BOOK LOVERS & BEYOND HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 2018

Bibliophiles can be tough customers.  It’s not easy shopping for books or literary-related gifts for people who are well-versed in authors and have specific thoughts about what they will or will not read.  Many bookworms I know are a fussy lot who take great pride in their esoteric tastes.  This is why it’s so much fun to shake things up with snazzy presents that will take them out of their dusty book zones!  Here’s my roundup of holiday goodies that will (hopefully) bring a smile to the most manic bibliomaniac among us.

Books are the most obvious place to start, but why not give a beautiful coffee table book with illustrations of literary people, places and things?  Or what about a cool tome that chronicles the edgy underground scene of writers, artists, and performers in New York during the 70s and 80s?  The Writer’s Map is a clever atlas of the fictional, inspirational, and real-life journeys that storytellers have narrated in their books–perfect for Harry Potter or Treasure Island fans.  I think that libraries are near-sacred spaces and Massimo Listri takes us inside the world’s most extraordinary temples of knowledge and information.  For the writer who loves fashion and books?  Legendary Authors and the Clothes They Wore will satisfy their sartorial and literary cravings.  Plus you can’t go wrong with Joan Didion on the cover!

I work better when I have good gear.  Blame it on the neurotic Virgo in me, but an organized desk breeds and organized mind.  But that doesn’t mean my desk accessories have to be boring!  Practicality and aesthetically-pleasing can go hand-in-hand.  Why settle for a plain stapler and tape dispenser when these marble gems can be found at Target?  I’m always searching for my phone or favorite pen underneath the papers on my desk and this valet tray would keep essential items in a designated spot.  The Hay Beak Scissors are a whimsical Danish design classic.  Swedish Svenskt Tenn’s weighty Alpha Omega bookends are a heritage piece that can be passed down from generation to generation.  The pewter Syltkruka Vase, also from Svenskt Tenn, is the perfect container for storing pens and pencils or filling with a small bouquet of flowers.

I received this Smythson planner as a gift last year and I used it so much–despite being so dependent on my iPhone for managing appointments and notes. There was something so tangible and satisfying about writing stuff down and I found that I was less forgetful.  I’m treating myself to a new diary for 2019 and because it is such an investment piece, I handle it with care.  Smythson also has wonderful small notebooks to catalog a writer’s free-flowing thoughts!

While we’re on the subject of organization, I can’t seem to keep all my cords, devices, passport, etc together when I travel and am always frantically searching for something.  I think a Shinola Tech Travel Folio such as the one above would solve the problem!

Reading for pleasure is a cozy, self-indulgent exercise.  Why not take it to the next level and burn this divine, aptly-named Byredo Bibliothèque scented candle while enjoying the new private label Lost in the Stacks Coffee or Enchanted Library Blackberry Tea from Strand Book Store in New York City?  Drink from this New Yorker mug with a groovy illustration of the Strand itself!

These retro-inspired tee-shirts of classics from Out of Print would get even the most screen-obsessed person in a reading mood.  They’re also the perfect gift for the bibliophile who has one or two or three favorite works of literature!  Since 2010, Out of Print’s mission has been to spread the joy of reading by transforming literary classics into bookish apparel and accessories. With every purchase, you help them to donate books and support literacy programs around the world.

I love John Derian’s vintage aesthetic and these trays with decoupage images of fonts and phrases are a lovely way to bring the writing and book-loving theme to your home.

John Derian paperweights are stylish decorative objects to keep on your desk.  They also look great in a coffee table vignette or as part of a shelfie!

I don’t know about you, but I get the munchies if I sit too long at my desk and oftentimes the best energy-infusion is something sweet!  The holiday season brings with it a host of tempting flavors and colors and there’s no need to break the bank either.  Give classics like M&Ms or Hershey’s Kisses and popular peppermint bark in a glass jar or small basket to your writer and reader friends. Tie a ribbon around it, pair with a book you’ve already read and like, and they’ll be so touched and thankful!

While in Los Angeles for her Becoming book tour, former First Lady Michelle Obama made a surprise visit to the Para Los Niños Tina and Rick Caruso Early Education Center, located in Skid Row, to spend time and read with a group of four-year-old children from an underserved area of Los Angeles. Mrs. Obama’s visit was in Partnership with Penguin Random House and First Book and is a part of Penguin Random House’s one million book donation in the Obama family’s name. (November 15, 2018)  Source

Do-it-Yourself gifts are usually the most personal as are the ones extended in the spirit of giving.  One organization that I support is First Book.  Since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 175 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families in more than 30 countries.  Books have the power to transform lives and a donation–no matter how big or small–made in your or someone else’s name can have a significant impact.  This gift guide was meant to inspire and entertain, but the true meaning of the holidays centers around gratitude and community; spreading love, peace, and joy.  Wishing you and your nearest and dearest the very best for the season!

