A guest post this Writer Wednesday by my friend Claudia LeFeve....
A guest post this Writer Wednesday by my friend Claudia LeFeve. It's so good, you'll want to send it to all your relatives, especially if you are a lady writer type!
Here's Claudia!
Every year, I'm faced with the dreaded question, "What do you want for Christmas?" And every year I respond with, "I don't really want anything." Really. So for those of you who are stuck with trying to find the perfect gift for the writer in your life, here are a few suggestions, based on what I know of writers (i.e. myself):
1. Chocolate
Writers seem to love chocolate. We can't write without it and we reward ourselves with it when we reach another 1,000 word goal. Whenever there's a word count to be had, you can be sure that chocolate is not far behind. Indulge their craving and gift them a box of decadent chocolates, or at the very least, a bag of Hershey's kisses. And if sweets aren't their thing, try bacon…that seems to be a hit among writers as well.
(What Claudia doesn't know is that I bought Tim a bacon/chocolate bar last year for Christmas! Ha! Okay, pardon the interruption…)
2. Caffeine
Writers would get nowhere without {insert favorite caffeinated beverage here}. The majority of writers I know enjoy coffee, while others may prefer something a little more trendier like Red Bull, and then there are those that are strictly old school who stick to the classics, like Mountain Dew. So how about a gift card to Starbucks, or a lifetime supply of Dr. Pepper? Personally, I'd love to get a cappuccino machine for Christmas, then I wouldn't have to leave the house for my fix.
3. DVD Box Sets
If you follow writers on twitter, you should be well aware by now that writers love to talk about their television shows. I know many writers who would be thrilled to get the entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer box set collection, or better yet, how about a couple of seasons of Fringe or Bones? Those seem to be a favorite among YA paranormal circles.
4. An eReader
You'd think all writers would invest in an eReader, but hey, maybe they haven't published their first novel yet or perhaps they're simply waiting until their first royalty check to purchase one. Why should they have to wait? Kindles and Nooks are relatively inexpensive nowadays and would turn some writers into very happy readers. Even if they're not sold on the whole ebook thing, at the very least they can review their formatted ebook on the device.
5. A trusted babysitter, housekeeper, etc.
I don't know how some writers manage to work on a WIP and handle the chaos known as raising children and maintaing a home. Now, I'm not suggesting you splurge for a babysitter/housekeeper for a year or anything, but how about chipping in for a babysitter for a night (or you might even volunteer yourself). Me? I could certainly use the services of a housekeeper for a day or maybe a dog sitter.
So there you have it folks, five ideas to get you started this holiday season. Although if you're anything like me, you'll probably wait until the last minute.
The lovely Claudia LeFeve is the author of Parallel. I started Parallel and it really sucked me in. I haven't written a review for it yet, but her story of a foster child flitting in and out of parallel realities is a very good one. I recommend it, in particular if you are a young reader! Heck, buy it for that babysitter she recommended.
Furthermore, I want to add that I asked Claudia to do this post for me months ago, because she's a writer with a whole lot of heart, style, grace, and class. Claudia is one of the GOOD GUYS, folks. Get to know her. Click on the mug of cocoa way up top to visit her site, okay?
