Searching for Clues - Online

Whether finding the right poison or verifying how long it takes rigor mortis to set in, a writer has to do a lot of research in the process of creating a good mystery or thriller. Finding the information you need as a writer shouldn’t be a chore and as I've recently learned, there are loads of search engines out there that can help us find what we need. A website for Accredited Online Colleges seems like an unlikely source, but I just read a blog on that site that is a collection of 60 Awesome Search Engines for Serious Writers. (http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.com/blog/2010/60-awesome-search-engines-for-serious-writers/

The search sites are broken into logical categories. For example, under the Professional heading you'll find sources like the Writer’s Cafe, an online writer’s forum to find and share creative works; and the Literary Marketplace, a great place to learn about the publishing industry.

The Writing list includes WriteSearch which focuses exclusively on sites devoted to reading and writing, and the self-explanatory Writing Forums. Under Research you’ll find Google Scholar for reliable, academic results for your searches, OpenLibrary which can help you find books you can use, and lots more.

And if you need to look up a quote or a fact, check the Reference search engines such as Quotes.net, Literary Encyclopedia and Acronym Finder. There are also search engines for Niche Writers, books and Blogging.

I think every writer can benefit from this fine collection of sources to start his or her search. What have YOU had trouble finding, and where did you find it??