I’ve been making suggestions of holiday gifts for writers for years. There are only several shopping days left before Christmas! I hope you find ideas here for you and yours.

Here’s a recap of great gifts for writers posts from recent years:

Gifts For Writers Roundup of Links

The Writer Mama’s 2009 Holiday Gifts for Writers List

10 Ways To Shop For Writer Mamas (Holiday 2012 Post)

11 Gift Books (Holiday 2010 Post)

12 Books for Writers (Holiday 2010 Post)

Ultimate Holiday Gifts for Writers 2011

Gift This: Outstanding Ebooks As Gifts

Other cool holiday gifts for writers posts I’ve seen recently:

18 Holiday Gifts From Meghan Ward

Susan Kaye Quinn’s Blog

10 Great Holiday Gifts For Writers from the MarketCopyWriter blog

PJ Hoover’s Gift Ideas

Holiday Gift Guide from The Mom Writes

Holiday Gift Ideas for Young Writers from Writers Inspired

Happy holidays, writers!

~ Photo by proforged

It’s the holiday season and therefore a good time to support fellow writers. A few of my students have written ebooks that might speak to someone on your holiday shopping list.

I highly recommend them all!

Late-Onset Hearing Loss: A Parent’s Perspective of What to Do When Your Child is Diagnosed by Krysty Krywko

Reader response:

While reading your book I cried, because I wish someone would have spoken to me the way you speak through these lines. I can imagine that reading it when I received all the news about my daughter would have been like having a true friend by my side.

It would have allowed me my own emotions and given me the assurance that I was a good parent. For the parents who read your book it will be a different story. Reading what you had to say is making me feel differently about myself now.  Thank you so much!

~ Ketty Nazario, mother to child diagnosed with late onset hearing loss

More info and about Krysty Krywko.

• • •

Ready, Set, Sleep: 50 Ways to Help Your Child Sleep, So You Can Sleep Too by Malia Jacobson

Reader response:

Two days after I bought Ready, Set, Sleep, my 11 month old son just slept through the night for the FIRST time! I couldn’t be happier! This e-book is full of practical easy to follow information, for new parents or those who just need a “refresher” on sleep. Useful, relevant, and informative!

~ Michelle Armstrong, mom of two

More info and about Malia Jacobson.

• • •

Mother-Daughter Book Club Meeting Planner Guides: Collection One by Cindy Hudson

Reader response:

The meeting planner was a lifesaver. I work outside of the home full time and have 3 kids 10 years and under, so I don’t have a lot of time on my hands to think up good questions or activities. The questions in the meeting planner were at the right age level, specific to the story, and fun to answer (i.e. none of them made the girls feel like this was work).

~ Amber H., Huntington Beach, California

More info and about Cindy Hudson

• • •

What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween by Judy M. Miller

Reader response:

As an adoptee, I wish What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween had been available to my adoptive parents when I was an adolescent. I am recommending it to everyone I know who has, or will have an adopted child in their lives.”

~ Linda Hoye

More info about Judy M. Miller

Thanks for spreading the word about these wonderful ebooks!

]]> http://christinakatz.com/gift-this-now-or-with-your-forthcoming-gift-cards-as-applicable/feed/ 2 http://christinakatz.com/initial-response-to-the-writers-workout-indicates-its-my-best-book-yet/ http://christinakatz.com/initial-response-to-the-writers-workout-indicates-its-my-best-book-yet/#comments Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:08:28 +0000 @thewritermama http://christinakatz.com/?p=4218

Available December 2011!

When I set out to write The Writer’s Workout, I wanted it to be my best book yet. So I worked hard on it for almost two years, pouring everything that I’ve learned over the past ten years of teaching writers, and twelve years of writing for publication (not to mention all that expensive, fancy, artsy education before I set up shop).

I tried to set the bar high with my two previous books, Get Known Before the Book Deal and Writer Mama. To give credit where credit is due, those books are as good as they are because of the efforts of the entire Writer’s Digest team who worked on them, especially influenced by the editors who championed and nurtured them (and me) from start to finish.