Fall Favorites: 2018 Edition

Changing leaves, the brisk air, apple-picking, cozy sweaters… Autumn has officially begun and it always feels like a demarcation point, not unlike the first day of school.  I want to buy a fresh set of pens, notebooks and get back to work!  Aside from Lagging Indicators-related projects and an outline for my next novel, there are so many new releases and happenings that I’m excited about.  Fall offerings tend to be more sober and cerebral, encouraging introspection and providing deep sources of inspiration.  Creating an inviting home and work environment is also essential to finding energy as the days become shorter and darkness envelops us.  Here are some of the things I’m looking forward to this season!

Since I’ll be spending more time inside, sitting at my desk and working on my computer, burning scented candles will make the space feel less claustrophobic and bring the outdoors in.  Woodsy aromas like these–with a dash of pumpkin–make me feel like I’ve taken a walk in the forest.

Source:  Byredo; Aerin; Diptyque; Nest Fragrances

Some trendwatchers have declared that pumpkin spice has reached its peak, but not for me!  I love nothing more than treating myself to anything infused with it. The Swedish pepparkaka is technically a gingerbread cake, but it has a zesty, peppery taste that reminds me of pumpkin spice (and I only bake it in the fall and winter) so I’ve included it in the mix.

Source: Williams Sonoma; Starbucks; Kungsörnen

Although I live in Sweden, I consider it my civic duty to vote from abroad.  I’m looking forward to filling out my absentee ballot and voting in the US Midterm Elections on November 6th.  Don’t forget to register to vote.  You can register from outside the United States too.

Source: Cleo Wade for Gucci

Now, on the culture!  The arts, entertainment and literary events premiering this Fall are exceptional.  In an ideal world, I would go/read/see everything, but these are my highlights.

BOOKS

If I could only read one book this autumn, it would be Michelle Obama’s Becoming.  She was such an inspiration and role model as First Lady and continues to sprinkle fairy dust on us with her words of wisdom.  I have a feeling that since she and former President Obama are no longer in government, she can be more forthcoming.  I can’t wait to read more about her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House! 

Source

The Fall reading list is filled with so many other thought-provoking books from favorite as well as debut authors.

Source: Amazon

MOVIES

Settling into a movie theatre with a box of popcorn is one of my favorite Fall activities.  These are a few upcoming movies that have caught my eye:  Creed II, headlined by Michael B. Jordan—also reunites Sylvester Stallone with Dolph Lundgren—will be a fun watch with my kids; Widows, starring Viola Davis, to see with my husband; Bohemian Rhapsody because I grew up listening to Queen and Freddie Mercury’s life story fascinates me; and The Hate U Give based on Angie Thomas’s best-selling novel will be important viewing for the whole family.

ART

Five years ago, the Hilma af Klint exhibit broke attendance records at Moderna Museet in Stockholm.  This groundbreaking Swedish female artist began creating bold abstract paintings in 1906—years before her male contemporaries—but she didn’t get the recognition she deserved. I hope her show at the Guggenheim Museum will be just as popular and introduce her work to a whole new audience.

Source

MUSIC

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was the soundtrack when it came out in 1998.  I’m thrilled she’s doing a 20th Anniversary Tour and that she’s coming to Stockholm on December 10th.  I’ll be checking this one out with my daughter!

In between all this stimulation :), I’ll squeeze in relaxing weekends by the fire with my family in the Swedish archipelago.  What are you looking most forward to this Fall?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!

Two Months Since Release: What I’ve learned so far…

July 2nd loomed large in my mind for months as I counted the days until Lagging Indicators would be released.  When that fateful date arrived, I was nervous but at peace:  I had done my best.  After years of research, writing, and rejections from traditional publishers, my decision to self-publish was the closure I’d been seeking.  I’d been posting teasers on Instagram and this blog for several weeks, generating some curiosity among my friends.  Many had pre-ordered the book and showed me a level of support and encouragement that still warms my heart.  Once the print and e-book became available on book-buying sites, the waiting game began.

