The Ultimate Writer’s Gift List
December 5, 2023
Note From Rochelle
Dear writers,
Happy December!
At a recent event, someone asked me to talk about the best thing about writing and publishing Mightier Than the Sword. I had difficulty narrowing it down because there have been so many blessings. But here’s what I landed on: I loved the process of researching and writing the book. And I love talking about that with young people—how much fun it was to learn about interesting people and think about how to tell their stories.
This quote from Happy People by Emily Henry sums it up well:
“I want my life to be like—making pottery. I want to enjoy it while it’s happening, not just for where it might get me eventually.”
I hope you are enjoying the process of writing. In our product-oriented world, it’s hard to get caught up in publishing and marketing our work. But you can find joy in the process, too.
Today’s tip is a Holiday Gift List for writers. Some of the links are affiliate links to Target or Amazon. I get a small commission from them—and that helps support my work and this newsletter.
Happy writing,
Rochelle, the Write Now! Coach
The Ultimate Writer’s Holiday Gift List
by Rochelle Melander
Books to Read
With all the trauma in the world, I’ve needed happier books that help me feel less alone. These books have supported me these challenging times.
What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
This charming book follows the lives of several characters in flux. In their quest to find the next right thing, each of them goes to the library to find information—and meet a wise librarian. She gives them a list of books and a bonus gift, sending them off on a new adventure. But the librarian does not take credit for her book recommendations. She says, “You may say that it was the book, but it’s how you read a book that is most valuable, rather than any power it might have itself.”
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Battle weary, Viv (an orc) gives up fighting to open a coffee shop. With Cal the builder, a new assistant Tandri, and baker Thimble, she accomplishes her dream and creates a safe haven for the town. But can she hold onto this or will her old life threaten to destroy it?
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
I reviewed this in an earlier newsletter, but I still think it’s a fun read—especially at this time of year, when a fantasy can help take the chill out of the air. This coming-of-age tale is set in the 1950s, but in this world, people had to deal with the Mass Dragoning of 1955, when “hundreds of thousands of ordinary wives and mothers sprouted wings, scales and talons, left a trail of fiery destruction in their path, and took to the skies.” (Book jacket)
Crampton Hodnet by Barbara Pym
I’ve been digging out my old Barbara Pym books to read before bedtime. They’re village dramas with plenty of acerbic wit and keen observations. I’m just finishing Excellent Women and plan on rereading my favorite of her novels, Crampton Hodnet. Miss Morrow is content in her role as a spinster companion to Miss Dogget. But when the new cleric becomes Miss Dogget’s tenant, will that change everything?
Writing and Bullet Journaling
I have been using a bullet journal for several years now to track my goals and daily tasks. (See my post on Bullet Journaling to Boost Productivity)
Bullet Journal
My very first bullet journal was a hard covered Moleskine Journal with plain paper. I loved it. It got me through a whole year of bullet journaling and was easy to carry around in my tote.
I currently use the A5 Dot Grid Notebook from Archer and Olive. The paper is a little thicker and takes markers without bleeding through. The only challenge: I need a journal and a half per year. Instead of wasting that half of a journal, I just keep going. I kind of like not having the pressure of starting a new bullet journal in January!
Idea Journal
I’ve been using this larger, plain paper Moleskine journal for recording and developing ideas. It’s a little bigger than my bullet journal and lays flat when I work on it.
Mind Mapping
I like to mind map my articles and books, and I’ve found a regular 9×12 sketch pad to be the best thing for that.
Idea Notebook
I also keep an idea notebook like this “Write it Down” Notebook on my desk. I write down the stray thoughts that don’t belong in my bullet journal, and get back to work on my project.
Pens
I’m the queen of pens! I even bought a fancy organizer to hold my pens. Here are a few of my favorites.
Sharpie Fine-Tip Marker
My all-time favorite bullet journaling pen is Sharpie’s find tip marker. They come in black and multiple colors.
Zebra Marker
When I want to get fancy, I use Zebra markers. They come in a fun array of colors and are double ended! One end is pointed and one is beveled. So handy!
Washi Tape
I gave up on drawing stuff on my notebook a few years ago, but I like using washi tape to make it a little bit fancy. I’m planning on ordering these this winter: Abstract Modern, Geometric Madness, and Warm Autumn Colors .
Staying Healthy
Many of you know, I’ve been dealing with a back injury since the pandemic. While I haven’t found the cure, the following tools help me deal with it.
Adjustable Desk
I finally bought a sit-stand desk very much like this one. When I can, I try to vary my desk position between sitting and standing. That helps take a load off my back!
Foam Roll
At the end of the day, I still do my PT exercises, including using a foam roll to work out some of the aches and pains!
Yoga mat
I start and end the day on my yoga mat. I will sometimes do a Yoga with Adrienne routine, but mostly I just stretch.
Tennis balls
My favorite yoga teacher Biz Casmer, of Sunflower Yoga, taught me that a tennis ball can provide an amazing massage!
I don’t know if this belongs under staying healthy or not! But this is often my go-to treat after a long day of writing.
Holiday Wishes
Of course, gifts are nice but the real joy of the season comes from spending time with people you love. Whether it’s reading by the fire or watching a favorite holiday movie, I hope you have a peaceful holiday season.
