I edited this image with Pixlr...all but the resizing, that is.

Just in case you haven’t heard, come April 19 Google is getting rid of Picnik.com.

Although Picnik.com was/is/seemed to be a ridiculously popular free photo editor website, Google has decided to trim some fat, and apparently Google+ already includes a built-in basic photo editor.

It’s not all miserable – from now until April 19, users with free or no accounts can use the site’s premium services, free of charge, and paying members will receive full refunds.

Still, it sucks a little. I’ve relied on Picnik for quiet a while – both professionally for tweaking and resizing photos for blogs and personally for having a field day with all the user-friendly effects. During Free Tools For Freelance Writers: Article, Website, And Blog Images (Day 3 of my Free Tools for “Freelance Writers: Save BIG While Starting Your Writing Business” mini course), I even listed Picnik.com as the one-stop shop for writers in need of a free photo editor.

So…now what?

Well, I did some digging around and found a few alternatives:

• Picasa: Picasa is Google’s free photo editor software. It requires a download (to date, you must have Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7), but it has some basic video editing options, too.
• LunaPic: This free online photo editor lets you upload pictures from your computer or pull them from sites like Facebook and Flickr.
• Photoscape: Photoscape is another free photo editing software. It’s regularly updated and boasts numerous options.
• FotoFlexer: FotoFlexer claims to be “the world’s most advanced online image editor,” and to its credit it does offer a variety of effects, fonts, shapes, doodling, and retouching. You don’t have to download anything, and you can edit photos from Facebook, Flickr, MySpace (?!), your Picasa Web Album, and Photobucket.
• Pixlr: You can use Pixlr online, as a download, on Facebook, as a Chrome web app, and on your iOS or Andriod device. Bad news? The online version doesn’t seem to have an option to resize photos. Still, if you’re looking for great effects, it’s bookmark worthy.
• befunky: befunky requires no registration or downloads, offers a whole bunch of effects, graphics to add, and frames and borders – and you can resize photos with it.

How about YOU, dear readers? Do you use some other free photo editor? Or, have you had any good or back experiences with any of the software or websites above? Share!.

I wouldn’t say writing book reviews is a lucrative business, by any means (well, unless you’re employed by a major magazine or newspaper and book reviews are like, your job – which could totally happen).

However, they are great ways to get published, a chance to do two of your favorite things (reading and writing!), and fun!

1. Get a Platform

So, you’re writing a book review. Where will it go once you’ve written it? How will people read it?

Consider:

• Your blog. You can publish anything you want on your blog. Why not publish a well-written book review to drive traffic, gain experience, and build up some clips?
• Others’ blogs. Maybe you write a blog for another company and ran across a book that fits the niche. Or, maybe you know of a blogger who’d be open to a guest post of your book review.
• Newspapers. Does your local newspaper have an entertainment section for book reviews? Are you feeling frisky and want to give querying a bigger, national newspaper a shot?
• Magazines. Consider local, state-, and nationwide magazines. Just keep in mind most magazines create their editorial calendars waaaaaaay in advance, so don’t query a magazine in October expecting to get published in November.
• Journals. Literary journals are a bit lower key, so no one’s going to laugh if you’re not familiar with any – I promise. Try googling “literary journal book review” and see what strikes your fancy.

2. Get a Book

Writers get books to review in a variety of ways:

• Buy the book. Starting out, some of you may have to go this route, especially if you’re trying to shop the review to a newspaper, magazine, or journal.
• Get offered the book. Once you gain some visibility as a writer (especially if you own or manage a blog in the niche), publishing and media companies will begin contacting you about review the book. You might even get interview offers. This is how I land most of my books for reviews and interviews, including my review of Vanity Fair contributing editor Ned Zeman’s memoir, The Rules of the Tunnel: My Brief Period of Madness, and my interview with former White House physician, Dr. Connie Mariano regarding her memoir The White House Doctor: My Patients Were Presidents.
• Ask for the book. There’s no shame in it. When a book catches your eye, shoot an e-mail to the publishing or media company and ask for an advance copy for review. (Introduce yourself, of course, and let the recipient know when and where the review will be published.) This is how I got my copy of Karen Gravano’s memoir, Mob Daughter: The Mafia, Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, and Me!, for an upcoming Celebrity Psychings review.