The Writer’s Workout is no exception. Even though the publishing climate has shifted dramatically, and even though I have definitely felt more “on my own” with this book, the book would never be as substantial as I feel it is without the ongoing and conscientious help of my publisher, Writer’s Digest.

And now, after many moons, the books are finally on their way to retailers. I would love to have your support getting the word out about the book. If you are a reader or a fan, I’d like to invite you to order your books now.

I can promise you that you are going to feel like you missed something truly helpful if you don’t factor reading The Writer’s Workout into your 2012 goal-setting plans.

Here are some of the initial comments thus far:

“You have written a great book…I am sure that others have told you that.” ~ book reviewer, review forthcoming

“I started reading your book and I love it so far!” ~ reviewer for multiple publications

Beyond mere freelance business strategy, THE WRITER’S WORKOUT addresses the writer’s soul, strength, and stamina. In other words, its lessons are heartfelt. ~ Amazon review from agent Robin Mizell

For writers like me, who do not lack for ideas, but sometimes need direction, Katz’ methods are priceless. ~ In a book review from Lela Davidson, author of the essay collection Blacklisted from the PTA

I love the book. Really inspiring. It’s helping me focus on 2012 and on making things happen for me. ~ current student

Thank you for supporting the launch of The Writer’s Workout in any way you can this busy holiday season.

The book makes a refreshing holiday gift for writers, aspiring writers, publishers, agents, publicists, and anyone else in the business of managing and supporting writers.

I hope you will read it and give it and share it and talk about it and enjoy it. I hope it will bring you comfort and joy, strength and determination, hope and appreciation for all your own hard work in your writing career thus far.

If you want to cultivate your professional power as a writer, don’t merely add The Writer’s Workout to your holiday wish list, just order the darn thing for yourself right now. It’s a tax write-off, after all. You can always stick it under the tree, if you feel you need to justify the purchase.

Happy holidays, writers! And a very prosperous New Year.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

Nine Great Writing Blogs To Add To Your Feed In 2011:

1. A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing by J. A. Konrath LINK
2. There Are No Rules by Jane Friedman LINK
3. Michael Larsen’s Blog by Michael Larsen LINK [This feed is not working. Hope they can fix it!]
4. Ask Allison By Allison Winn Scotch LINK
5. Inky Girl by Debbie Ridpath Ohi LINK
6. Cory Doctorow’s Craphound LINK
7. Seth’s Blog by Seth Godin LINK
8. Writer Unboxed Hosted by Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton LINK
9. We Grow Media by Dan Blank LINK

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

10 ways to shop for writer mamas:

1. Coldwater Creek (scarves, shawls, and gloves, oh my!)
2. Writer’s Digest (books, magazines, and online market databases!)
3. Classes with yours truly (just what every writer mama really wants!)
4. Cafe Press (Check out my WriterMamaStuff or Nicole Rubel’s Rotten Ralph stuff)
5. Spa treatments (because we deserve it!)
6. A housecleaning service (another thing she really wants — consult your yellow pages or ask friends)
7. Art supplies from your local art supply store (sketch pads, a variety of colorful markers and pens, and some Silly Putty because she probably liked it when she was a kid)
8. Gift cards in generous sums from your favorite bookstores (How about one for real books and one for e-books?)
9. A Kindle (speaking of e-books, my new Kindle comes in pretty darn handy)
10. A new computer or an iPad (The mother of all gifts, but really, isn’t she worth it? Besides, she will need it when she starts earning money selling articles.)

