These Ten Christmas Gift Ideas Will Lift Any Writer's Mood.

Christmas shopping can be stressful and anxiety-inducing if you don't know what gifts to buy. Maybe you're struggling to find that perfect gift on a budget or contemplating if she can use another coffee/tea mug. It can really test you on how well you know someone.
If in doubt, soft, cuddly blankets and candles are always a hit, but if you want to get something a little more personal, I've scouted out some useful gifts for the writer in your life. 

1. Reading socks. There's nothing like settling down with a book and feeling all cozy and warm. If not reading socks, why not ones that are fun, book-related patterns? A few websites, such as Etsywww.etsy.com and Uncommon Goods, www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/best-selling/best-selling carry them, amongst other creative gifts, but of course, your local bookstore is a great place to start. 

​2. Journal. Gifting a beautiful journal to the writer in your life is thoughtful and meaningful. They can take it on their travels, or use it for their creative thoughts. Pair it with a quill pen www.amazon.ca/s?k=quill+pen&crid=1AAUP9IQMR1IX&sprefix=quill+pen%2Caps%2C161&ref=nb_sb_noss_1and you've got a memorable gift.

3. Pens and pencils are a necessity. Even though we're in the digital age, pen-to-paper sparks creativity. Cute and conversation-type pens will get a smile out of your writer. If you can't find engraved pens or pencils, quality ones are appreciated. Check out stationary stores near you. 

4. Pilot pens are supposed to be the best for author signings. These specific ones on Amazon were recommended. Add this gift with a note:
To my future best-seller author!    Can I get your autograph? 

5. Writery decor. If you're looking for a decor item, how about a book scenery snow globe? www.indigo.ca/en-ca/book-vase-large/825466167407.html
Or, a book-themed vase will look good on any desk or in an office. 
https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/book-vase-large/825466167407.html

6. Book club or Book Lover t-shirt or sweatshirt will definitely get worn. Writers love to be comfortable when writing, so you can't go wrong. 
https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/book-club-crewneck-sweatshirt-black-books/882709972020.html

Redbubble has a good selection: 
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/writerly+t-shirts

7. Writing gloves, scarves, headbands and book bags. If you want to splurge, Storiarts has beautiful textiles. Creative and unique gifts for any reader and writer. They do have sales from time to time. 
https://storiarts.com/

8. If you can't decide, a mug is a useful gift. There are so many entertaining mugs to choose from right now. Every writer has their favourite, but there's always room for one more. Add a pair of socks to it and you have a win!

9. Personalized book embosser. This handy tool takes the place of stickers or scribbling a name in a book. There are some creative ways to make it personal, but, the standard, This Book Belongs to... is perfect.  You can order online at various places, but if you live in the Lower Mainland, I encourage you to  check out, The Mailroom www.themailroom.ca
( It's a writer's dream store ) They sell them, amongst other creative tools. 

10. A gift card. You can't go wrong. It's a winner. What author doesn't buy books? Add a fun note that reads:  'Your weekend is booked!' or, 'I've got you booked!'


Have you bought a gift for a writer in your life? I’d love to know what it is and where you shopped. Tell me in the comments.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday. 
I will be on a break until the new year. Until then, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Charlene

The querying process. 
It can be a brain-drain if you’re sending out multiple letters at a time, but, it’s a necessity if you want to break into traditional publishing. Agents and editors look at it as a selling piece. It’s a formal introduction to your book and who you are as a writer. A lot goes into a one-page letter: the pitch, the why you’re sending it to them, a blurb, and your credentials. 

Querying takes a lot of patience and energy. It can be a mix of emotions: Excitement, nervousness, and imposture syndrome. It’s all part of the process.

Maybe you’re not seeking representation or wanting to traditional publish and that’s totally fine. We all have our path to publishing. There’s no right or wrong way, but if you need an agent, the query letter is the first step to gaining the attention you need to sell your manuscript. 

If the agent or editor likes what they’ve read, they may ask for more, meaning a few pages, chapters, or your full manuscript. It can be a dreaded process because it requires patience while you wait months for a reply and if you’re lucky to get a request to read your whole book, there’s more waiting. It’s understandable because each agent gets hundreds of query letters a month. If they’re interested in reading the first five pages, five chapters, or the book, it’s a lot of reading when they have clients to manage and their author’s books to read. 

The whole querying process takes persistence, dedication, and time. You have to believe in what you’ve written. If you’re not getting the response you were hoping for, you may have to revise your query letter or, revise your manuscript. If you are getting feedback on your story, that's great. Appreciate the response from a reputable source because they are reading your book just like any other reader.

Let’s consider your book is polished, and you’ve been querying for months and haven’t had any takers. It can be frustrating and disappointing. However, knowing this is a long process, there are things you can do to make it easier on your creative mind. 

Here are five suggestions you can do to keep your sanity. 