3. Write the Review

Check out some of these helpful sites for writing a book review:

• How To Write a Book Review (from e-notes.com).
• Writing A Book Review (from Purdue Online Writing Lab).
• Writing Book Reviews (from Indiana University’s Writing Tutorial Services)
• Tips For Successful Book Reviewing (from journalist, teacher, and author Rebecca Skloot).
• How To Write A Book Review (from writing-world.com…wait, didn’t we already have this title? ).

Before you begin writing the review, remember to:

• Give yourself plenty of time. It’s simple: Don’t start on your book review the night before you tell your readers or editor you’ll have it finished.
• Be honest. You might think you feel one way about the book, but discover you feel quite another way after you start writing the review. GO WITH IT. If you fight against that feeling in an attempt to stick to your original plan all neat-and-tidy like, you risk presenting an artificial- and forced-sounding review.
• Study book reviewers you admire. Read any book reviews that caught your eye lately? Perhaps one in the New York Times or Washington Post? Maybe one in a smaller literary journal or even favorite magazine’s monthly book review feature. Don’t be a copycat, by any means, but do figure out what it is about those reviews you like and make sure your review includes – or even makes better – those elements.
• Consider alternative formats. You don’t have to actually write a book review. You could record one. Consider a video book review, or even a podcast.
• Check out what others have to say about the book. Not only will it keep you from repeating the same ol’ same ol’, but reading (or listening to) what others have written (or said) about the book can give you a jumping off point, something you can challenge, or a point or two with which you can agree or disagree.

How about you, readers? Are any of you experienced with writing book reviews? Any tips or tricks you can offer?

See? She forgot to include the deadline. We'll just claim she took too long. MUAHAHAHA!

QUESTION:

Hi Alicia!

I love your Ask Alicia posts. So I have one for you I have my first face-to-face prospective meeting coming up. Should I have a contract for them to sign? Or are verbal agreements the way to go. If I should have them sign a contract, what should it indicate?

Thanks so much for your time!

Tania

ANSWER:

Hey Tania!

First, I advise always using a written contract and never relying on a verbal contract with any client – even if you’re friends with the potential client.

(The two times I’ve gone the verbal route were the only two times I got burned – the first time, I didn’t get paid for four months, and the second time I was only paid 20% of what the client owed me. I lost $1,200. NEVER AGAIN.)

Second, don’t sweat having a contract to give them during the meeting. Unless you’ve already hammered out the details with the prospective clients (and I’m guessing you haven’t – what else would you be discussing during this first meeting, after all?), you won’t have anything to put on a contract just yet.

During your meeting, you and the clients will discuss the project. Some of these things can be plugged into a master contract (such as the deadline, your hourly rate or the project’s flat fee, and by what date the client must pay you), but some of them aren’t so easily plugged in (such as project details and information about revisions).

So, go to the meeting with a pen and paper in hand (or laptop – whatever you prefer) and a readiness to discuss all these issues with the clients. Once you all discuss and agree on each aspect of the project (and you’ve taken ample notes), you can mail, e-mail, fax, or hand deliver the contract to them at a later date.

As for the particulars of the contract, I highly recommend bookmarking and referring back to the following pages as you begin navigating the world of contract preparations.

• Do You Need a Contract for Freelance Work?
• Freelance Contracts: Do’s & Don’ts
• Freelance Writing: How to Write a Contract
• 7 Tips for Negotiating a Freelance Contract
• Sample Freelance Writing Contract (I don’t know Lee, but I’ve loved this sample since I first found and bookmarked it.)
• Tips for Freelance Contracts (I do know Kristen, have consulted with her on other freelance writing projects before, and will vouch for her overall awesome know-how.)

Good luck with your meeting Tania, and thanks!

This post is part of the Ask Alicia series at WritingSpark.com. Learn more, check out some other columns, or shoot me an e-mail directly at alicia [at] writingspark [dot] com (or click here) with “Ask Alicia” in the subject line to ask your own question.

What if creative writers wrote only with colored pencils?

Under the Day 2: Creating An Online Presence lesson of my Free Tools For Freelance Writers mini course, reader Dave asked if the same kinds of tools I listed for creating an online presence for freelance writers apply to creative writers as well.

