Writing references

Here are writing references that can help or enlighten you, your colleagues and staff. There are regular subjects for writers that crop up again and again — some indispensable references we turn to constantly — even if rarely.

Substitute damn every time you’re inclined to write very; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.

-Mark Twain, author and humorist (1835-1910)

One frequently needs a dictionary, encyclopaedia, Bible, volume of Shakespeare, dictionary of quotations, rhyming dictionary (less often!), biographical encyclopaedia, scientific, classical or medical reference works or a Who's Who. If not frequently, then at least occasionally. Now we have the Internet, we don't have to buy all these (usually expensive) volumes to research them.

Here are links to some of these resources.

Writers Digest

Best Websites: This is an extensive site, with much to explore; among their annual list of best writing websites, this: General Resources

Bartleby

Search the most important references in one place: bartleby.com

Shakespeare

Bartleby Search the 37 plays, 154 sonnets and miscellaneous verse that constitute the unrivalled literary cornerstone of Western civilisation.

Shakespeare's Life and Times Learn about the life and times of Shakespeare.

Life and Times Another perspective and more information.

The Bible

The Holy Bible Search the American Bible Society's King James version, featuring full-text searchability, content-based tables of contents and a quick verse finder.

Rhyming dictionary

Rhyme Zone Find words with sounds that match. It's a lot of fun, too!

Website by WordShine