Schedule time to query. Querying every day is just hard on your creative brain. It takes work and research. When you’re not creative writing, it’s a good time to research and find the best agent for your job. How do you do that? Well, you can start by checking out the acknowledgments page in the book you’re reading. Assuming it’s a genre you’ve written, authors will thank their agent, so it’s a great place to discover agents that might work for what you’re writing. The manuscripitwishlist.com is a great place to search for what editors and agents want. Once you have a list of agents to query, go ahead and write your queries and send them out in a batch of five or ten. This way, you’ll feel productive and organized. Follow agents you're interested in on social media. They may post their #MSWL. 

Join pitch parties. This is a great way to meet other writers-- both querying and published, who will cheer you on. Sometimes when we’re feeling low and discouraged, it can lift our mood and remind us of why we’re doing it. Pitch parties help you perfect your pitch and it’s an opportunity to showcase what you’re working on. You might even get positive feedback from other writers. You can find these one-day events on X, Bluesky, and savvyauthors.com

Set aside time for self-care. If you’re not looking after yourself, how can you have a clear head when writing query letters and pitching your story? The best thing to do is find something to distract you. Find another engagement, bake, read, knit, or whatever else you love to do. 

Take time to exercise. There’s nothing like moving your body to feed your brain positivity. It helps lower stress levels and recharge your mind. Whether it’s a fitness class, walking the dog, or getting outside, it’s all good for mental health. 

Connection. There’s nothing like chatting with other author friends to lift you and cheer you on. Authors need support. It’s a lonely profession if you let it. Sending positive notes, and replying to a post to another author will make them smile and feel good. Weekly communication with other authors is a confidence boost, and because the path to publication is different for everyone, it allows you to learn and support your fellow writers. 

When you’ve finished writing your book and have submitted it, the best thing to do is write another book. It keeps your mind engaged and it helps perfect your craft. It also is a good distraction to fall in love with another story. 

If you're in a slump, remember to keep going and not give up. It’s hard to stay positive when you’re used to receiving rejections, but this is what will make you a better writer. Persistence, perfecting your craft, and personal connections with other writers, will all help you stay sane in the querying trenches. 

Happy writing, and good luck!
​

*I originally posted this o denijones.weebly.com

​It’s only the first week of December, and already, the calendar is filling up with commitments and end-of-year tasks. You’re probably wondering how to fit in exercise, a writing session, and all the good stuff that comes around during the holidays. If you’re struggling to fit in me-time, you’re not alone. Don’t fret and beat yourself up over not getting a workout in. Count your steps and be kind to yourself. It’s a stressful time of year.
 
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 52% of Canadians feel anxiety, depression, and isolation during the holiday season. 
Given this information, it’s best to practice positive thinking and do what you can to ease the stress and protect your mental health.
 
If you’re looking for easy ways to exercise your mind and body, try these for a feel-good approach. 

Take a Walk with Friends

Socializing is important for our mental health and exercise is important for our physical health, so why not combine the two? Take a stroll with a friend. It will not only boost your energy but it will add positivity to your day, by being with someone you care about and your body is getting a low-impact exercise too.
Talking and sharing during this time of year is helpful. Even when we don’t feel social, it’s a healthy approach to well-being. 
According to Physiological Today, researchers are learning how social connectedness is impacting not only mental and emotional well-being but also physical health.
​www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/evidence-based-living/202411/use-the-holidays-to-promote-social-connection#:~:text=The%20data%20are%20clear%3A%20Loneliness,place%20to%20spend%20the%20holiday.

Hit 10,000 Steps
Walking is a low-impact exercise with huge benefits. Studies have shown, that aiming for 10,000 steps reduces cardiovascular disease, anxiety, stroke, and certain cancers. 
Need to get your 10,000 steps a day? Park further from the mall and tread through stores, take the stairs, and schedule walks. Aiming for 10,000 steps is ideal to maintain your health. 

Short on time? 
You don’t have to spend an hour doing yoga. There are online classes you can do in under 20 minutes. If yoga isn’t your thing, try Pilates or stretching to ease tension and build strength and stability.  
My favourite online class is Fiton available on the APP store.  
A fifteen-minute brain break is good for you. It’s also enough time to do a workout. Yes, in just 15 minutes, you will burn calories and boost your mood. Of course, the level of exercise depends on your ability. 

Are you stuck with a list of chores to do?
​
Adding resistance to your exercise or chore is a great way to build strength. Carrying laundry? Try doing a set of lunges. Making dinner? Do a set of squats in between. Stuck at your computer? Do push-ups and, or stretches to ease tension. 
Incorporating movement into your day adds up and if you remember to move your body during the day, you’ll get results.
 
Regardless of your fitness plans, making time to enjoy the little things such as wrapping gifts, baking treats, and singing Christmas music are all good ways to add positivity to your day. I hope this season brings you good health and joy.