If you don’t remember, for freelance writers I suggested using tools like blogs, websites, and article distribution sites (think Ezine Articles and Hub Pages) for developing an online presence.

However, for creative writers working on materials like short stories, poems, and novels, I’d suggest a different list of tools and methods for creating an online presence…

…actually, for creative writers, I think creating an online presence and getting one’s name out there go hand-in-hand. Similar to freelance writers, creative writers must recognize the power of networking, and some of these ideas help with that.

1. Blogs and Websites

In this day and age, you need a blog or website – no matter what kind of writer you are. For freelance writers, having this home base allows prospective clients and customers to view their work, rates, and contact information; for creative writers, it gives fans, editors, and publishers a way to view their stories, get a taste of their writing style, and overall learn more about the author whose stories they’re reading.

Check out Creating An Online Presence to learn more about creating a free blog (or an inexpensive website).

2. Social Media

With social media like Facebook and Twitter, not only can you build a following or fan base, but you can network with other creative writers and find out how they’re getting their names out there.

3. Creative Writing Groups

Creative writing groups do more than just get the creative juices flowing and allow you a place to brag, rant, and bounce ideas off other writers. These groups are also packed with writers who know things you don’t, and who are looking for information you have.

You can find creative writers groups in a variety of forms:

• E-mail groups, such as Yahoo! Groups.
• Facebook groups.
• Groups affiliated with writing- or reading-related websites, like the numerous creative writing groups over at goodreads.com
• Message boards and forums.
• Offline groups, such as those at your local library or college.

Can’t find a group that resonates with you? Start your own! “Founder of Super Cool Creative Writing Group” sounds pretty snazzy on a resume.

4. Writing Contests

Winning, placing in, or receiving honorable mentions for writing contests definitely helps create an online presence (if the contest holder posts winners online), get your name out in the writing community, and – depending on the contest’s host – it could even dangle your name in front of editors and publishers.

Not sure where to start? Check out 10 Website For Finding Writing Contests.

5. Post Your Work

Numerous websites exist for the sole purpose of hosting authors’ short stories, essays, poems, and other types of creative writing. You can post to these sites, have others read (and sometimes critique) your work, and direct potential editors and publishers to your entries.

To get started, check out:

• AuthorsDen.com
• Writing.com
• The Next Big Writer (To date, requires a membership fee to become a writing member.)
• storywrite
• OpenFiction
• Booksie (Cutest name ever.)
• goodreads (Currently probably one of the most popular places to promote your books, and supports both traditionally and self-published books.)

How about you, readers? Do you have experience with any of those suggestions? Any success or horror stories to share? How about additional ideas?

It's that time of year again, so sharpen up your ol' pencils, writers! (Make sure you have erasers, too.)

Hiya Sparklings!

This is the last time you’ll hear from me in 2011, and by now you should know I’m just cliche practical enough to do a post about New Year’s resolutions.

Only, I’m not going to TELL you what your resolutions should be or give you examples of New Year’s resolutions for writers. There are plenty of awesome sites and writers out there who’ve already done that. (Check out LaToya Irby’s Making Plans For Next Year, Ginny Wiehardt’s Top 10 Resolutions For Writers, and Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen’s Writing Goals: 7 Ways To Be A Better Freelance Writer.)

Instead of helping you decide on goals, I’m going to help you STICK TO them.

1. Determine your writing goals.

Who are YOU as a writer? Do you want to write and sell your own e-book? Do you want to establish yourself as an expert in Web writing? Do you want to make money blogging? Determine the direction you want to take your freelance writing career before you begin writing your resolutions.

2. Write resolutions related to those goals.

Sometimes, writers get a few months into the year (or, a few months after they’ve set some goals for themselves) before they realize, “Um…these goals are NOT helping me get where I want to be.” (That’s why it’s so important to determine who you are – or who you want to be – as a writer before you write your New Year’s resolutions.)

Be sure to write goals that line up with your freelance writing career (or the writing career you want).

For example, if you do want to write and sell an e-book, you might create writing goals that involve learning how to format e-books, coming up with and sticking to a writing schedule, and developing a list of subscribers; if you want to make money blogging, some of your resolutions might involve planning and sticking to a blogging schedule and learning about and signing up for affiliate marketing.

