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5 Gift Ideas for a Writer

This is Part 2 of my gift-giving guide for the Holiday season of 2022. Last week, I shared 5 Gift Ideas for a Reader–be sure to check that out! Now, I want to give attention to the writers in our lives. These can be people who are somewhat difficult to buy for because writing requires very little in the digital age. Many writers can get by with just a computer, and for that reason it can get tricky trying to gift them the experience of writing.

These items in the list I curated are aimed at helping writers hone their skills through practicing the art of writing. The gift ideas range in price from $5-$100, and represent many facets of the writing experience.

I am not an affiliate for any of these items. All of these recommendations are things I genuinely enjoy and am choosing to share with you because I am so fond of them.

1. PaperMate InkJoy Gel 0.7

The PaperMate InkJoy Gel 0.7 are my favorite pens for writing. They glide gently across the page and without smearing or ghosting. These have become a go-to and staple in my writing life.

2. Plum Paper Planners

Lately, I’ve moved away from Bullet Journaling and into a custom-built planner from Plum Paper. Although they can get pricy, these planners can be tailored to the needs of the writer and the pages are beautiful and of great quality. I am in love with my Plum Paper planner and I use it regularly to plan out blog posts, track purchases for The Ameri Brit Mom, and to schedule out the events in my life.

3. 642 Things to Write About Book

A universal experience for all writers is the lack of ideas. When you gift a writer a book of prompts like 642 Things to Write About by the San Francisco Writer’s Grotto you help them to defeat this hurdle to their practice and help unlock ideas just waiting to be captured on the page.

4. Small, low-maintence (or artificial) plants

Plants (whether artificial or living) add to the ambiance of a writer’s space. I recommend a set of smaller artificial plants, but if your writer has a green thumb then something requiring low maintence would be best. The plants should not deter their attention from their writing, but instead help to craft an environment that keeps their butt-in-chair.

5. SkillShare Subscription

A subscription to Skillshare was my big gift from my husband in 2021. With this subscription, I was able to take courses on many of my hobbies from creatives and leaders in their fields. For example, I learned how to improve my social media marketing strategies, film lifestyle vlogs, write a modern resume, and so much more. This is the most expensive gift on the list, but worth the cost in order to help the writer in your life invest in their skills and grow their toolbox.

When you buy a gift for a writer you are investing in a hobby and lifestyle that extends far beyond pages of words. You are showing them that you value what they have to say and believe in them to launch their gift into the world.

The Ameri Brit Mom

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TABM Updates

It’s been a while since I updated on all that’s going on with The Ameri Brit Mom. I wanted to take a minute and showcase this business that I have been working so hard to cultivate. The Ameri Brit Mom Writing and Editing Services is my passion project and something that brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment. Every comment, like, inquiry, or client means the world to me and so I wanted to take a moment to share what all has been going on behind the scenes.

Monthly Newsletter

The easiest way to remain up-to-date with all things The Ameri Brit Mom is to join the free subscription. When you join, you receive a monthly newsletter with all of the past and upcoming news. There is always an exclusive letter to my readers included in this newsletter and it is a great starting point if you want to support The Ameri Brit Mom, but are unsure what that means.

Patreon

My Patreon page is a place for exclusive content and offers. Members pledge a monthly amount (anywhere from $5-$20) and in return receive access to content that is available in no other platform. As part of The Writing and Editing Services, I offer unique stationery and graphics to patrons as well. Those downloads come free to those who invest in The Ameri Brit Mom on Patreon.

Monthly Short Stories/Essays

Each month, I offer original pieces to my Patreon members. This is included in the price of the monthly pledge. Stories and essays range from current Works in Progress (WIPs) to short works of fiction or poetry. I enjoy adding to my collection each month and receiving feedback and suggestions from members in my community. This is a project that I enjoy putting time into each month and I am always looking for clients to help create portfolios of their own.

Writing and Editing Services

Most of my income comes from providing writing and editing services. Over the summer I worked with half a dozen clients to spruce up their resumes. I have done a couple of thesis paper edits as well. My favorite types of projects include longer pieces. My skills as a reader and writer are most challenged and I feel the most reward after working with a client for several weeks on a piece that has a deep meaning to them.

Quarterly Book Club

I am currently working on my first Quarterly Book Club Discussion Guide release. After many conversations with clients and friends, I have decided to offer resources to members of the reading community. There will be alternations between Bestsellers and YA titles in the lineup and I plan to release one discussion guide per quarter. In the meantime, you can download your own FREE copy of the Guide to Hosting a Book Club.

Open For…

My October calendar is pretty open, and I am hoping to connect with both new and returning clients. If you have a resume, letter, presentation, lesson, essay, or manuscript that you would like to work with me on I am open for new projects. Complete the survey below and I will get back to you on the details and prices for working with The Ameri Brit Mom.

Thank you so much for stopping by to see what all I’ve been up to. The fall is always a busy time, but the work of The Ameri Brit Mom is still ongoing and giving purpose and confidence to the writer within all of us.

