A Free and Easy to Access Resource For Writers...

A couple of years ago, I took a fiction writing class taught by Thomas B. Sawyer (a former head writer on Murder She Wrote, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright). He recommended that anyone who wanted to improve their writing, regardless of what they were writing, should spend a few minutes each day reading the New York Times.

I believe he was right.

I registered at the web site (it’s free) and suddenly had access to all kind of stories, story ideas, and more importantly, good writing. I have learned to take my time there and really luxuriate in the words and the flow of the prose. Still considered by many to be the best newspaper in the world, their pieces are undoubtedly well written.

The pages are visually appealing and easy to navigate. You can even sign up for free email alerts on various topics. And their Sunday Book Review is a great way to check out new books and author interviews. You can even search within the SBR back to 1981. And listed under "Books" is a section titled "First Chapters" which is just that- the first chapter of at least 50 current books for your enjoyment.

Podcasts, videos, and even online book discussions are available as well. I encourage all writers (and readers) to make the trek to www.nytimes.com, pick a location, and enjoy- even if only for a few minutes. It will be there, waiting for you whenever you make it back.