The Daily Port of Call: January 28, 2014

In today’s Daily Port of Call, discover five differences between professional and amateur novelists, the most important thing for aspiring writers to know, and five lies you tell yourself about writing.

From author Charles Finch, five differences between professional and amateur novelists.

Powells Books sponsors the Tenth Annual Tournament of Books. You can participate in the pre-tournament Zombie Poll.

Watch excerpts from an interview with John Updike on writing, including the most important thing for aspiring writers to know.

Writing tips from 2014 Newbery Award winning author Kate DiCamillo.

Here are five lies you might tell yourself about writing. We would add a sixth: There isn’t enough time. We’ve got you covered here.

Literary friendships run deep.

The Daily Port of Call: January 27, 2014

In today’s Daily Port of Call, how list making can boost your creativity, 13 survival reminders for writers, and 15 of the best Twitter lists for writers.

From Ray Bradbury, how list making can boost your creativity.

Here are 50 websites every author should bookmark.

To survive as a writer, it helps to accept these 13 reminders. For example, “It’s all right not be up on the latest movies/TV series/games/reality sensations/sports playoffs, and in conversation to mutely nod and smile.”

From Flavorwire, 10 cold weather book and music pairings to see you through the polar vortex.

Tweet! Here are the 15 best Twitter lists for writers this year. By the way, you can follow Writership here.

Check out Galley Cat’s Infographic of the DNA of a successful book.