The Ameri Brit Mom

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Forget: Five Minute Friday

This is the first Friday of the new school year. I am up early and adjusting to my morning schedule. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Friday without joining my writing pals from Five Minute Friday. This week our prompt is Forget.

image of a small, budding flower with the word "forget" overlaying the photo.

As a new school year begins, let us forget

The past three years, and all their regrets.

All the trouble we faced when we walked in the door,

May we forget each one so learners can soar.

There is hope in beginning

A clean slate, a new chance

To forget all the worries,

And step back in the dance.

There are things that we’ve learned from the world in these days,

Like how teachers should really update their ways.

We grew as a profession-we adapted, reset

Some of those changes we shouldn’t forget.

But it’s time to return to what’s best for our kids.

Distancing and hybrid learning is not what it is.

They need classrooms with teachers who love what they do,

To inspire them to wrestle with things that are new.

Together we can make this the best school year yet,

If we all commit to the goals that we set.

We can achieve so much more when our focus is clear.

May we forget all the struggle and have a great year!

The Ameri Brit Mom

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Support My Female-Owned Business

The Ameri Brit Mom Writing and Editing Services launched in January 2022 and I have already built a great client list. As I continue to grow my business, I would appreciate any type of support that you are able to offer.

Since the business launch I have worked with clients on manuscript edits, doctoral thesis formatting, scholarship revisions, business letters, and blog audits. I am open to just about any project and would love to come alongside you to produce any type of project that effectively communicates your message.

Join the FREE subscription to The Ameri Brit Mom and help support the launch of this female-owned solopreneurship:

If you would rather support financally and receive exclusive perks for doing so you can also support The Ameri Brit Mom via Patreon:

The Ameri Brit Mom

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5 Podcasts I’m Loving…

Okay, Muse, I know that I am late to the game, but I have recently discovered the power of a good podcast. For years, my husband would put on a podcast while doing dishes, driving on longer trips or riding his bike, but I always thought--if I want to listen to something I want it to be music. I never really got the appeal of listening to other people’s dialogue [or monologues in some cases]. But I think this faulty mindset was due to the fact that I had yet to find a podcast that had something valuable to offer me.

This unique period in history has given us time to chase new endeavors, and when face-to-face interactions are infrequent I have found the desire to listen and learn from others growing. I began to search out some podcasts that spoke to me lifestyle and personal goals.

These five podcasts are some of the gems I mined in a wide sea of content. Allow me introduce you to some of the voices I’ve been listening to lately:

1. Brave New Teaching-This is the podcast that opened my eyes to what I had been missing. Marie Morris and Amanda Cardenas co-host this podcast for teachers. The focus is all about challenging the status quo in creating rigorous, research-supported, inquiry-rich classrooms. I needed these ladies this summer as I prepared for the return to in-person teaching. They encourage me and inspire me weekly. I have NEVER missed a Thursday release of a new episode. If you are a teacher I could not recommend this podcast more. AMAZING!

2. Proverbs 31-A faith based podcast where members of the Proverbs 31 team interview voices and authors from their communities to provide challenging content for their listeners. I like to listen to these podcasts like I listen to a sermon–with a pen, paper, Bible, and furious note taking.

3. DIY MFA-This is a writing podcast that interviews authors. Gabriela Periera is the host and creator of DIY MFA, a tool for writers to expand their skills and craft. I find the podcast to be inspirational. Hearing the stories of successful writers helps me to understand where I am in the publication process and gives me hope that one day my words may make it out in the cut throat world of publishing. It also helps me find contentment in writing for myself in the case that publishing isn’t part of my journey.

4. Serial– Created by This American Life, Serial is a true-crime podcast. In this podcast, each season examines a different crime using a journalistic approach. Facts are examined, interviews conducted, as Sarah Koenig seeks to get to the bottom of some of America’s most puzzling crimes. [side note: I am thinking about using a series of this podcast in my English classes and at the end of the series students have to write a persuasive piece explaining who they believe is at fault for the crime and why.]

5. The Minimalists–Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus host a podcast where they impart wisdom on how to create a minimalist lifestyle. I find this to be encouraging and liberating as I try to create a clutter-free, eco-friendly, minimalist life.

I am still looking for some inspiring podcasts so if you have any that you love, please share those with me in the comments!

The Ameri Brit Mom

fiction · Uncategorized

Humpty Dumpty (Poe Style)

Prompt-9

As a new technique I am going to rewrite a nursery rhyme in the voice of a legendary author. This was way more fun than I thought it could be. I’m still laughing at how easily Poe’s voice seemed to connect to a nursery rhyme.

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall.

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men

Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

Humpty Dumpty revised (in the voice/style of Edgar Allan Poe)

On a dark and dreary night upon a high wall of the city sat a man.

His soul still broken from the death of his lover.

Atop the city’s great wall he sat peering into the distance

Hoping one day to glimpse his bride.

She was taken too soon.

As the cloud of night grew thick and gathered about him

The young man wrestled with the notion of sleep.

Could he finally quiet his soul?

Would rest be upon him?

