![]() | Tim McCanna has put this hand truck to the test for his school visits. Now he can carry everything he needs to entertain students (and not have to lug it all from his car). |
Tim is the author of several picture books including Bitty Bot, Barnyard Boogie, Jack B.Ninja and Watersong. Learn more at http://www.timmccanna.com/ |
![]() "I’m afraid my writing and illustrating habits are extremely dull and predictable! My favorite things are genuine Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils, and yellow legal pads from Ampad (ONLY Ampad—they’ve got a strong cardboard backer, a good paper feel, and really nice friction with the #2 pencils, and other legal pads just don’t measure up)." - Brian Lies |
Brian Lies is the author and illustrator of the NY Times bestselling bat series (Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Library, etc.), and over two dozen other titles. His 2018 titles are The Rough Patch and Got to Get to Bear's. You can visit him at www.brianlies.com. |
Janet Fox makes sure to dress the part of author, sporting bookish outfits like this cute dress from RedBubble.com. Her necklace was made by lenoradame.com. |
Crystal Kite winner, Janet Fox is an author, mom, outdoor enthusiast, and former teacher. Her novels are written for children and young adults, but have won her fans of all ages. Find out more at www.janetsfox.com. |
![]() Picture Book author, Kate Narita, wishes it hadn't taken her years to pick up a copy of Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder. | ![]() Save The Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is available, too! |

And speaking of sharpening pencils, here's a one-of-a-kind gift for any writer or illustrator -- and yes, she has one on her desk. It was a gift she bought for herself a year ago.

I have a new favorite for everyday research, note taking, and brainstorming, too -- the F64 Expedient Notebook from Kyokuto. This one has reliable wire rings so it'll open flat on a desk along with a sturdy front and back cover so it's easy to hold in one hand while taking notes in the field.

![]() Author illustrator Melissa Sweet uses Holbein acrylic paint. |

One of Alison Goldberg's favorite writer gifts is the Seven Year Pen. "My brother gave me the whale one when I first started writing my middle grade novel. Several years and drafts later, it still works!" |


1. Ginger tea with honey
2. Four Seasons by Vivaldi
3. Large sticky-note chart paper for plotting

![]() Nancy Tupper Ling: Shutterfly will create a custom cell phone case. It is a great conversation starter. Look out for the company’s emails regarding their sales. "I also love my custom laptop cover from SkinIt." | ![]() Yes, it’s a book lover’s dream. The mug that comes equipped with chalk so you can add your current reads to it. Just don’t put the chalk too close to the top where you’re sipping And of course, who doesn’t need a motivating Reese’s now and then? ![]() Nancy also loves a little light-up motivation from her mini marquee that she discovered at the New York Public Library’s gift shop. |


I also got this mug set for my birthday. Swoon! "

"Item No. 1. Library socks from Out of Print.
You might ask how socks help my writing process. Well, they make my feet happy, and when my feet are happy, so is the rest of me, which leads to better writing. I own these socks in several colors and wear them several times a week."

This is the writing book that makes me nod vigorously along as I read it. He get so much right about how to write well. The title says its for writing nonfiction, but I say it’s for anyone who writes anything."
Pat Zietlow MIller has published Be Kind, The Quickest Kid in Clarksville, Wherever You Go, and the beloved Sophie's Squash. To learn more about Pat please visit her website . |


![]() Annie Cronin Romano's enjoys shopping the book-themed stickers at Red Bubble. "I decorate my computer, and Red Bubble has fun literary stickers to add some writing spirit." She also loves the online store Out of Print. "My library stamp shirt is well-loved, and they've got some Harry Potter t-shirts I've got my eye on!" | |
Searching for the right way to express yourself? Francine loves these additions to your typical thesaurus, available at Writers Helping Writers.
![]() Everybody knows two writing essentials are chocolate and coffee. This year Amanda's favorite writing things are chocolate flavored coffee and a good day planner to track goals. She picked this one from Day Designer to stay on track in 2019. |



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HAPPY SHOPPING!