3. Make sure you can outline specific steps for your goals.

Let’s say one of your writing goals is to build a list. It’s one thing to say, “This year, I’m going to build a list.” I mean, that’s specific, right? Right. It’s also most likely the answer you’ll give your friends.

However, YOU need an even more specific resolution – perhaps, more specific steps – in order to reach your goal.

So, instead of saying, “This year, I’m going to build a list,” try, “By the end of January, I will have a free opt-in product created and by the beginning of February, I will have an opt-in sign-up form on my front page and will start promoting the two on my social media networks.” By doing that, you can spend the rest of the year building your list.

4. Be realistic as you write your resolutions.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting New Year’s resolutions – or coming up with any goals, really – is to assume they’re going to make the changes or meet the goals immediately.

“This year I’m going to [quit smoking/lose weight/get organized]!”

Well, that’s great, but the cold hard reality is that a lot of people fail at those resolutions because they assume that once January 1 rolls around – THAT’S IT. One cigarette, one skipped day working out – only one pound lost in three weeks – and they throw in the towel.

What they forget to do is outline specific steps (sound familiar)? The smoker doesn’t spend any time preparing to quit; he assumed he’d just stop smoking. The dieter didn’t spend any time learning healthy recipes or reminding herself that she didn’t gain 30 pounds in one week, so she damn sure wasn’t going to lose that kind of weight in one week; she just assumed she’d cut back and voila! Become skinny.

Look, here’s the deal: $&@! takes time, okay? Time and planning. You’re not going to slap a few affiliate ads on your blog tonight and start making hundreds a day by tomorrow, nor are you going to churn out a quality e-book in three days.

(Hell, Copyblogger published How To Write A High-Quality eBook In 30 Days, and totally acknowledges the fact that 1) it takes steps, and 2) it takes bust-your-ass work.)

When you set a goal, consider factors like what you’ll need to learn, changes you’ll need to make, and the time it will actually take – the journey you’ll take – as you get from where you are now (not meeting your goal) to where you want to be (meeting your goal).

Plus, you need to consider your personal life. Do you have a day job? Kids? A body and mind that requires sleep?

Don’t set yourself up for failure: Keep all these factors in mind as you come up with your writing goals for the year.

5. Ask for help.

Whether you turn to your favorite blogger, a personal or writing coach, or your friends at the writing forum you frequent, don’t be too ashamed/shy/embarrassed/stubborn to ask others for help. If you don’t know something, ask. If you need help, ask. If you’re working on something you’re not entirely sure about or only have minimal experience with, getting assistance from someone who knows what’s going on can prevent you from giving up.

6. Reward yourself.

Sure, sure, the biggest reward will be when it all pays off. Until then, though, give yourself little rewards – little pats on the back – to keep yourself motivated and from burning out.

Have YOU set any New Year’s resolutions for your freelance writing career? What works for you when you’re trying to stick to your writing goals?

These look worthy of a second go round!

Oh, come on! You HAD to know you were getting a “Top Posts of 2011″ post!

10. Free Tools For Freelance Writers: Creating An Online Presence: Tips on creating a blog, building a website, and even getting your work out there with neither of those things.

9. When Fiction Meets Nonfiction: Wise Words From Albus Dumbledore: My response to Day 2 of the NAIWE Words Matter Week Blog Challenge. It features Albus Dumbledore, so, you can’t not read it.

8. Elevator Speeches: 3 Tips For Freelancers Writing Elevator Speeches: This ain’t your grandma’s elevator speech; don’t go into it thinking about a sell. All you have to do is learn to identify yourself and what you do, some typical clients, and a few things that point out you’re human.

7. Writers On Twitter: 7 Taboos You MUST Avoid: So, it’s all you, all the time, huh? I do not give a $&*#.

6. Free Tools For Freelance Writers: Article, Website, and Blog Images: EVERYBODY needs free article, website, and blog images.

5. Setting, Increasing, And Sticking To Your Freelance Writing Rates: I can’t tell you WHAT to charge, but I can give a solid outline for determining HOW to charge.

4. Writers Beware: Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket: One of the biggest mistakes any freelancer can make.

3. 9 Non-Writing Things Every Freelance Writer Should Do Daily: After all these years, numbers four and seven are still really hard for me.

2. Free Tools For Freelance Writers: Learning Tools: From finding writing classes online to learning more about keyword research and writing website content, I really wish I’d timed how long it took me to compile this list of learning tools for writers.

