Welcome to The VERB!

This is the time of year when the world is thinking of gifts. What to give? Where to buy? How much to pay?

But of course you've heard the adage: 'Tis better to give than to receive. So while you're out there trying to find the perfect gift for the perfect people in your life, don't forget to give to yourself.

What you do, as a writer, is difficult work. And though you may not produce a completed project at the end of the work day, such as that of a hairdresser or a chef, your struggle and sweat are no less honorable. Even when you're off the clock, that masterpiece is still there, in your head, brewing into a work of art. What better reason, then, to throw a bit of gift-activity your way?

Six Gifts To Give The Writer In You

A comfy chair. "Every chair should be a throne and hold a king." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. These days, many writers have moved away from the desk, thanks to laptops, but unless you've strapped your lappy to your treadmill, you still need a place to sit. A luxurious, supportive chair makes all the difference in the world. After all, if your body can't relax, your brain can't focus.

A soothing ambiance. "Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." - Chinese proverb. Most of us don't notice bad lighting unless it's in the extreme. Too little light can cause eye strain and lethargy. Too much light can cause headaches and anxiety. Find your perfect balance by combining natural light with a few well-placed lamps. Or candles. Or string lights. Set your mood before you set the scene.

A sturdy footstool. "He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul's estate." - Henry David Thoreau. All people in all walks of life need to put their feet up now and then. And for the writer, well, it's practically a law. To kick back and ponder—that's the essence of storytelling. Add a squeeze toy to the mix, and you're not only helping your story and your feet, you're beating back carpal tunnel.

A spry animal. "Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." - George Eliot. Animals will not be ignored. When they need to eat, go outside, come inside or snuggle, they let you know about it. This forces you to step away from your story, to stretch, to get the blood moving, to focus on something else. And how many times have you been in the middle of filling a food bowl or cleaning a litter box or walking a pet when suddenly... you're broadsided with the answer to your writing dilemma? Animals do that on purpose.

A melodious sound. "Music, the greatest good that mortals know. And all of heaven we have below." - Joseph Addison. If you're one who feels music is a distraction, try this the next time you're struggling with a story. Go to Pandora and type in Mozart. Turn the volume low, and return to your work. I can almost guarantee that you will become more productive. How? While the brain stretches your imagination, the music massages your soul.

Finally, a handy schedule. "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." - Charles Dickens. Maybe you have a calendar on your wall with gorgeous photos. Maybe you have one on your computer with important reminders. But do you have one you can print out, slip into your notebook, scribble all over and spread out, if need be, to see months at a time? Hope not. Because this one is our gift to you.

 
2010
ReadingWriters
 calendar!

Happy Holidays! May you have a warm, delicious time with all your loved ones, and may 2010 bring you boundless peace, prose and prosperity!

     

   Elizabeth Guy      
Editor     

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This issue 
was published 
under the musical 
influence of...




Andrea Bocelli
My Christmas