12 Present Ideas to Get Armed for Christmas among Friends-Writers

Hey, guys! Bet, you hear ‘Holidays Are Coming’ as well as see Coca-Cola train quite often these days.

Yup, this holiday spirit is amazing until you face the most challenging issue - presents. Breaking my head, mulling over interesting yet useful gifts for mates is a must-have experience just before the holidays; especially, dealing with friends-writers. This time, I decided to break the rule. I have spent days to find out all the hot tools for writers that would turn great Christmas presents. Sure, the price tag is not the last thing you look at so I have included items from different price categories.

Cheap Ideas (under $15)

1. Rory’s Story Cubes ($8)

Who does not like playing games? This is a great opportunity to have fun with friends and to rest mentally. For writers, it is quite difficult to fully get rid of the work question; everyone wants to share their experience as well as make a boast of wins:) For you talk about writing even when having some rest, why not sharpen your creative skills? This game contains cubes that will provide certain pictures, be they characters or situations, and you have to make up a story using all of them. Listen to others, show your own skills, and maybe, you will even note down some ideas for your next writing :)

2. Pencils-Storytellers ($5)

Bet, you have faced the writer’s block, at least, once, right? When you are stuck and have no idea how to start, continue or end the story, these pencils-storytellers will help you out! Each pencil provides a writer with a fragment of a sentence that could help them come up with a great idea and proceed writing.

3. Aqua Notes ($15)

Being a writer is quite a tricky talent. Yeah! You never know when the inspiration is going to come. What should one do if a great idea has come when taking a shower? ‘Easy come, easy go!’ - that is all about creative ideas. If it has come, you have to note it down; otherwise, you risk forgetting it in a matter of seconds. Thus, aqua notes will come in handy. A waterproof paper will help one make notes even in the bath.

Affordable Tools (up to $50)

1. Chalk Tray ($30)

As a great idea can come when you are in the shower, the same way, it can come when you are having breakfast. In such a case, this tray will be of much use! Note down your ideas without leaving your current place. All you need is a piece of chalk :)

2. The Storymatic Classic (Board Game) ($30-45)

Let’s move to board games again. Why not train your imagination? Take a card, read the situation and develop it. Dare you do this in the most creative way?

3. Pencil-Stylus ($30-50)

We are writers, and our best friends are pens and pencils. I guess I use them even more often than a fork. When it comes to writing, some experts can’t even pull themselves together if they do not hold a pencil. For such a case, this stylus will be a great solution. One can work using their tablet but still feeling this must-have tool in a hand.

4. Multi-Device Keyboard ($30)

How annoying it is, when you want to have some rest, put off the writing, and watch your favorite TV show, but you have to leave your bed to take a remote. With this tool, one can control up to three devices not leaving the place they are comfortable in.

5. 100 Essential Novels Scratch-off Chart ($30)

Reading is essential for writers, but at times, we do not have time to even choose something catchy. No problem, this scratch-off chart will definitely recommend you something you will like. Free your mate up from choosing what to read. Moreover, the desire to get to know other suggested books could be a great motivator to complete the quiz.

Costy but Awesome (over $80)

1. Portable Desk ($90)

The place where a writer works plays a huge role! They may lack great ideas sitting at a table, but be full of inspiration and great thoughts when laying in a bed with a laptop. Sure, it is not really cozy to work in your bed, but with the help of this table, you will feel 100% comfortable working from the lovely place.

2. Bed Tent ($130)

You know, there are night and day people. While ones are more likely to be productive at nights, others feel better working during the days. If your mate is the person who likes night shifts, such a tent will be a great Christmas gift. It will help isolate themselves as well as let other people in the room sleep well.

3. Voice Recorder ($80)

It is quite difficult to bare everything in your head. When a catchy idea comes to your mind, and you have no opportunity to write your thoughts down, a voice recorder will be of much use. Just press the button, talk your ideas, and… ta da… you should not worry that you will forget something interesting.

4. Digital Note Taker ($100)

A small pocket notebook is an essential item that should be at hand all the time. Paper notes are not always handy - they are soft, have a lot of pages. All these issues could be resolved with the help of such a digital note taker. Leave notebooks at home! Write down all your ideas, and then, shift them to your lovely kit of ideas when you are at home.

