2015 is officially upon us. It's a perfectly blank canvas full of exciting possibilities and unknown adventures!
I hope we all have a better year in 2015, no matter how amazing (or not) your 2014 was. Because it can always be better, we can always have more goals and dreams.
Part of what makes the publishing industry so exciting is that it's filled with optimists and creative minds. We're either hoping tomorrow will be a day filled with great news, that a brilliant idea will strike, or a long awaited accomplishment will be achieved.
Writers, agents, editors, book sellers, readers, illustrators—we're a bunch of life-lovers. We love to read about, or create, or help share other people's stories and journeys, becoming sometimes as invested in them as if they were our own. If anyone can hope that every year is better than the previous one, it's us!
We can dream it, so it CAN happen.
Here's to a great 2015 for all!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
L. Perkins Agency’s Suggestion on What to Buy Readers and Writers for Christmas
Every year I am faced with the same dilemma – what do I buy my writing friends? I usually opt for a gift certificate to Amazon or The Strand (if they’re in NYC), but I know deep down I can do much better than that.
So this year I asked my agency colleagues for a list of gift suggestions and I am thrilled to share it with you.
Louise Fury suggests the following:
Aqua Notes:
waterproof notepads for the shower -- you never know when inspirations can strike. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W09LTQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003W09LTQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thwrli02-20
Typewriter charm: http://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Silver-Antiqued-Typewriter-Charm/dp/B00Q1DPIUM/ref=sr_1_60?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1417713852&sr=1-60&keywords=typewriter+ring
Senior Agent Sandy Lu has recently discovered the joy of audio books and took the time to list the favorite audio books she’s listened to this year, as well as an old book scented candle (clever gift, indeed!)
Old Books Scented Soy Candle https://www.etsy.com/listing/159184877/old-books-book-lovers-scented-soy-candle?ref=shop_home_feat
Non-Fiction:
The Black Count: The Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss
The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris
Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Fiction:
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
A Constellation of Vital Phenomenon by Anthony Marra
This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
The Distance by Helen Giltrow
F by Daniel Kehlmann
The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey
I Love You More by Jennifer Murphy
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
The Quick by Lauren Owen
The Rise & Fall of Great Powers by Tom Rachman
The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh
YA:
The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Defy by Sara B. Larson
Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Gated by Amy Christine Parker
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost
Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman
Tish Beaty, our resident romance expert, suggests you curl up with the following titles:
Erotic Romance:
Rosalie Stanton - Sinners and Saints Series - https://www.totallybound.com/series/sinners-and-saints
Candice Gilmer - Various Works - http://candicegilmer.com/
Chloe Stowe - M/M Various Works - http://www.chloestowe.com/published-works.html
Louisa Bacio - Various Works - http://louisabacio.com/books
Rachell Nichole - Various Works - http://www.rachellnichole.com/Holiday-Books.html
Leon Husock, our resident man, gave us the following gift suggesitons:
Well, there’s Tequila Mockingbird, that book of literary-inspired cocktails.
There are also these: http://www.litographs.com which are shirts and tote bags with the text of classic books on them in small type arranged to make pictures, which I think are super cool.
Rachel Brooks, our romance and YA/New Adult agent, also shared a thoughtful list:
1) Book themed jewelry, handmade on Etsy, is a great gift idea for bibliophiles. Whether it's a quote from a classic, book-shaped earrings, or a necklace featuring weathered pages, Etsy has tons of jewelry items for book lovers and writers. Plus, you're supporting an indie artist by purchasing their items!
Buy link:
https://www.etsy.com/market/book_jewelry
2) What reader or writer doesn't need an artsy mug for their tea, coffee, or cocoa? The quirky store The Unemployed Philosopher's Guild has a great selection of unique mugs. One features first lines from literary classics, while another is decorated with titles of banned books. They also sell a Shakespearean insult mug if some snark is needed for your holiday season!
Buy Link:
http://www.philosophersguild.com/Mugs-and-Glass/
3) A book idea for readers who love contemporary or women's fiction novels, especially ones with a charming heroine:
Independently Wealthy by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal, St. Martin's 2014
-Chosen as one of "The Best New Books" in People Magazine's Dec 8th print issue
-“Soapy, fast-paced fun with a murder thrown in for good measure.” —Kirkus Reviews
The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior by Megan Frampton
-Starred review,
Publishers Weekly
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/15NShfC
And me?
I think Strunck and White’s Elements of Style and
the Chicago Manuel of Style always make great gifts for writers, as well as the
parodies (Alice Threw the Looking Glass, The Elements of F*cking Style, Spunk
& Bite). As well as all those grammar humor books (Woe is I, Eats, Shites
& Leaves)
Also get a kick our
of Bookopoly,
And think every
romance writer on the planet should have a copy of Slash, Romance without Boundaries,
a sort of Cards against Humanity game for readers and writers.
Happy Holidays!
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