…aaaaaaaaaaan *drum roll*

1. Creating A Freelance Writer’s Resume: I have a feeling this might ALWAYS be the most popular post at WritingSpark.com.

Honorable Mention: 10 Websites For Finding Writing Contests

How about you, readers? Want to share one of your blog’s most popular posts from 2011? Feel free in the comments!

Unless you're on vacation, I can't fathom why your to-do list is blank.

QUESTION:

Alicia,

Theresa

ANSWER:

Hey Theresa,

My answer is sort of two-fold: First, yes, it is somewhat normal for freelance writers to experience a drop in business during the holiday season. (This is actually the first Christmas season since 2005 that I’ve been up to my eyeballs in work; in years past, I’ve had a certain level of “free time” during this time of year.)

Don’t get me wrong – there are still plenty of clients and work out there – but some businesses slow down during this time of year (to put final touches on projects you’re not affiliated with, set goals for the upcoming year, etc. – things they need in-house employees or other types of professionals for), which means they don’t always need as many – or any – contractors.

Second, there are plenty of things you can do during this “slow” time – productive things that will actually benefit your freelancing career.

List time!

1. Spruce up your resume.

2. Keep applying for jobs.

3. Keep your blog updated. You can also get that editorial calendar moving into the new year, as well as go ahead and write and pre-post a few blog posts.

4. Stay active on social media. Keep schmoozin’ it up on Facebook and Twitter (and Google+ if you’ve made that leap yet). First of all, you have friends on there who deserve it, and second of all, you never know when your networking is going to introduce you to a new client.

5. Send “touching base” e-mails to former clients. 2010 was one of the most lucrative years for me as a freelance writer, and it’s because of one – ONE – e-mail I sent out wishing a former client a Happy New Year and inquiring about upcoming projects. If I remember correctly, I wrote something along the lines of, “I have some availability coming up and was wondering if [The Company] has any projects in the works?” Seriously, that simple.

6. Scope out a few blogs you’d like to write guest posts for, and query the owners.

7. Write articles for your Ezine, Hub, or other article distribution sites.

8. Draft letters to local businesses you’d like to provide services for in the new year. I don’t recommend actually sending them until January’s had a little time to get underway and everyone’s on track again.

9. Come up with a column for your local newspaper. Contact the editor with the idea, and maybe even a few samples.

10. Catch up on your reading. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: You need to keep studying your craft. (That “To Read” folder in your e-mail inbox counts, too.)

11. Work on your online presence. Tweak your website or blog to finally get it just the way you want it, or look for Web and graphic designers to create a logo for your freelance writing business. You might even find designers offering holiday specials or end-of-the-year discounts.

12. Think of a magazine article or two you’d like to write, or finally query that editor with that idea that’s been bouncing around in your head since last spring.

13. Re-evaluate your rates. Maybe now’s the time for a rate increase, or to create those product/service packages you’ve been thinking about.

14. Clean up and get organized. Your desk, your internal and external hard drives, your filing system – all of it.

15. Have some fun! Spend some time with your family and friends, playing with your new gifts, and just taking a break from it all. A fresh, rejuvenated brain is better than a tired, burnt out one any day.

FINANCIAL TIP:

If you already know the holiday months will be slow, set aside some money each month leading up to the season. Anne Wayman of About Freelance Writing provides five solid ideas for solving freelance writing’s uncertain income.

How about you, readers? What ideas can you add? What do you do when “business” is slow, but there’s still plenty of work to be done?

This post is part of the Ask Alicia series at WritingSpark.com. Learn more, check out some other columns, or shoot me an e-mail directly at alicia [at] writingspark [dot] com (or click here) with “Ask Alicia” in the subject line to ask your own question.

Did you know if your power goes out, YOU CAN WRITE WITH A PEN? Crazy, I know.

Last Monday, my electric company called to let me know that depending on my exact location, I may or may not be without power the next day (Tuesday) and if I am, it will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May or may not?! Right in the middle of the work day?!

Like, TOMORROW?!

Naturally, I freaked out for about 10 seconds. Then my Damage Control setting kicked itself into high gear and I started preparing for this possible black out of both light and work.