On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

11 great gift books…

1. For the 7-9 year-old girl on your list: The Smart Girl’s Guide to Style by Sharon Cindrich (American Girl 2010) LINK
2. For the young-at-heart guy on your list: How To Survive A Garden Gnome Attack: Defend Yourself When the Lawn Warriors Strike (And They Will) (Ten Speed Press 2010) LINK
3. For the mom on your list: Thanks, Mom, 101 Stories of Gratitude, Love and Good Times edited by Wendy Walker (Chicken Soup For The Soul 2010) LINK
4. Also for the mom on your list, Book By Book, The Complete Guide to Creating Mother Daughter Book Clubs by Cindy Hudson (Seal Press 2009) LINK
5. For the adoptive parent/child on your list: Pieces of Me, Who Do I Want To Be, Anthology edited by Robert L. Ballard (EMK Press 2009) LINK
6. For the sister, cousin or friend: P.S. What I Didn’t Say, Unsent Letters To Our Female Friends, Anthology Edited By Megan McMorris (Seal Press 2009) LINK
7. Why We Ride, Women Writers on the Horses in their Lives edited by Verna Dreisbach (Seal Press 2010) LINK
8. Another one for the 7-9 year old girl: Noelle of the Nutcracker by Pamela Jane LINK
9. For the mystery buff: Never Tell A Lie LINK
10. For the woman of a certain age: I Remember Nothing: And Other Reflections (Knopf 2010) by Nora Ephron LINK
11. For the runner on your list: Chicken Soup For the Soul: Runners, 101 Inspirational Stories of Energy, Endurance, and Endorphins Edited by Amy Newmark (Chicken Soup for the Soul 2010) LINK

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

12 Authors authoring…

1. 102 Ways to Earn Money Writing 1,500 Words or Less by I. J. Schecter LINK
2. Publish Your Nonfiction Book, Strategies for Learning the Industry, Selling Your Book, and Building a Successful Career By Sharlene Martin and Anthony Flacco LINK
3. How To Be A Writer, Building Your Creative Skills Through Practice and Play By Barbara Baig LINK
4. Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks, The Writer’s Guide to Making Money Ghostwriting and Coauthoring Books By Kelly James-Enger LINK
5. The Artist’s Guide To Grant Writing, How To Find Funds and Write Foolproof Proposals for the Visual, Literary, and Performing Artist By Gigi Rosenberg LINK
6. The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing, Everything You Need To Know About Creating and Selling Your Work By The Editors of Writer’s Digest LINK
7. 2011 Guide to Literary Agents By Chuck Sambuchino LINK
8. 2011 Deluxe Writer’s Market By Robert Brewer LINK
9. The Art of War for Writers, Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics, and Exercises by James Scott Bell LINK
10. Author Mama, How I Became A Published Author and How You Can Too by Christina Katz (now available in Kindle and PDF format) LINK
11. The Indie Author Guide, Self-publishing Strategies Anyone Can Use By April L. Hamilton LINK
12. The Art of Non-Conformity, Set Your Own Rules, Live The Life You Want & Change the World by Chris Guillebeau LINK

We finally finished the list of movies about writers and the writing life. It comes in right now at a resounding 228 films listed in chronological order. I hope you enjoy it!

I am sure we will be updating the list regularly. I’ve included instructions if anyone wants to send additional suggestions. Or you could post your ideas here in the comments for this post.

I’ve made the list available as a download on my “Free” page. So feel free to share it as a PDF on your site.

You can grab the file here.

Thanks so much. Enjoy!

BREAKING NEWS: THIS LIST HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE 228 MOVIES!

http://christinakatz.com/228-movies-about-writers-the-writing-life-compiled-by-christina-jason-katz/

—

Help me create the most comprehensive list of movies about writers online. Here’s what I have so far…(my husband, Jason, helped me with this list–I only got to about 50 on my own).

A couple of notes about this list: I have not seen all of these films, so sometimes I am relying on research. Let me know if anything on the list does not involve or revolve around a writer.

Many if not most of these films, are not appropriate for children. Just FYI.

I did not include broadcast journalists, just writers: tv writers, screen writers, mystery writers, children’s writers, playwrights, comedy writers, poets, novelists, you name it.