All these gifts are quite simple, but they are must-have items for writers. If you are wondering how to impress you mate with a Santa gift, have a look at this list, and you will surely find something interesting.

Merry Christmas, friends, and Happy New Year! Hope, this list will come in handy these holidays, and you will amaze your pals ;)

How Have You Withstood the Field of Writing for So Many Years?

Most people ask me how it is possible that I have dedicated so many years to writing. The answer is pretty simple - while being a writer, I also work a large number of jobs. But, do not ask how I could combine them all, for I will explain in a while.

Academic writing is too diverse to consider it boring. When you deal with such a great number of orders, you even do not notice how multicultural you become with every single piece of writing. The knowledge I get from my works is enormous. Did you know that J.K. Rowling had several tries before being published? Yes, when I was dealing with a book review on “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”, I used it as a hook to grab the reader’s attention. And you know, it worked!

During my career as a writer, I have met a lot of interesting people. And, it is a huge benefit. No, I do not talk about those who are researchers or scientists. I mean colleagues. Now I know that if I have any questions, they will help me out. Moreover, we created a Facebook conversation, where we discuss cunning issues. My job takes all the spare time, and at times, I even can’t take a snack, so what can be said about the news. To learn all the needed novelties in our industry, I just need to open our conversation on Facebook. I think, one day we can make money, having published it :)

One more benefit I’d like to mention is an experience; not only writing experience. Actually, I am talking about experience in communication. And the greatest impact it has on your daily communication; honestly, it wasn't my strong side to explain anything briefly so that everyone understands the main idea :D

And, the strongest reason for being a writer that I have left for dessert - the experience to enjoy the job and motivate yourself to work harder. Being a writer, you are responsible for your income! Originally, a writer is paid only when they have completed the order. For me, this option has made me more organized as well as it always motivates me to finish the order as soon as possible, be paid, and move to a new assignment. Moreover, when you feel that you are absolutely fed up with permanent writing, you can easily have a break; just finish the order, and you are free! :)

Sure, the profession of a writer is not all that easy, and you should always work hard to earn enough money. Believe me, you will hardly find a job with such a number of benefits but the same amount of ‘minuses’. 

Guys, you should be proud that you are writers!

What If I Am a Writing Frog?

In most cases, when you, guys, ask me what kind of job I would recommend you, one of the options is a profession of a writer. And in 80% of cases, I hear ‘What if I am a writing dummy?’ Not to repeat every time the same, I decided to answer you here :)

First of all, you have to mind that no professional writer was just born, and that's it. If we look at this question from the psychological angle, writing skill is always gained through the life. If you are not sure that you could show your best self in writing, it doesn't mean that you are ignorant; it means that you haven’t done anything to move off dead center.

So, what can be done to become a pro out of a dabster?

Read! It doesn't matter what books you prefer; you just have to read to see how thoughts are presented on paper. While reading, you will notice that your brain remembers everything that seems catchy to you.

Highlight! Get a highlighter and mark all the phrases and sentences that seem well-built. When you lack imagination and creativity to express your own thoughts, reread these highlighted sentences and they will surely inspire you!

Watch films! This is almost the same as books for every film has a written script that actors read, but you comprehend the plot aurally. Listen to how actors express their thoughts. In some films, you may even face the type of writing you suffer from.

Make notes! When reading a book, you highlight interesting thoughts, but in case of watching films, it would be beneficial to make notes! Write down everything that impresses you. It doesn't only concern films. Take a notebook always with you! You can't predict when a great thought will come :)

Personal tip: do not rely on your memory; you will definitely forget it!

Find a pen friend! Despite the fact that the most modern people communicate via social networks, post offices still offer their services. Do you have a dream to visit a country you have never been to? If yes, join the ‘postcrossers’ at Postcrossing.com. It is a network where people find pen friends from different countries and send each other postcards with greetings. Find here a person who shares your interests, and maybe one day they will invite you to visit them so your dream can come true ;) Again, this is also writing and you will have to do your best to make a person understand you.

