All I want for Christmas…
‘Tis the season of gift-giving and I’d like to propose a few. Most of us are members of critique groups or have a special friend who’s a writer. Here is my top ten list. Consider these a jumping off point, use them for your own Christmas list or as a way to bless another writer this season.
10. A Christmas ornament. This could be something that pertains directly to a WIP (work in progress) or be more generic in nature. Through the years, my critique partners have gifted me with some amazing Christmas ornaments and I look forward to adding them to my tree.
9. A special notebook. I know we live in the age of electronics, but for me, nothing replaces a special notebook. Of course, that leads me to the next idea…An unusual pen. I have a favorite type of pen (roller ball, very thin) but think outside the box. Many bookstores and stationary stores have unique pens.
8. A CD of writing music. Many of us write to music (at least music without words). There are lots of great movie soundtracks, why not gift one to your best writing buddy.
7. A subscription to Writer’s Digest. It could be digital or physical, but there’s no better (or more inexpensive) gift. Not convinced? Read Lynn Blackburn’s review here!
6. A Starbucks gift card. I know, this seems a little out of left field. But many of us find the formula of Starbucks coffee combined with a different setting the magic combination we need to pound out the words. (AltonGansky, this one’s for you!)
5. A gift card to Barnes and Noble, so they can purchase that one writing book they still lack.
4. A weekend away. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but what a gift of 48 hours of uninterrupted writing time!
3. A scholarship to a writing event. It could be a workshop or a conference, but trust me, every little bit helps! Here's a great one February 24, 25 & 26, Writers Advance! Bootcamp 2012.
2. A gift of peace of mind. Do you have a back-up system in place for your computer? If not, you should. Personally, I use Mozy. It’s less than a hundred dollars per year and works like a dream. I know because several years ago I lived through a catastrophic computer crash and lost…NOTHING!!!
1. For those of you who know me, you’ve probably already guessed what number one on my list is—an iPad 2!
So whether or not you use these as your own Christmas list, or an idea for a friend, don’t wait ‘til the last minute. I left a lot of ideas off, but I’d love to hear some of yours.
What was your favorite writing gift ever? What would you most like to have?
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
'Sounds like great gifts, especially the Writers Advance Workshop! Loved last years and hope to see you again next year!
ReplyDeleteI just love my wife. It is really sad the lengths she will go to get an iPad! Your loving husband, Kirk.
ReplyDeleteHa. Your husband note made me laugh. I hope you get the iPad! I got a Kindle Fire early, because I wanted a reader. A gift card to a craft store might also be a winning ticket for some, who use a hobby to assist her writing.
ReplyDeleteAngie, I'll actually be teaching at Writers Advance 2012!
ReplyDeleteTo be fair with my husband, he's been looking at iPad's for several weeks - he definitely did NOT need the hint!
Stacy, a gift card to a craft store is a great idea as well. I'd love to know how you like your Kindle Fire, too.
Blessings, E
These are some great ideas, Edie. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteEdie, the best writing gift I ever received was from you-that scholarship to the retreat! It was just what I needed to jump-start my writing for the year! Love you my sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteGreat gift ideas, Edie. I plan to forward your list to my hubby.
ReplyDeleteOnce you get the Ipad 2 :) (you'll love it, by the way) apps will be the next thing to add to your wish list. The larger screen is a real treat!
One other idea -- I try to write at least one person every Christmas, sharing specific reasons why I love/appreciate them. When my grandmother passed away, we found every letter I'd ever written to her dated and tucked away.
Great list, Edie! And I don't have any idea who Anonymous is (haha), but it sounds like an iPad might be in your future!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, sweet friend!
I love everything on that list, especially the iPad! Since we have a shared iPad, I'm asking for an iPhone. I have to wait until January, but it'll be worth it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I never would have thought of those items but I am new to all of this. Thank you for the post. I know I would love any of those things.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Parker
http://glendaparkerfictionwriter.blogspot.com
I love this list! Particularly the Writer's Digest subscription :-) and the Starbucks card, and the iPad and...well, you get the idea!
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! Love this post, Edie! Last year, I asked for the Barnes and Noble and Starbucks gift cards...and my dear mom bought me both! I bought several books and enjoyed coffee as I passed through airports with my laptop. These items were such a blessing to this writer!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to add some of these to my list (again) this year!
Oops...I didn't finish my thought on the last idea. Apparently, I need to add more caffeine to my list. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat writer isn't in need of encouragement? One idea is to write a favorite author or struggling newbie, sharing specific ways their writing inspires you.
Some great ideas, Edie! Now I just need to email your blog to my hubby!!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas, Edie! Now I just have to forward your blog to my hubby!
ReplyDelete<3 this blog, Edie! Mine are much the same! It's the simple things in my life that are most gratifying...and although I am considerably blessed with material 'things', I still yearn for my devotionals to be published in 2012...w/God's direction and help from my fellow light brigade group!
ReplyDeleteOne more wish on my list for 2011 Christmas is a scholarship for the 'right' Writer's Conference in the Texas area for non-published writers, but much experience in writing devotions! Have to scratch one to get back to 10 :)
ReplyDelete