Below are links to web sites that are related to writing and other subjects that interest me. Check back every once in a while -- I will be adding new sites on an irregular, but not infrequent, basis.

writers' resources

The Writer's Center, Bethesda, Maryland

The Writer's Center is both a haven and a resource for writers of all genres. It offers classes and conferences, provides space for readings and performances, maintains a gallery of periodicals and books, publishes two in-house journals, and provides a variety of support services.

Society for Technical Communication, Arlington, VA

For 50 years, STC has been the premier organization for technical writers, illustrators, editors, and designers. The membership also includes representatives of allied disciplines such as usability and human factors, instructional design, academe, and information architecture. STC encourages professional development through publications and meetings of both the national organization and local chapters.

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

An organization of, by, and for writers and illustrators of children's books. The site features a discussion board, access to writing resources and books, and links to local chapters. The site is a one-stop source of information about workshops, conferences, and the latest industry news.

Writer's Digest.com

The source for all things writing. An excellent starting place for the beginning writer, and an endlessly useful resource for the experienced one. The site is a complement to the monthly magazine Writer's Digest, with new content and comprehensive links to colleagues, jobs, contests, markets, and educational opportunities. Updated regularly with new feasts of useful information.

Newton's Baby

Newton's Baby offers award-winning website design and development for small businesses and nonprofits. The site's clean style speaks for itself. Newton's Baby is owned by John Carle, a wonderfully talented writer and poet (and -- plug -- my freshman roommate). Newton's Baby is also the gateway to Gravity, an online literary zine.

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research & scholarly resources

H-Net: Humanities and Social Sciences Online

H-Net is the online home for scholars and practitioners of the humanities and related disciplines. H-Net's backbone is its extensive network of subject-specialist listservs, which unite like-minded scholars from around the world. H-Net also acts as a central clearinghouse for scholarly reviews, position announcements, and news.

National Coalition of Independent Scholars

NCIS fosters communication between independent scholars in all disciplines, and strives to educate academia, research institutions, publishers, and granting organizations about the value of independent scholarship. NCIS offers conferences and workshops, acts as a liaison between organizations of independent scholars, and publishes a quarterly journal.

The NCIS website offers links to a wide array of online resources related to independent scholarship.

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projects of interest

Homestar Runner

Everybody! Everybody! This site chronicles the animated adventures of Homestar Runner, a lovable doofus (and a fine athlete) who lives in Free Country USA. He shares this wonderful, Japanimation-inspired universe with an eclectic cast of characters, including the Brothers Strong (Strong Bad, Strong Mad, and Strong Sad), The Cheat, Bubs the concession-stand guy, the King of Town, Coach Z, and plenty more.

Strong Bad answers his e-mail relatively regularly, usually on Mondays. My favorites are "Crazy Cartoon" (aka "Sweet Cuppin' Cakes"), "Sibbie" ("My focus is all . . . crocus!"), and "Japanese Cartoons" ("20X6!!")

If none of the above makes any sense yet exerts a strangely fascinating pull upon you, then you will probably appreciate this imaginative and funny site. Be sure to check out the feature-length cartoons, the museum, and of course the games. Plus there are lots of downloads and merchandise with most of the characters (I'm still waiting for more The Cheat products). It's maybe the most light-hearted expression of creativity you will find on the Web.

ImpressionsArt

Gloria Page, my sister, started ImpressionsArt as a small bookmark business. Today, her work encompasses handmade cards, Raku tile, and much more. Gloria's work has been sold all over the world, including Santa Fe art galleries and the Smithsonian Institution. She's had a gallery ehhibition and wrote a feature article for Somerset Studio Magazine. And on top of it all, she has written a book about how she developed her own business. Gloria's work will blow your mind!

The Tutorial School

More than fifteen years ago, educator Richard Testa co-established the Tutorial School in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Today, The Tutorial School is a thriving community dedicated to providing elementary, junior high, and high school students with an environment where they can attend to their intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being. I am proud to be a graduate of the Tutorial School.

Richard died in late 2002 after a lengthy illness. While his death is a source of grief and loss for those of us who were his friends, we also celebrate the fulfillment of his life through the continued success of the school, and through our efforts to live principled lives of compassion and freedom. "Tempus fugit, et non combackibus."

If you are an alumni, student, friend, or family of The Tutorial School, please visit Friends of The Tutorial School and help establish a virtual reunion of the far-flung TTS family.

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active voice:
solving your word problems

Paul Lagasse
Active Voice Writing and Editorial Services
Baltimore, Maryland
(410) 534-6662 (phone/fax)
www.avwrites.com