THE BEST GIFTS FOR WRITERS
1.) TIME. For writers (especially those with children) the most precious gift is the TIME. Time alone time to plot, think and actually write. Offer to babysit or take their kids somewhere. You will get so many bonus points as a friend/spouse/companion for giving this that you will end up gifting yourself in terms of gratitude from said writer.
2.) A TRIP TO A WRITER'S RETREAT/CONFERENCE. Give the writer in your life the chance to go away on a writer's retreat or conference. This is important because writing is a solitary profession and writers NEED that connection with other writers to commiserate the hardships or celebrate in the milestones that only other writers can understand. This can be a monetary gift, making the arrangements for the conference/retreat or watching the house/cat/children while the writer goes away.
3.) EXTRA MONEY FOR PROMO. These days writers are not only writers, but they must also be marketing whizzes as well. Since most of us are trying to figure out how the heck to do this right, we need to experiment a bit with advertising. A little extra support in the promo budget would be very welcome. If you are flush and want to offer the gift of a personal assistant -- well, I freaking guarantee you that will go over WAY better than a diamond bracelet.
4.) BUY THE BOOK. Buy the writer's book and encourage all your friends/family/co-workers to do the same. Talk up the writer to everyone you know and be sincerely proud of their hard work. This is a low cost gift, but would be much appreciated.
5.) WRITE A REVIEW. This is a no-cost gift in terms of cash, but the gratitude you will receive from the writer in your life will come back to you tenfold. A kind word-of-mouth about the writer's books and a review or two will be very well received, I promise you.
Every writer is different and each writer will want different things. My advice is to ask the author in your life what they need to support their writing. The fact that you asked will also earn you bonus points.
By the way, if you are MY friend and you want to know what to get ME for the holidays -- my latest book, NO ROOM FOR ERROR, the seventh book in my geeky, mystery series was just released and is available for purchase here. Hint, hint!
Good luck with your gift giving and Happy Holidays! Love, Julie
12 comments:
Great post Julie. I'm an avid reader But do not usually review as I'm not good with words. However, I will try very much harder to increase my offerings in 2016. Thank you x Have a wonderful Festive Season x
Great post Julie. I'm an avid reader But do not usually review as I'm not good with words. However, I will try very much harder to increase my offerings in 2016. Thank you x Have a wonderful Festive Season x
Great list, Julie! I know that I'd appreciate any of those things.
Fantastic post! All of these things are on my Christmas list -- especially TIME! :D
Adding personal assistant to my Christmas list immediately! Great list!
I'm going to leave my computer screen open to this page, just in case somebody wanders by... Great suggestions, Julie!
Hahahaha! Glad you all are enjoying my holiday list! A personal assistant, right?!? Wouldn't that be amazing!! Ha!!
I'd love a personal assistance (yeah, that won't happen for a while) but just someone asking would be gift enough. I like what Marcelle said about leaving her screen on so people can see it. Nothing like a great hint hint.
O. My yes to all and the assistant.
I echo all of these. Great suggestions. Sharing!
Excellent list, Julie! Time and a budget for advertising are definitely on my list. Both items can fit nicely in a stocking. :) Maybe a new monitor. The eyes start acting up by the end of the day. But that doesn't fit in the stocking. :)
Happy Holidays, all!
Happy Holidays to everyone! May you get everything on your Christmas list!! oxoxoxox
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