2022 Writer's Holiday Wish List

The holiday season is here! Are folks asking you for gift ideas? Are you searching for the perfect item for a writing colleague? 24 Carrot Writing has compiled the dream wish list for writers. 

24 Carrot Writing's guest bloggers, contributors, and active founders have each shared a special item that makes their creative endeavors happier, successful, and more productive. We hope you find ideas you want to share and maybe a few carrots for your next month of goals. ​

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Ana Siqueira:
I would love a cute bookend for my bookshelf. Since I keep buying more and more picture books written by  all of my critique partners, I need to place them on my not-for-picture-book shelves. So a cute bookend, something very kiddish, would be the perfect gift for me and keep these books from falling down. After all, what I really wish is for more and more picture books to my add to my collection. 

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Ana Siqueira is a Spanish-language elementary teacher, and an award-winning Brazilian children’s author. Her picture books include BELLA’S RECIPE FOR DISASTER/SUCCESS (Beaming Books, 2021) and IF YOUR BABYSITTER IS A BRUJA/CUANDO, TU NIÑERA ES UNA BRUJA (SimonKids, 2022). Learn more about Ana here. 

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Valerie Bolling:
My best writing advice from this year is to set aside time to go to the Highlights Foundation in Milanville, PA. You can enroll in a course or enjoy a personal retreat. 

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I'd heard about Highlights -- how amazing it is -- and had planned to travel there. When I received an invitation to serve as a faculty member in their Summer Camp in Fiction program in July, I gladly accepted; it was definitely a highlight (yes, it's a pun!) of my summer. I was excited to return in September for an Amplify Black Stories retreat, which was equally enjoyable. I'm already planning for a visit in the spring -- with a group of kidlit creators represented by my agent, James McGowan (Go, #TeamJames!) -- and will, hopefully, be invited back in the near future as a faculty member. 

I cannot recommend Highlights enough. The setting is serene; the meals are fabulous; and the community is so warm and welcoming. This experience needs to be on every writer and illustrator's wish list. Highlights also offers numerous scholarships, so don't miss their window to apply.
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Valerie Bolling is the author of the 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite award-winning and CT Book Award finalist LET’S DANCE! (March 2020). In 2022 Valerie launched TOGETHER WE RIDE (April) and RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN! (October). To learn more about Valerie, visit here. 

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Nancy Tandon:
One thing I know all writers need from time to time is encouragement. Sometimes we lose track of the idea that this writing gig is supposed to bring us joy! There are inevitable setbacks and difficulties on any creative journey, which is why it's so important to pepper your path with levity. To that end, I highly recommend a set of whimsical book earrings for the discouraged writer in your life! These fully customizable earrings from Sageware Fashion are silly and fun, and remind me of one of the things I love most about writing: the idea that stories connect people. Wear a pair of these guaranteed conversation starters and find out for yourself! 

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Nancy Tandon is an author of middle grade novels, including THE WAY I SAY IT (Charlesbridge, 2022), and THE GHOST OF SPRUCE POINT (Aladdin, 2022). She pulls on her past as a teacher and speech/language pathologist to fuel her current joy: writing stories about awesome kids doing brave things. Visit her at www.nancytandon.com. ​

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Carrie Finison:
These aren’t exactly the best-kept secret, but I’ve loved my Bombas slippers over the past year. I have their “Gripper Slippers” which are essentially like socks, but soooo much better. They fit a little loose on your feet, have a warm, cozy lining, and are perfect for snuggling up on the couch during a writing session or keeping 

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your feet cozy during a virtual school visit. I have also packed these to take on writing retreats because it’s nice to have a few of the comforts of home. Also if you haven’t tried their regular socks, you really should!
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Carrie Finison writes picture books with humor and heart, including DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS (2020), DON'T HUG DOUG (2021), and – new in 2022 – LULU & ZOEY: A SISTER STORY, and HURRY LITTLE TORTISE, TIME FOR SCHOOL!. For updates and giveaways, subscribe to her newsletter, check out her website, or follow on Twitter or Instagram.

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Elisa Boxer:
​I can't seem to get enough tote bags!

I use them to organize, store and carry books, notebooks, clipboards, paper files and other materials for projects-in-progress. I bring them to author visits and storytimes. I fill them with snacks. They're fun, practical, personal and portable! And of course, I especially love tote bags featuring bookish themes! A few of my favorites: this library card tote from the New York Public Library, and this super sturdy tote from my local indie, Print: A Bookstore!

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Kirkus called Elisa Boxer's picture book, COVERED IN COLOR: CHRISTO & JEANNE-CLUADE'S FABRICS OF FREEDOM, "compelling from cover to cover" in a starred review. She is also the author of THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE, ONE TURTLE'S LAST STRAW, and SPLASH! (a Junior Library Guild Selection).  Visit her at https://www.elisaboxer.com. 

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Samantha Gassman:
I love a good craft book! For as much as I’ve learned over the last few years about writing, reading craft books is a great way to fill in the knowledge gaps, and spark creativity. Several include creative writing exercises and guides to help you draft, revise, and submit your manuscripts! As a writer, there is always more to learn about the craft!

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Samantha Gassman is the author of DEAR RAINBOW BABY (Clear Fork, 2022), HONOR FLIGHT (Benchmark Edu., 2022) and the forthcoming picture book PEANUT AND BUTTER CUP (Clear Fork, 2024). She is an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and mom. Learn more about Sam and her projects here.

