Writer Mama Riffs on Raising A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids

You would whine too, if no one was taking you up on your offer for FREE markets worth $265.

Okay, not exactly no one but I’m shocked. Such a great offer and so few requests. Doesn’t anybody want to buy Writer Mama for a friend or family-member as a holiday gift?

Sob!

Maybe there is some confusion. Did you know that you can buy Writer Mama anywhere and send me the  receipt this month, either by mail or in an email, and on January 1st I’ll email you the list of tip markets?

Or are you all just waiting to hit me with the receipts on December 30th?

Okay, well, that’s enough out of me. Let’s cruise around the Internet and check out all of the cool lists of gifts for writers. Far be it for me to carry on like Writer Mama is the ONLY worthy holiday gift on the market.

I found my list here from a couple of weeks ago sited over at The Organized Writer, so I’m tagging her back.

Maria Schneider over at The Writer’s Perspective has an original list going that’s more towards the upscale side.

I’ve mentioned Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s list already, but why not mention it again?

I seem to always have more to say. Here’s my list from last year.

Here’s my Squidoo page about classic holiday movies.

And here’s my “So you’d like to launch a writing career,” guide from Amazon.

Shop on, mamas! Buy those writer mama friends gobs and gobs of gifts!

By golly, we deserve it.

On the day after Thanksgiving shopping becomes a contact sport. So who’s shopping for you? If you want to save them some bumps and bruises, send them to this post where they can get some great ideas for your holiday gifts.

Holiday Gifts for writer mamas:

1. Writer Mama + $265 in tip markets
Don’t forget about my offer for free tip markets when you order Writer Mama between now and December 30, 2007. You can refresh your memory here. Don’t forget to keep and submit your receipt!

2. A Package of “Fast-writing” Pens
One of my favorite writing pens, the Pilot G2, is usually for sale at Costco in a giant 12-pack. Take them out of the package and wrap them in a ribbon as a statement of symbolic support for your favorite writer mom.

3. Stiff-back Note Pads
My notebook of choice has long been the Mead Cambridge stiff-back notepads. Running about $3.50 each, the pads are not cheap, but the stiff-back makes it easy to write in them anywhere. Check your local drug store or office supply to find an assortment of styles. I like the 70-page, lined, without notebook holes version.

4. Totes
At home, you may like to have one convenient basket for stashing all of your writing materials. This Rattan Organizer Caddy from Lillian Vernon is a great way to keep your writing projects all in one place as you chase your kids from room to room. If you crave a little time away from the chaos to get your writing done, you’ll appreciate a Starbucks gift card and tote that’s geared to go, like this Smooth Leather Tote from Lillian Vernon.

5. Style Books
Style books come in three varieties basic, journalistic, and book. I recommend Strunk and White, AP Style Guide, and the Chicago Manual of Style accordingly. Not the most exciting gift, but if you don’t have a style guide, start at the bottom and work you way up.

6. Writing Classes with Christina Katz
My classes are specifically designed to support writer mamas from zero writing-for-publication experience to ready-to-pitch a nonfiction book. Students participate fully with weekly assignments. The classes for 2008 are:

• Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff (especially for moms)
• Targeting Your Best Writing Markets
• Pitching Practice: Write Six Queries in Six Weeks
• Platform Building Basics for Writers

Can you commit to taking all four of classes in 2008? Contact me at writer mama at earthlink dot net to discuss a package discount. The full 2008 schedule is available at www.writersontherise.com.

7. Books, Books and More Books!
Writer mamas can never have too many high-quality how-to books to answer their questions and provide advice from seasoned professionals. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that everything a mom needs to know to launch a successful writing career is available online. It isn’t. Here are the best books for your reference shelf. View my “So you’d like to guide on Amazon: So you’d like to launch a writing career.”

Have you heard about Debbie? Not only is she a talented writer, she’s also a terrific illustrator. I especially love her comics!

Check out this one she did about writer mamas. And while you’re there check out this one on juggling virtual life with real life.

AND—oh this is too great and just my cup of tea—Debbie has pulled together a terrific list of holiday gifts for writers.

You simply must check it out. Here’s a bit more about Debbie from her “About” page:

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a freelance writer and illustrator based in Toronto. She’s author of The Writer’s Online Marketplace (Writer’s Digest Books), and was also the creator/editor-in-chief of Inkspot. You can find more information about her in her personal homespace or my workspace.