From Cathy:

Hello writers! Hope December finds you happy and jolly and hard at work on whatever wonderful pieces you’re crafting these days.

First, a blatant plug for those in (or visiting) the Washington, DC area: I’ll be at the Fairfax City Holiday Market on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a brand new event this year, featuring local craft vendors amidst the holiday lights in Old Town Square in the heart of Historic Downtown Fairfax. Look for me at the Possibilities Publishing spot, where I’ll of course be signing copies of A Hundred Weddings. The festival includes live holiday music, hot drinks, gourmet treats, and more. Admission is free. 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

And now, since you all probably need to do a wee bit of shopping this month, here are a few of Karen’s and my faves for writerly/readerly gift giving.

I have this mug. I love this mug. If you’re not a Vonnegut fan (no judgement, but seriously?), these nifty mugs also feature quotes from Jane Austen, Poe, Mark Twain, Shakespeare, and others.

Long live the King! It’s the 10^th anniversary edition of On Writing. If you don’t have this one by now, it needs to be on your wish list ASAP.

Fashioned by a creative writing teacher, The Writer’s Toolbox looks awesome. It gives you exercises and instructions in a “right-brain” approach to writing.

I have this book on my Kindle, and I use it all the time. The Emotion Thesaurus helps you find whole new ways to say “She was sad/ excited/ angry/ nauseated.” And so many more feels.

Need to nudge your brain back to yesterday? Rememory  is for memoirists, story crafters, poets, and anyone who wants to hear more about Grandma’s childhood.

For you literary apparel lovers, check out the shirts, scarves, and totes from Litographs.

Scrivener. I don’t have it yet, but it’s on my list this year. People say it’s one of the best writing software tools. Helps you create and organize outlines, make notes that you can shuffle on-screen like index cards, and keep all your research in one place. All for a mere $45? Yes, please!

Need to get away? For you big spenders (or lucky friends of ones), how about a writer’s retreat in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, or Hawaii? Check out this list list from The Write Life and get packing.

And with that, we’ll wish you a very happy holiday and an awesome new year to be.

Write well everyone!