'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Saturday 5 May 2012

Mother's Day Gifts for a Writing Mum

Sick and tired of the old chocs and flowers Mother's Day pressie?

There are so many fabulous books out there for mums who love to read but what about mums who love to write? 

Here is your guide to some fabulous literary gifts for Mum next Sunday 13 May - and best of all, most of these ideas are just a mouse click away!

Happy Mothers Day to mums everywhere.

Top 10 Writing Gifts for Mum

1.  Manuscript assessments from Writing Classes For Kids & Adults start at $15 for five pages. Help mum follow her dream path to publication, with some professional feedback on her work.

2. The Australian Writer's Marketplace. This is an important resource providing information about publishing opportunities, writing courses, mentoring and lots of other great resources for writers. It's now in its 11th edition. There are over 2000 entries in this book and it's also a fabulous online resource. Costs around $50.

3. Subscription to Buzz Words or Pass It On; two great e-zines with practical writing tips and information about the publishing industry and opportunities for writers of children's and young adult books. Annual subscriptions available for less than $50 each.

4.  Membership to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - an organisation that offers networking and professional development opportunities for writers.

5.   Membership to your local writer's centre. Fees vary according to each centre. Google the writer's centre/s in your state.

6.    A short course on writing. These are available through writer's centres, TAFES and organisations like Writing Classes For Kids & Adults  who have 6 week courses on plot, character development, harnessing ideas and getting your work ready for publication. All courses  at Writing Classes For Kids & Adults include personal feedback on each session. $80 for 6 weeks.

7.   Affordable How to write books by published author and qualified writing teacher Sherryl Clark - See e-books 4 writers.

8.    A journal or notebook for Mum to record her bright ideas. Available from newsagents, bookshops and stationery stores.

9.  A memory stick or HD backup to store all Mum's great work on. Available from department and electrical stores.

10.   A gorgeous pen for when your Mum is conducting author signings. Available from newsagents, stationers and specialty gift shops.