Writers Welcome the New Year

Swap edited Jan. 15, 2011 The name of this swap has been changed from Writers Welcome the New Year to A Writer's Year of Inspiration.

This is a swap that will take a little time to put together and is designed to encourage writers during the year. The idea is to give your partner, in advance, a year's worth of inspiration in one package. The package will contain an introductory letter from you, four encouraging letters with a small surprise, a book or magazine about writing, a writing mascot for the year, a wrapped birthday present with a card, and a profile surprise.

You will send one partner each of the following six items:

• A letter or note introducing yourself

Tell your partner who you are, what you do, the type of writing you enjoy and anything else you'd like to share.

• Four letters with a small surprise

Each should be in a sealed and separate envelope and labeled 1st Quarter, 2nd Quarter, 3rd Quarter, 4th Quarter. Each letter should encourage your partner toward his or her writing goals for each three month period of the year. The first quarter period covers January-March; the second quarter, April-June; the third quarter, July-September; and the fourth quarter, October-December. Every envelope should also include a small surprise (a bookmark, magnet, pen or some other small treat)

• A book or magazine about writing.

The reading material can be new or very gently used.

• A writing mascot for the year.

This is something that your partner can place on her desk or computer, carry with a laptop or otherwise keep close for use and/or inspiration throughout 2011. Some examples of what you could send: a small stuffed animal, a mug, a dotee doll, a plaque or wall hanging, a small piece of art, a pin, a pen, etc. These are just examples, use your partner's profile and/or your creativity to come up with an appropriate 2011 Writers' Mascot.

• A wrapped birthday present and birthday card

This will be for your partner to open on his or her birthday. Be sure to include a card.

• A profile surprise

This item is something that you know your partner will love and/or appreciate based on her profile. It doesn't have to be writing related.

As you see, this is time intensive. You can start gathering items and writing your encouraging notes right now. There will be a little more than two weeks after the sign up date to send out your packages.

Questions? Post them below.

Thank you @angel1985 for inspiring part of this swap.

International. Snail mail. Group membership.