Of course, I was eager to see what readers would think, but hadn’t expected all the valuable intelligence and insight I would gain in the process!  I’d shifted gears from a dreamy creative journey to a wild ride through the contemporary book world, picking up a crash course on promotions, marketing, social media, and influential literary websites along the way.  A whole new universe had opened up; one that I had shied away from because of my own struggles as a writer.  Rather than be daunted, it only reaffirmed that I want to do this. Here’s what I’ve learned in these last two months:

1. The reading public is alive and well.  With hectic schedules, we have so little discretionary time and how we choose to spend it is precious.  I was worried that in this Age of Netflix and the surrealness of current events (facts being stranger than fiction), people would be less likely to pick up a book for entertainment.  I couldn’t have been more wrong!  The literary community is thriving.  One only has to look at social media to find book lovers who gleefully post their current reads, reviews, and #TBR lists (a hashtag acronym for “to-be-read” that I just learned).  In spite of all the screens and images to distract, people are still craving the written word.  This has been the most gratifying realization.

2. A community of family, friends, and well-wishers goes a long way.  Even small words of pep made a huge difference in settling my publishing nerves.  As a result, I’ve learned to pay it forward by not only supporting other writers but also artists, designers, entrepreneurs, Ph.D. candidates… I try to lift up anyone working hard and pursuing a dream!

3. Writing may be my passion but self-promotion is my job.  I have to get Lagging Indicators and myself out there.  While I’m a writer first and foremost, I’m also an entrepreneur building a brand, especially as a self-published, indie author.  No one will know about my book unless I make it visible.

4. Engaging with social media is important.  I’m a big fan of Instagram (you can follow me at https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.anglade.dahlberg), but it can be tricky.  You don’t want to appear braggy, pushy or inauthentic, so it’s important to find that balance between marketing and authenticity.  Be yourself!  On Instagram, I can feature all the different things that I enjoy and from which I draw inspiration.  Followers are potential readers too.  Interact with them and ask questions in some posts to create a dialogue. I follow other established writers to see how they present themselves and even New York Times best-selling authors pursue a strategy of connecting with their audience via Instagram.  If Tayari Jones, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Emily Giffin, can do it, then so can I!

5. Don’t be afraid to hustle.  This can be intimidating if you’re not naturally wired that way.  I’m more of a soft-sell type, but it’s a very competitive landscape and I have to work hard to find a niche.  What makes Lagging Indicators unique?  Why should a reader buy it or a bookseller stock it in their store?  I have my selling points and, luckily, my pitch only gets better with time as the feedback comes in.  While it’s important to understand my demographic, I also don’t want to limit myself.  I’m continuously brainstorming for new, interesting activities and events that I can tie-in with the book.  Giveaways are a great tool to create buzz.  Reposting pictures of real people reading my book has also been alot of fun.  I love getting pictures of the #bookinthewild (another new Instagram expression/hashtag for me).  Ask friends to leave reviews on book-buying sites.  Book clubs and panels are also excellent ways to increase one’s author profile.  For example, my own Book Group event in May has led to inclusion at the Stockholm Writers Festival next spring.  I’ve also sent books to media personalities, influencers and thought leaders whom I admire.  I don’t know if they’ll even open their copy of Lagging Indicators, but I had nothing to lose by reaching out to them!

6. Keep abreast of the industry.  I’ve been educating myself on the contemporary female fiction/women’s fiction genre as well as comparable authors.  It’s crucial to remain up-to-date about other writers, trends, best-seller lists, deals, events, marketing strategies, etc.  It’s a lot to manage at times, but an hour or two each day can yield useful actionable information.  Plus, I love doing this, so I never consider it tedious work!

7. Talk about your work with pride.  Don’t be shy!  This can seem awkward in certain situations but usually leads to really interesting discussions.

8. Carry the book with you at all times. You never know if someone will ask to see it or want to buy a copy from you.  I love taking pictures of the book in different cities, countries, and settings.  Having it with me like an extra limb has become a welcome habit.

9. My skin is thicker than I thought.  I assumed I would fall to pieces over a lukewarm review, but I took it in stride.  It was more like “Hmmmm…” rather than “Ugh!” I see (constructive) criticism as learning opportunities and try not to take it personally.  I won’t become discouraged and will keep writing for my own development.  And no matter how hard I try, I can’t please everyone…

10. I’ve already started to think about my next book.  Given the thirteen years between Uptown and Down and Lagging Indicators, this is big news for me indeed!  But the past year of putting a laser-like focus on my writing, immersing myself in the self-publishing process, and following the book world has given me so much joy and purpose.  Yes, it’s a slog sometimes, but this is where I want to be.  I want to keep this momentum going so that I don’t fall into a slump.

11. Finally, I’ve drawn so much energy and motivation from the feedback I’ve received.  I’m floored by some of the in-depth analysis that pointed things out I hadn’t fully contemplated, opening my eyes to additional themes and issues.  Many readers could relate to Mia’s struggles and were rooting for her.  Others told me that she stayed in their minds long after they’d finished the book.  Some have even suggested Lagging Indicators should be a miniseries and that I should write a sequel.  Stay tuned…