New Year, Bigger Network: Who to Follow in 2020
Writers, bookworms, my brethren of the written word, a new decade is upon us! It’s time to look back and celebrate how far we’ve come, as well as look ahead to the new year! But whatever your writing or reading goals may be, remember to keep expanding your network and immersing yourself in the writing community. Below are just awesome creators, journals, and blogs that will send you into 2020 feeling energized, informed, and motivated.
Gabino Iglesias
If you haven’t heard of Gabino Iglesias’ latest book Coyote Songs please complete the following steps:
Stop reading this blog post.
Go to IndieBound and purchase Coyote Songs—or borrow from your local library.
Read it, review it, and give Gabino a shout on Twitter.
Follow Gabino on Twitter.
Finish reading this blog post.
If you’re looking for the definition of “hustle” Gabino Iglesias is the man to see. He’s always on the grind and working every day to be a better writer and pushing others to do the same. Writing is hard work and while it’s something so many authors say, many of them aren’t willing to share when they’re struggling. But Gabino doesn’t shy away from this and he uses his own struggles to remind us of how important it is to strap on our big kid pants and write that damn story that’s burning inside us.
Jane Friedman
Whether you’ve decided to self-publish or take the traditional publishing route you need to follow Jane Friedman and check out her blog. With over 20 years of publishing experience, Jane knows what it takes to get published. That’s why her blog is dedicated to helping writers dial in their manuscripts, build strong platforms, and pull back the curtain on the book business. Here are just a few resources you’ll find on her blog:
SparkNotes
SparkNotes has saved our poor, unfortunate souls more times than we can count. But the only thing better than the in-depth breakdowns on their website is their Twitter account. Seriously, if want to liven up your feed with some snarky literary humor you have to follow SparkNotes.
Stephen King
Looking for no-bullshit, tell-me-how-it-is authors to follow? Stephen King is your man. If you want to see how to build a successful—and tasteful—author platform that will stand the test of time than look no further. The man is a legend—a king, if you will.
Amber Sparks
Speaking of no-bullshit, tell-me-how-it-is authors, Amber Sparks is another leading lady to follow. Not only is she a brilliant short story writer, but she’s always tweeting thought-provoking questions and looking to strike up conversations amongst the writing community—as well as sharing her daily mom adventures.
Barrelhouse Magazine
Barrelhouse magazine is pretty rad. They’re a biannual print journal featuring fiction, poetry, interviews, and essays that bridge the gap between literary and pop culture. Make no mistake though, while each story may have a strong sense of humor all of them know how to punch you right in the feels—it’s awesome! Plus the staff is full of some amazing human beings. They know what it’s like to be in the trenches, trying to place your piece and in turn, they’re genuinely committed to helping writers grow and find homes for their work. If any of you have been to Conversations and Connections you know what I’m talking about.
Jonathan Lawrence Art
In the midst of worldbuilding? Head over to Jonathan Lawrence Art's Instagram for some inspiration! Jonathan is a UK-based artist that creates otherworldly illustrations (like the one below) that fill you with wonder. In addition to posting finished pieces, he also posts timelapses of his projects on his IG stories so that you can see his process unfold!
A sample of Jonathan Lawrence Art’s illustrations. Head over to his Instagram page to see more.
