A Writer’s Gift

This is an Oldie but Goodie swap.

Click here to see the original swap from 2007 that I hosted.

It doesn't matter if you write for fun, for profit or just to express yourself. But you do need to be:

a) serious about your craft

b) willing to follow through.

The purpose of this swap is to get inspired about your writing, to set writing goals (a contract with yourself), and to assess your progress at the end of the swap.

Read carefully before joining. This is a two-part swap.

PART 1

a) Post below in the swap discussion area what type of writing you do and whether you write longhand, on a computer or typewriter. Be specific on your type of writing. (For example, if you write fiction, state what type of fiction. If you blog, what's the overall theme of your blog? Is your writing personal journaling, poetry, etc.?)

b) Be sure your profile is complete.

c) Prepare for your partner an inspirational gift that he/she can use in her/his writing -- something that will inspire the person in their writing efforts and goals. It may be a nice pen and journal, an idea notebook, a book or magazine on the craft of writing, a framed quote, a mug, etc. Use your partner's profile and the note they post below to determine what will make a great writer's gift. You are not to request anything in particular. Let your partner, who is also a writer, find something appropriately inspiring for you.

PART 2

a) Write a list of up to five writing goals you have for the next three months -- through the end of October 2010. Sign and date the list. Make two copies. Keep one for yourself. Mail the other along with the Part 1 gift, the second copy to your partner with a self-addressed envelope or mailing label. (no stamp. Your partner will pay the return postage)

b) On Oct. 1 (yes, I will remind you), send your partner's goals list back to her/him with a note of encouragement.

The note you get back will remind you of what you said you wanted to do and will let you know how far you've come on your writing goals.