What’s on Your Writer’s Wish List?

The Christmas season is an excellent time to expand your writing resources. Here are some suggestions of items you can include on your wish list.

Craft Books

A serious writer knows there’s always room to learn more about the craft of writing. If you don’t have a list of writing-related books you want to read, now’s the time to start one. If you do have a list, select s few titles to add to your on your writer’s wish list.

Marketing Books

Writers need to learn about the marketing side of things, too. So add a few titles about marketing, branding, platform, and social media to your writing TBR pile. Then choose a title or two to add to your writer’s wish list. It’s never too soon to start learning about marketing and platform, so even if you’re a beginner you should be collecting (and reading) books on these topics.

Creativity and Inspirational Books

Why not invest in a book that inspires your creativity or helps you get past writer’s block? There are plenty of books designed to help creatives in all fields, so don’t confine yourself to those aimed specifically at writing. Need a suggestion for a non-self-help book to inspire you? How about a biography of someone you admire, or a story of someone who succeeded against great odds.

Genre Books

A good writer reads avidly and widely. You need to read books in the genres you write, because it helps you understand what readers expect, and what You should also read a variety of books in other genres, because we can learn and find inspiration in good books of all genres.

Software and apps

Have you been wishing you could upgrade to a more powerful version of a tool you use regularly, such as Canva or Book Brush? Why not add a year’s subscription to your wish list? Ditto for software that would make you a more productive and happy writer.

Memberships

Joining multiple organizations can get expensive, but these groups offer networking and other resources that may give your career the boost it needs. What kind of groups make the most sense for you? Some are specific to a genre, such as Sisters in Crime. Others are intended for a broader range of writers, such as American Christian Fiction Writers. Many offer a support community, such as Serious Writer Club. Why not look into a few and pick one for your wish list?

Classes and Coaching Sessions

There are tons of classes and coaches out there who can help you learn what you need to learn, or help you figure out what you need to do to take the next step in your career. Invest in yourself and make use of all that knowledge.

Technology

When apps give you a warning that your computer is too old to run their software properly, you know it’s time to think about replacing your laptop. [Yes, I am getting that message from a particular app.] In addition this might be a good opportunity to consider adding useful accessories like a microphone, to up your quality on podcasts or videos.

Office equipment

When was the last time you considered the ergonomics of your favorite writing spot? Maybe it’s time to invest in a more supportive desk chair, or a better desk that allows you to adjust the height of your keyboard. Or maybe you simply need some cute organizer bins to tame the clutter.

Hobbies

If you want your to keep producing creative ideas, you need to be intentional about feeding your creative well. And that means regularly doing the kinds of activities that feed your soul. Hiking, beekeeping, knitting, gardening, etc. Don’t neglect to include hobby supplies and equipment on your wish list.

I hope these suggestions have inspired you, both for items to add to your wish list, and also for awesome gifts you can five to your friends and loved ones.

Lisa E. Betz worked as an engineer, substitute teacher, and play director before becoming an award-winning mystery writer. She brings her analytical mind, quirky humor, and positive outlook to all she writes. She draws inspiration from thirty-five years of leading Bible studies to create entertaining mysteries set in the world of the early church, and then she fills that world with eccentric characters, independent females, and an occasional sausage-snatching cat. Her first novel, Death and a Crocodile, releases February 9.

In addition to writing novels, Lisa blogs about living with authenticity and purpose. Visit her at www.lisaebetz.com. Facebook LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.