(* indicates writer mama movies, not always flattering portrayals)

1. Motherhood (2009)*
2. Driving in Cars with Boys (2001)*
3. The Prize-winner of Defiance Ohio (2005)*
4. Running with Scissors (2006)*
5. Cheaper By The Dozen (2003)*
6. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)*
7. Capote (2005)
8. Infamous (2006)
9. As Good As It Gets (2003)
10. Freedom Writers (2007)
11. Mrs. Parker & The Vicious Circle (1994)
12. Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
13. Adaptation. (2002)
14. Shakespeare In Love (1998)
15. The Hours (2002)
16. Romancing The Stone (1984)
17. Deathtrap (1982)
18. Wonder Boys (2000)
19. Finding Forrester (2000)
20. Finding Neverland (2004)
21. Alex & Emma (2003)
22. Before Sunset (2004)
23. Quills (2000)
24. Almost Famous (2000)
25. The Lost Weekend (1945)
26. Tom & Viv (1994)
27. Isn’t She Great (2000)
28. My Left Foot (1989)
29. The Whole Wide World (1996)
30. Author! Author! (1982)
31. Little Women (1994)
32. Sex & The City (HBO Series 1998-2004 & films 2008 & 2010)
33. Rich & Famous (1981)
34. Old Acquaintance (1943)
35. Some Came Running (1958)
36. American Splendor (2003)
37. Sophie’s Choice (1982)
38. Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
39. Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
40. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
41. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
42. All The President’s Men (1976)
43. The Stoning of Soroya M. (2008)
44. The Ghost Writer (2010)
45. Julie & Julia (2009)
46. Misery (1990)
47. The Shining (1980)
48. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
49. Naked Lunch (1991)
50. Sylvia (2003)
51. Total Eclipse (1995)
52. Sleuth (1972)
53. Martian Child (2007)
54. Prick Up Your Ears (1987)
55. Scoop (2006)
56. Bullets Over Broadway (1994)
57. Henry and June (1990)
58. Stand By Me (1986)
59. The World According to Garp (1982)
60. Barton Fink (1991)
61. Cross Creek (1983)
62. Shadowlands (1993)
63. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
64. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
65. It Happened One Night (1934)
66. Stevie (1978)
67. Bright Star (2009)
68. A Mighty Heart (2007)
69. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
70. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
71. Shattered Glass (2003)
72. Marley & Me (2008)
73. Miss Potter (2006)
74. Iris (2001)
75. Out of Africa (1985)
76. Impromptu (1991)
77. Hans Christian Andersen (1952)
78. Wilde (1997)
79. The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999)
80. A Face In The Crowd (1957)
81. The Front (1976)
82. In a Lonely Place (1950)
83. Permanent Midnight (1998)
84. The Muse (1999)
85. The Dying Gaul (2005)
86. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
87. My Favorite Year (1982)
88. The TV Set (2006)
89. Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
90. Sideways (2004)
91. Slipstream (2007)
92. My Brilliant Career (1979)
93. Angel at My Table (1990)
94. The Squid and the Whale (2005)
95. Deconstructing Harry (1997)
96. Il Postino: The Postman (1994)
97. Henry Fool (1997)
98. Barfly (1987)
99. Before Night Falls (2000)
100. Factotum (2005)
101. Mother (1996)
102. Chasing Amy (1997)
103. Funny Farm (1988)
104. Funny People (2009)
105. Becoming Jane (2007)
106. Heartburn (1986)
107. The Accidental Tourist (1988)
108. The Edge of Love (2008)
109. Gentleman Broncos (2009)
110. Swimming Pool (2003)
111. Closetland (1991)
112. Her Alibi (1989)
113. Nora (2000)
114. Topsy Turvey (1999)
115. Jules and Jim (1962)

What’s missing? Anything? Please feel free to chime in!

Thanks to my move, scads of books have come out since January that I would have loved to buzz but haven’t because I have been too busy schlepping boxes or updating addresses, phone numbers, and e-mails or some other wonderfully unappealing task.

I’d much rather spend my time buzzing books!

So here’s my catch-up list. Enjoy!