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​ June Cotner:
About ten years ago, inspired by Steal Like an Artist, I decided to “keep a logbook,” as author Ausin Kleon advised. I used a 6.5 x 9 lined Paperblanks journal with a magnetic closure. I called it MY CREATIVITY JOURNAL.
I use it for three purposes:

• to brainstorm new book and product ideas
• paste in any creativity ideas from others
• plan book pub delivery and pub dates.

I especially love using a variety of colored pen sets. This journal has been such a joy and has sparked many new ideas! 

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June Cotner is the author of FOR EVERY LITTLE THING  and 37 other books, which collectively have sold more than one million copies and have been featured in many national publications. To find out more about June, visit her website at www.junecotner.com.

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Alison Goldberg:
For the writer in search of focus, give the gift of noise-cancelling headphones. I use mine to tune out the world outside my manuscript while piping in the sounds of ocean waves and rainstorms. I choose a soundtrack that matches the setting for my project at hand.
 
Pair this gift with a sign-up for Writers’ Hour, a virtual, hour-long writing sprint that takes place at 8 am in four different time zones each weekday. It’s a great way to find focus with other writers around the world.

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Alison Goldberg is the author of the picture book BOTTLE TOPS: THE ART OF EL ANATSUI, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Lee & Low Books, 2022) and I LOVE YOU FOR MILES AND MILES (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2017). Learn more about Alison at www.alisongoldberg.com.

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Kelly Carey:
​Rich and satisfying stories tap into a reader’s five senses. Last year, Amanda, my fellow 24 Carrot Writing co-founder, gifted me an adorable reed diffuser. It sits across from my desk and fills the room with its lovely aroma. With each breath, I am reminded to fill my texts with smell, sight, touch, sound, and taste. As a mini carrot for a good bit of writing or revising, I let myself flip over a reed and renew my space with scent. 

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Kelly Carey is an award winning children’s fiction author from Massachusetts. Her debut picture book, HOW LONG IS FOREVER? (Charlesbridge, 2020) received a glowing review from Kirkus and was named a MUST READ by the Mass Center for the Book. Kelly is a 24 Carrot Writing co-founder. To learn more about Kelly visit here. 

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Annie Cronin Romano:
For the aspiring author, I recommend the gift of research and learning. A membership to Publishers Marketplace can offer writers ready to query valuable insights into the kind of projects agents are acquiring, as well as the latest scoop on publishing news. For those still honing their writing skills (it's a lifelong process!), a membership to a local writing group (The Writers' Loft, and Grub Street are examples in the Boston area) or national writing organization (i.e., SCBWI, Mystery Writers of America) provides a rich resource for writing workshops, conferences, and supportive community. There's an organization for every genre and writing interest!

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Annie Cronin Romano is one of the co-founders of 24 Carrot Writing and is a published picture book author. In addition to her love of kidlit, she also writes adult fiction, works as a bookseller at an indie bookstore, and is a literary associate with Olswanger Literary. Learn more about Annie at www.anniecroninromano.com.

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Megan Litwin:
For an inspirational gift this year I’m recommending a new picture book that speaks not only to children, but to creative souls of all ages. To Make, written by Danielle Davis and illustrated by Mags DeRoma, shows all sorts of things being made across deliciously inventive illustrations – from songs and stories, to gardens and cakes. A celebration of creativity, and also patience and perseverance, the repeated refrain spoke right to my debut writer heart: “Gather, make, wait.” Gift this book to any writer, who will recognize these steps (especially the waiting!) and find inspiration in the hopeful, joyous culminating spread.
Beautiful things take time, friends. Keep making!​

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Megan Litwin is a 24 Carrot Writing Regular Contributor and author of TWINKE, TWINKLE, WINTER NIGHT (Clarion, 2022) and the upcoming early reader series, DIRT AND BUGSY (Penguin Workshop, 2023). Learn more about Megan at www.meganlitwinbooks.com/​. ​

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Kristi Mahoney: 
For those that might be writing through the long (and sometimes dreary) months of winter, I recommend a sunshine lamp like this one. Having a welcoming desk space that makes you happy is important when you spend so much time there. And what’s more welcoming than the sun when you haven’t seen it for days? I switch on the warm light setting and suddenly I'm transported into the golden hour. Works on rainy days too or anytime my writing space (or mood) needs brightening. 

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​Kristi Mahoney is a children's book writer from Massachusetts and a 24 Carrot Writing Regular Contributor. Her debut picture book, ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS, will be released by Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2024. She can be reached at www.kristimahoneybooks.com.

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Amanda Smith:
Often writers will tell you what they want most is uninterrupted TIME to write. How do you gift a writer time?

​By freeing them from some of  the nitty-gritty, time-thieving, everyday chores. My most practical writing-time gift comes in the form of a robot vacuum cleaner! Writing while vacuuming?
Win- win!
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Other time-saving gifts include hiring a monthly cleaning service for a year, or offering home-made coupons for chores (take-out dinner, laundry folding, driving-duty, etc.) that writers can "cash in" when needed. Cute coupons can be purchased here, but hand made ones are just perfect. If you are feeling extremely generous, gifting a writer with a weekend writing retreat will go down in the annals as the best gift ever!

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Amanda Smith is a co-founder of 24 Carrot Writing. Her poems can be found in the Writer's Loft Anthology, Friends and Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children and in the upcoming anthology Bless the Earth (Convergent Books, 2024) Learn more  at AmandaSmithWrites.

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