CleverKeys — This is a nifty little program you can download from
http://www.cleverkeys.com. It integrates with most software such as browsers
or word processors. When you're writing or come across an unfamiliar word,
just highlight the word, hit control L and CleverKeys will take you straight
to the dictionary meaning at dictionary.com. You can change the default from
dictionary.com to thesaurus.com if you're interested in looking up an
alternative word while you're writing. Again, just highlight it, hit Control
L and the word listing in thesaurus.com pops up in your default browser.
If your computer is connected to the Internet most of the time, using
CleverKeys instead of looking up the dictionary or thesaurus, saves A LOT of
time. The download is only 800 KB, and installs easily.
GrammarCheck — is a free weekly newsletter with hints and examples to
improve your grammar and writing skills. Each week a different subject is
covered, such as Indefinite Pronouns, Gendered Vocabulary, Sentence
Structure and Commas. Everyday usage of grammar is given in right and wrong
examples. It's fun and a great refresher course. You can sign up for the
newsletter at GrammarCheck. If you have a grammar question you can email the
GrammarCheck people, or submit the question on the Web site form. There are
also archives of topics previously covered.
GrammarCheck (http://grammarcheck.com) takes a light-hearted approach to the
subject, and is very user-friendly. It only takes a few minutes a week to
brush up on those grammar skills.
JournalistExpress — This is a relatively new site and just about an
essential reference desk for non-fiction newshounds. After registering, you
can customize your page with links to your specific interest areas.
JournalistExpress has the tools to finding just about any information a
journalist would ever need, all in one place. It's a also a great place to
come up with story ideas. There's even a section called "Slow News Day",
with links to what's new on the Internet.
Journalist Express is at http://journalistexpress.com — don't miss this
site, it's great. The owners of this site are also working on
WiredJournalist where you can send news links and tips to your wireless
phone.
Writer's Digest Book Club — Although not technically totally free, the
Writer's Digest Book Club currently has a special offer, where you can join
by buying one book for $11.99 and receive two others free. Joining the club
is one way to build up your own instructional library. I signed up a few
months ago, and bought a grammar book, a guide to freelance writing and the
Writer's Market 2000 for about $17 (included shipping). No aspiring writer
should be without the Writer's Market guide — not only does it have
information on thousands of markets to sell your writing, it also has
interesting articles, explaining the ins and outs of contracts, rights and
publishing. This book itself sells for around $27.99. If you join the book
club, you are under no obligation to buy a certain amount each year.
Information about the club and a list of books can be found at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/wdbc/index.htm (You always receive a free gift
for joining).
The Writer's Digest Web site at http://www.writersdigest.com, has links to
Hot Markets and competitions for writers. There is lots of good information
at this site, which is additional to the Writer's Digest magazine.
That's it — just some great, free resources for writers. Check them out!
About the Author
C.S. Paquin is a nationally published writer in both the business and humor
markets. Cheryl has a Master Of Arts in Journalism and has been writing
freelance for over five years. She contributes regularly to regional
publications in Minnesota. She is the owner and editor of
www.WritersLounge.com, a site for creative nonfiction and essay writers.
Enter the 'I Wannabe Erma' Essay Contest at
www.WritersLounge.com/competition.html. mailto:editor@writerslounge.com