Or would he forever be tortured by visions of Lenore?

With heavy lids he began to sway.

And from the wall with great force he fell.

On horses did men from the kingdom come.

Rushing through the streets with doctors

Clearing the path through bystanders to attend to the man.

No one was able to revive his shattered body.

Not the king. Not his knights.

Because Lenore came down and woke him from his slumber.

And forevermore he danced with his bride.

The Ameri Brit Mom

Family · Uncategorized

Build: Five Minute Friday

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I’m getting my butt kicked by my February schedule.

Can you relate?

For some reason I keep double-booking myself even with my efforts to keep a bullet journal. There just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. That’s why it is even more important than ever to build into that schedule some time for me.

A few months ago my husband and I agreed on an arrangement that allowed both of us ample time to focus on our hobbies. On an ideal day, we would each get ONE HOUR to ourselves. For him, it would look like a run to the gym or a drill session with five basketballs. For me, that time would be sitting in front of the computer like I am right now and allowing myself some time to write.

Now, it doesn’t happen this way every day.

There are days when my kiddos interrupt that time and days when my husband never makes it out the door. But, our goal is to make this time a priority every day.

As parents it can be so easy to lose ourselves. I could spend over half a day cleaning messes or changing diapers. But one thing I’ve learned after six years of this gig is that I am a much better mom when I’ve taken some time to focus on  me.

I am thankful for a husband who is supportive and encourages me to take that time.

I am grateful for a daughter that understands when Mom is writing she really needs to be left alone.

This ONE HOUR trade-off with my husband has helped to curb my anxiety and given me a renewed sense of purpose in writing. I’ve taken time to dream again. I’ve taken steps toward reaching that dream. And I’ve begun feeling more accomplished than ever.

How do you build time for yourself during the day?

*This post is part of the Five Minute Friday prompt for the week. Be sure to check out the link in order to see other positive writer’s explore the same word prompt.

The Ameri Brit Mom

fiction · Uncategorized

Supporting Archetypes

Prompt-7 (1)

Every story has ONE protagonist. Sure, there are stories out there told from the perspective of multiple characters, but every reader connects to a single character more than the others. They root for their success above anyone else’s.

That’s where the idea of a supporting character comes from.

Supporting characters are those that help us to see the protagonist better and function to bring out their qualities.

In her book, DIY MFA, Gabriela Pereiera explains a few archetypes of the supporting character. Those archetypes are the villian, the love interest, the BFF, the sidekick, the mentor, and the fool. It must be noted that not every character fits nicely into those categories, but can be under the umbrella of one.

My favorite supporting character archetype to write is the mentor.

I think the reason I gravitate toward the mentor is because this is a character whose wisdom and experiences help the protagonist to see reason. This character is helpful and is generally the type of person I would like to spend time with in real life. My current Work-in-Progress features a mentor character. He lends support and helps to showcase a softer side of a troubled protagonist.

The only thing I’ve had to be cautious of in the use of mentors is making sure that they don’t solve all the problems for the protagonist. Their purpose is to shed light on solutions, but ultimately the protagonist must learn from their selves how to overcome the conflicts of their tale.

The Ameri Brit Mom

 

 

fiction · Uncategorized

Write One Short Story a Week…

“Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad short stories in a row.”― Ray Bradbury

Sounds easy enough.

Short stories could be something as short as 500 words, so how hard can that really be? Well, I’m here to say that for me a short story a week is far from what I’ve achieved over the years. In fact, I’ve probably finished six short stories EVER.

The writing world is full of “professionals” trying to give inspiration to other writers. They mean well when they talk about their own magic formula, but writing is not a tried-and-true craft. What works for one writer may not work for another. We all live different lives, write different genres, and use different methods to reach success.

When I first started writing I was tempted to follow the formula of other writers, but I have since learned that every writer is unique. Additionally, every phase of the journey is unique. What works early in the writing process may not be the best rule to follow as you grow.

Adaptation is imperative for the writing life. If you find a formula that works for you it may not always be that way. If you are still trying to build a system keep the focus on yourself. Ray Bradbury’s method of a short story a week obviously worked well for him. He was a renowned author and his pieces were influential in so much of the sci-fi genre. He’s not a name soon forgotten. I wrote a post about him a few years ago because I am a fan. (5 Reasons to Read Ray Bradbury) But I am not Ray Bradbury. I cannot beat myself up for struggling to produce a short story per quarter (that’s my current goal.)

Gabriela Pereira, founder of DIY MFA, says it best when she explains that the only rule for writing is that there is no rule.

What about you? Have you ever found yourself tempted to take someone else’s advice?

The Ameri Brit Mom

prompt-5

fiction · Uncategorized

My Writing Superpower

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The Underdog:

You are the quintessential underdog storyteller and your superpower is creating relate-able characters who have a deep desire to change something in themselves or in the world around them. From rags-to-riches narratives to epic David-and-Goliath-style battles you craft stories with high stakes and compelling characters your readers can’t help but love.

What about you? Take the quiz

The Ameri Brit Mom