an invaluable resource, I can’t wait to explore!
Very cool resource! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for coming by, Kelley. 🙂
It’s a pleasure to share the Writer’s Knowledge Base resource you and Mike developed. It’s easy to recommend people follow you because of the tremendous value in your twitter stream as well.
Thanks for hosting me, Anora!