As I made my way through the day, I also started taking a few notes on how YOU can prevent a potentially epic productivity disaster. Most of these tips will apply to people who lose power (and trust me, this is a HUGE ISSUE for many of us living on the east coast during the winter months), but some of them can be applied to any potential productivity suck.

Except for Twitter, Facebook, and this. I can’t help you with any of that.

1. Notify your clients.

E-mail, Skype, phone – whatever. Let your clients know you are or will be experiencing “an issue” and won’t be available for a certain amount of time.

If your near-disaster strikes without warning, try to at least call your clients. (This is just one reason why it’s important to have your clients’ phone numbers on file.)

2. Keep your laptop charged.

You don’t need electricity to run a battery-powered laptop, and if you have some work you can do without the Internet, do it. For example, I ended up getting 4,000 words written on a no-research-required ghostwriting project.

3. Scout a new “office.”

If you MUST have access to the Internet, figure out where you can go to work until your access returns. Try your local library, coffee shop, bookstore – even McDonald’s has free WiFi these days. (BONUS! You might even find somewhere you’d like to visit and work two or three days out of the week – you know, just to shake things up.)

4. Write.

I mean, with an actual writing utensil.

5. Play catch up.

Whether you use your laptop or a pen and paper, you can work on:

• New blog posts.
• A free info product to get readers to subscribe to your newsletter.
• The outline of your next chapter.
• That short story you’re entering in next month’s writing contest.
• A query letter about the article idea that’s been bouncing around in your noggin since last summer.

Depending on how long your “disaster” lasts, you could actually get A LOT accomplished!

6. Study

Lots of freelance writers and editors have a book or seven on hand about their craft. (If you don’t, what are you waiting for? As a freelance writer, you MUST be a lifelong learner!)

Use this time to catch up on reading some of those.

7. Play clean up.

Messy desk? Files all over the place? Enough crumbs in your keyboard to build a whole ‘nother sandwich?

Clean it up, pig!

Studies show many people work more efficiently and calmly in a clean and organized environment. And by “studies” I mean me, though I did Google this article for those of you who require more reliable information.

8. Take a break.

Hey, maybe this unexpected roadblock is exactly what you need. When was the last time you took a break? Walked down the street? Visited your grandma? Read a book unrelated to work?

Remember, taking a break is GOOD for you.

Now, readers, tell me about a time when YOU faced – and defeated – a potentially epic productivity disaster. What tips would you offer that I’ve left out?

You really have no idea how difficult it's going to be to NOT keep this for myself.

UPDATE: Friday, December 23, 2011: The giveaway winner was randomly drawn Tuesday night and has been notified. Give a big congratulations to Grace, and be sure to visit her fantastic site, Subplots by Grace at www.gracepete.com!

UPDATE: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11:59: The giveaway is over and comments have been closed. Check back later for the winner announcement!

Guess what, Sparklings!

Not only have I taken my own holiday shopping advice for writer gifts, but the gift I’ve purchased is for YOU!

That’s right: WritingSpark.com is hosting what I plan will be an annual Christmahanakwanzika Giveaway!

(I hesitate to use the word “contest,” as there’s really not much more to it than entering the drawing.)

Not sure what to buy the writer in your life? Or, yourself? Check out the Gift Buying Guide: 25 Gift Ideas For Writers

Up for grabs is this ridiculously awesome typewriter key from Krinkled Gifts and Novelties. It was taken straight from a 20th century typewriter and repurposed as a bookmark. The key features the ampersand (&) on one end and the number seven (7) on the other. I chose this key for you because I know many of you are both writers & readers (get it?) and the number seven is considered lucky in many cultures.

Sure, your freelance writing career takes a lot of hard work, but who couldn’t use a little luck in the coming year?

To enter the drawing, all you have to do is:

• Be a citizen (or have a mailing address) in the United States or Canada.
• Leave a comment telling me which book would meet your bookmark first. You have until 11:59 p.m. EST, Tuesday, December 20, 2011 – that’s one week.
• Before sending your comment, make sure you include your real e-mail address in the section that asks for it. This won’t be visible to the public; only to me, who needs it in order to contact the winner.
• Say a little prayer that your name is drawn from the hat (yes, that’s the method I use).
• Check your e-mail on the morning of Wednesday, December 21 to see if you won! I’ll also post the name of the winner at the top of this post, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back just in case your winning e-mail gets lost.

