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Resources for Writers

Whether you are an established writer or just starting out, the Vancouver Public Library has information to help you from business tips to finding inspiration. This guide lists websites, databases and useful books in our collection.

This section encompasses resources on the first stage of the writer's journey, including advice on how to develop a great idea, start a project and edit written work.

Take a look at the resources below for guidance on structuring and editing a work in preparation for publication.

Find upcoming writing-related events at VPL here.

Recommended Books

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Cover Image for How I Write: the Secret Lives of Authors

How I Write: the Secret Lives of Authors

Crowe, Dan; Oltermann, Phillip

Call Number
808.02 H8471c
Publication Year
2007
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Cover Image for  The Art of Fiction Notes on Craft for Young Writers

The Art of Fiction Notes on Craft for Young Writers

Gardner, John

Call Number
808.3 G227a
Publication Year
1984
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Cover Image for Storyville! An Illustrated Guide to Writing Fiction

Storyville! An Illustrated Guide to Writing Fiction

Dufresne, John

Call Number
808.3 D86s
Publication Year
2020
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Cover Image for  Bird by Bird Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Bird by Bird Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Lamott, Anne

Publication Year
2007
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Cover Image for The Screenwriter's Bible: a Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script

The Screenwriter's Bible: a Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script

Trottier, David

Call Number
808.23 T85s5
Publication Year
2019
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Cover Image for  The Creative Compass Writing your Way From Inspiration to Publication

The Creative Compass Writing your Way From Inspiration to Publication

Millman, Dan

Call Number
808.02 M655c
Publication Year
2013
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Cover Image for  On Writing A Memoir of the Craft

On Writing A Memoir of the Craft

King, Stephen

Call Number
823 K541WK5o3
Publication Year
2010
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Cover Image for  Polishing your Prose How to Turn First Drafts Into Finished Work

Polishing your Prose How to Turn First Drafts Into Finished Work

Cahn, Steven M.

Call Number
808 C13p
Publication Year
2013
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Cover Image for  Screenplay The Foundations of Screenwriting

Screenplay The Foundations of Screenwriting

Field, Syd

Call Number
808.23 F45sf3
Publication Year
2005
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Cover Image for This Year You Write your Novel

This Year You Write your Novel

Mosley, Walter

Publication Year
2007
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Cover Image for Craft in the Real World

Craft in the Real World

Salesses, Matthew

Call Number
808.3 S16c
Publication Year
2021
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Cover Image for The Science of Storytelling

The Science of Storytelling

Storr, Will

Call Number
808.3 S88s
Publication Year
2019
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Cover Image for How to Not Always Be Working

How to Not Always Be Working

Grace, Marlee

Call Number
158.7 G72h
Publication Year
2018

Useful Websites

A valuable collection of writing information and up-to-date listings of available writing assignments (check under “Resources”). Includes beta readers to look over manuscripts.
Canada Writes lists award-winning Canadian titles, interviews with authors and resources for writers. The CBC also hosts annual literary awards in the categories of poetry, short stories and non-fiction.
See Literature Online. Brings together researchers, authors, publishers, collectors and the reading public to promote the strength and diversity of Canada’s written culture
The Writers' Trust of Canada offers programs, literary awards, grants, scholarships, retreats and lectures for aspiring and experienced authors.

Writing Programs & Courses

Instructors specialize in poetry and poetics (including digital poetics), the novel, micro-fiction, creative non-fiction, writing for children, ficto-criticism, and radio and short film scripts.
Online courses on various topics.
offers students a variety of first, second and third year university transfer courses in writing poetry, fiction, speculative fiction, stage play, screenplay, personal narrative, memoir and children's literature.
Courses for both aspiring and accomplished writers,.from short stories, novels, and magazine pieces to comedy sketches and plays,
Programs take a holistic approach to mastering the craft of writing, blending dynamic curriculum with hands-on experience
Offer in-class and online academic, creative and professional writing courses and programs year-round for adults and high school students.
For all writers - from beginner to advanced. Work with published professional writers and develop skills in various aspects of literature ranging from screenwriting to blogging to poetry and fiction writing.

Digital Library Resources

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Newspapers and Magazines Subject Icon

Full-text access to over 500 BC and major Canadian daily newspapers. Some titles go back as far as the 1970s.

Access:
Everywhere for Vancouver residents
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Language and Literature Subject Icon

The most comprehensive dictionary of the English language and the authority on the etymology of English words.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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Education Subject Icon

LinkedIn Learning offers video courses in business, computer technology, software, and creative skills, all conducted by experts in their fields.

Visit the LinkedIn Learning FAQ page for more information.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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Language and Literature Subject Icon

We are not accepting submissions to our Indie Authors collection at this time.
A collection of self-published books by local authors. 

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders