Calling all NF writers!

This week I wanted to introduce you to a new - and FREE - activity for nonfiction writers.

NF Fest, organized by the Nonfiction Chicks in February, is a month-long crash course in writing nonfiction for children. Participants will learn the craft from 29 authors and others in NF publishing through daily posts. Daily activities will get you writing and researching in small steps. It's all free, and there will be prizes!

For more information, and to view the posts in February, see www.NFFest.com. Join the NF Fest Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/NFFest/ for updates and discussion.
This year's bloggers will include:

Karen Blumenthal/Candace Fleming

Beth Anderson

Carla McClafferty

Melissa Stewart

Heidi Stemple

Barb Kramer

Sophia Gholz

Nancy Turminelly

Donna Bowman

Mary Kay Carson

Traci Sorrell

Cynthia Levinson

Jen Bryant

Jill Esbaum

Kerry McManus, Marketing Director

Don Tate

Meeg Pincus

Lisa Schnell

Susannah Deevers

Vivian Kirkfield

Kelly Halls

Stacey Graham, agent

Bethany Hegedus

Alice Duncan

Rob Sanders

Lesa Cline-Ransome

Chris Mihaly

Steve Swinburne

Holiday Gifts for Writers

Need ideas for holiday gifts for your fellow writers? 

Looking for ideas that people can get for YOU, their favorite writer?

We’ve put together some gift ideas that might be just what you’re looking for!

 MUGS, T-SHIRTS, and TOTES

 How about a mug, tote or T-shirt with a special saying

 about books, reading, writing or editing?

 Check out Café Press and Out of Print.

JEWELRY

Etsy is a good place to start to look for writers’ jewelry. Find clever ideas for necklaces, pins, bracelets, earrings, rings and even cuff links.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Pay for subscriptions to newsletters such as Children’s Book Insider, or membership sites like 12 x 12 and SCBWI, subscription boxes and streaming services for writers. Check out this link for subscription box ideas: https://www.cratejoy.com/box-insider/subscription-boxes-for-writers/

OFFICE SUPPLIES

Fill their stockings with writing software, file folders, paper clips, notepads, pens, printer ink, or gift cards to office supply stores, bookstores, or Amazon.

CALENDAR PLANNERS/JOURNALS

Help your author friends realize their writing goals with a planner for 2020 or a journal for jotting down inspirations and ideas.  

SERVICES

Help pay for a manuscript edit, to have a website built, attend a conference, take a writing course, or spend a weekend at a writers’ retreat. Unworkshops at Highlights cost $150.00/day.

BOOKS ABOUT WRITING AND PUBLISHING

Check out The Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market 2020, Guide to Literary Agents 2020, or the many books on the process of writing and/or publishing that can be found on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and the iBookstore.

TIME and SPACE

What do writers want most? Time to write! Offer to babysit or help take care of a loved one while they get away for some alone time to finish that manuscript.

Or, create a special space for your writer with a sign that reads: DO NOT DISTURB – CREATIVITY IN PROGRESS.