Simple enough, right?

Let’s go!

Photo Courtesy: Krinkled

You can just go ahead and get me this.

Oh, holiday season, how I love thee.

Except for a few things coming by mail – and whatever little trinkets catch my fancy between now and Christmas (you know – for those relatives it’s just aggravatingly difficult to shop for – I am almost finished.

Woohoo! It’s going to be an excellent feeling.

If you’re not finished with your holiday shopping yet and have a writer (or editor or reader!) on your list, consider any of these holiday gifts for writers.

1. Good old-fashioned paper and pens. Many writers still like to write. Journals, notebooks, pens with smooth-flowing ink – ah, our weaknesses.

2. A coffee pot. Maybe even go all out and get a fancy-shmancy Keurig or even a cappuccino, latte, or mocha machine.

3. A wine rack, wine refrigerator, or just a bunch of wine. (So what if it’s stereotypical? I can say it because I’m a wine-drinking writer.)

4. A pre-paid VISA or MasterCard to help them cover the cost of writing contest entry fees.

5. A laptop. Or, laptop accessories like a laptop stand, lapdesk, or a laptop case.

6. Novelty items like feather quills and wax seals. FUN. (Don’t forget the ink pots!)

7. A nice stationary set. I know it’s not green, especially in this day and age of e-mail, instant messaging, and text messages, but I’m a writer who likes to write and send by post office actual letters. Perhaps your writer does, too.

8. Unique bookends.

9. An e-reader or tablet with e-reader capabilities.

10. A membership to a professional writers organization, like the National Writers Association, the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors, or the National Writers Union. (If none of these sound like YOUR writer, check out this directory of writers associations.)

11. Books for writers. Consider the latest edition of the Writer’s Market or maybe a book geared more toward your writer’s particular kind of writing, such as guides for writing romance, crime, or science fiction. You can find a wide selection over at Gotham’s Writer’s Bookshelf.

12. A magazine subscription. Subscriptions are the gifts that keep on giving. Consider magazines like The Writer, Poets & Writers, and Writer’s Digest.

13. A domain. I wholeheartedly believe that, eventually, every writer needs his or her own domain. Note that you might not be able to purchase this gift in secret (because your writer will probably want some say in deciding the name!).

14. Website hosting. Pay for a year’s worth of website hosting for your writer’s blog or website.

15. Web design. Lots of Web designers offer packages (especially those that work with WordPress) so you can pick a package that works with your budget and still gives your writer a kick-ass website.

16. A webcam. Sometimes freelance writers need to video conference with their clients, or fellow writers and editors working on a particular project.

17. A video camera, or a camera with video capabilities. This is great for writers who don’t need webcams, but who do want to get into video blogging or making videos as part of a content marketing plan. These don’t have to be expensive to produce good quality videos; my first camera with video capabilities was a little over $100, and that was $&#^$% years ago. So, things’ve improved.

18. A writing course or webinar. Whether it’s at a local college or university, or associated with writing organizations like Gotham or Writer’s Digest, a writing course that teaches or sharpens skills is a great gift idea.

19. A biography (or autobiography) of your writer’s favorite writer. Because some famous names have so many of these out there, be sure to spend a little time reading reader reviews.

20. Ergonomic item like a keyboard, mouse, or computer chair make great writer gifts.

21. A massage. Writing is tense business. Grab a salon gift certificate for a massage, or even a combo package that includes other treats like facials, manicures, pedicures.

22. A bookmark. Hey, bookmarks can be really nice. Currently, I’m using a free ASPCA one that I’ve been dragging around for, like, two years. Find a unique one that touches on your writer’s or reader’s tastes.

23. Personalized items. Shop with a store that allows you to create your own products (such as Zazzle) and choose an item like a mug or mousepad with a quote from your writer’s favorite writer, or a quote about writers in general that relates to your writer.

24. A ticket to a writing retreat or a speaking engagement with your writer’s favorite author.

25. Solitude. The only free gift on the entire list, but for some writers, probably the most valuable. Create a book of babysitting vouchers and let your writer cash in when he or she needs some uninterrupted time free of all responsibility – except for writing, of course.

Now, how about you? Have you already shopped for the writer in your life? What’d you get? If YOU’RE the writer, what are your ideal writing gifts?