May 28, 2010

Judging from responses to “Mindful Writing” a couple days ago, the Internet is both a hindrance and a blessing.

I’ve often discussed the ways it eats up your writing time, but today I’m going to give you some “word” resources online that can really help your writing. Most of them are fun too!

• Mondo Facto: At this fun site you’ll find tools to solve anagrams, crosswords and Scrabble, as well as a word visualizer, dictionary and word finder.
• Word Games: Check out this site for dozens of word games! Scroll down to see them all. If you need to take a break, one of these games should wake you up while you improve your word skills. They’re also great to play with your kids.
• Online Etymology Dictionary: Check here to find the origins of your favorite words. You’ll be amazed where some of our current vocabulary came from!
• HowjSay: This cool tool will talk to you, telling you how to pronounce the word you want to say. Need pronunciation in a foreign language? Go to Forvo for this–just choose your language!
• RhymeZone: This tool will show you words that rhyme with any word you choose.
• Slang Dictionary: This can help you with a character’s dialogue. Some fascinating terms here!
• [See "50 Coolest Online Tools for Word Nerds" for an extensive list of "word" websites. The list is broken down into these categories: General, Word Fun, Etymology, Pronunciation, Reference, Slang and Shortened Words, Grammar and Writing Help, and Foreign Language.]

7 Comments »

1. 

   great resources. Thanks for sharing!

   Comment by Beth Mac — May 28, 2010 @ 11:50 am

2. 

   These are great. Another good one is the reverse dictionary: http://www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml

   Happy writing!

   Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

   Comment by angela@ The Bookshelf Muse — May 28, 2010 @ 12:09 pm

3. 

   Thanks for sharing this…Sometimes I find myself just staring at the computer wanting to do something, but don’t know where to begin.

   Here’s to beginnings…

   I’m going to Chautauqua in July. Have you ever been? I’m anxious and excited. I want to get the most from the experience that I can. Any suggestions?

   Meline

   Comment by Meline Scheidel — May 28, 2010 @ 4:02 pm

4. 

   Thanks Kristi for those great sites =)

   I like http://www.freerice.com/ you donate rice as you match the word to its meaning.

   Also – dictionary.com you can sign up for it to email you the word of the day [ there's one for Spanish words also]

   Comment by Liz — May 29, 2010 @ 7:22 am

5. 

   Some great resourses here. Thanks! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Kathie

   Comment by Kathie Langston — May 30, 2010 @ 12:47 am

6. 

   I use freerice.com to increase my vocabulary and donate rice at the same time

   also –Dictionary.com will email you the word of the day and you can get a Spanish word of the day emailed to you = I like that one becasue they use the word in sentences and explain the idioms.

   Comment by Liz — May 30, 2010 @ 8:59 am

7. 

   Beth, thanks for the additional link! That looks like a great one–and very useful.

   Meline, how exciting that you’re going to Chautauqua! You will LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I attended in 1997, then taught there in 98 and 2004. To get the most from it, trying reading some books by the speakers, and also you can request particular authors for your critiques and mentoring, and often you’ll get your first or second choice. Choose someone who publishes the type of thing you’d like to write yourself. And have fun!

   Liz, both websites sound great! I love the rice donation idea. (Sorry you had to post this twice–I was sick two days and slow to read through the spam to find the comments and post them.)

   Comment by Kristi Holl — May 31, 2010 @ 10:58 am

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