Create a blog! There are a lot of platforms where you can create your own blog. Choose a topic you like most and off you go! Put a goal and write posts every week. This will definitely help you master your writing skills as well as become helpful for other people who are quite poor at your strong side.

Let me say it once again: “There are no poor writers, just those who haven't tried to master their skills. Next time when you want to ask “What should I do, I am a writing dummy?” Let this article answer your question.

Good luck, guys! I believe in you ;)

15+ MS Word Hacks to Work Twice as Less on Your Orders

Most writers use MS Office Word. How much time does it take you to complete a writing assignment on a par? Sit well, I will tell you some secrets how to tackle them faster, and thus be able to take more tasks in one run and earn more cash.

1. Ctrl+C

Need to use a word or a sentence once more in the text? Do not waste your time typing it afresh. Select the needed text fragment, press Ctrl+C. Now, the needed line is saved in your computer’s memory, just choose where you have to put this phrase and click Ctrl+V.

2. Ctrl+A

If you have to select the whole text of your paper, especially, if it is a large one, you do not have to scroll through the whole document. Press Ctrl+A and your text is already selected, no matter how long it is.

3. Ctrl+B

Need to make a word or a sentence bold? Here is a quick solution! Select a needed part of the text and press Ctrl+B – presto – the needed fragment is already in bold type.

4. Ctrl +I

Need to set a word/line/sentence/etc. in italics? Select a needed passage – or whatever you want – and press Ctrl+I.

5. Ctrl +H

Have to substitute an element? You do not have to do this manually! Press Ctrl+H, mention the element you want to substitute as well as the element you want to see instead. After clicking ‘apply’, the selected item will be changed throughout the whole text.

6. Ctrl +S

To be on the safe side, save your document from time to time. Just press Ctrl+S and the there you are.

7. Ctrl +X

You may need to cut a fragment and put it somewhere else. In this case, just select a needed set of words, press Ctrl+X, rollover the needed place and press Ctrl+V.

8. Ctrl +U

Need to emphasize a word? Make it underlined! Choose a word and press Ctrl+U.

9. Ctrl +[ or Ctrl+]

Your font is too large, or too small? It is easily amendable! Select a needed fragment of the whole text and press Ctrl+] to make it smaller, or Ctrl+[ to make it bigger.

10. Ctrl +E

In most cases, writers are required to make a centered layout. Just select the whole text and press Ctrl+E. Now, the layout is straight and more attractive.

11. Ctrl + R / L

At times, you will need to make some sentences right/left aligned. Choose a needed fragment click Ctrl+R to make it right aligned, or Ctrl+L - left aligned.

12. Ctrl +Z/Y

Have done something by mistake? Or, maybe you have deleted something erroneously? Cancel the last operation pressing Ctrl+Z on your keyboard, or repeat the action - press Ctrl+Y. The day of doom is off!

13. Ctrl + F

Searching for a phrase in your text? Do not waste time running through the whole document, press Ctrl+F and let it know what exactly you are looking for.

14. Alt+ 4

Saving a document? Need to create a specific folder for it? It is no problem! Press Alt+4, and here you are, a new folder is crafted.

15. Ctrl +P

The paper is done and you want to print it to present it to your friends, family or even a client? Click Ctrl+P and wait for your ‘precious’ near your printing device.

16. Ctrl + Backspace/Del

Whoohoo! There is no more reason to waste time on pressing ‘Spaceback’ hundred times! Click Ctrl+Backspace to delete the whole word to the left of the cursor, or Ctrl+Del to remove the word to the right of the cursor.

17. Ctrl +M

Want your text to be more readable? Make a left indentation at the beginning of every new passage. Place a cursor at the beginning of an abstract, press Ctrl+M and show the reader where a new idea starts.

Sure, writing takes much time and efforts, but you can ease this process. Grab this list of hot keys that will come in handy while crafting your next paper. Do your best to submit the work beforehand as well as to get down to a new job in advance.

Guys, How Do You Overcome a Writer’s Block Depression?

Quite often I hear academic writers grumbling at writer’s block telling they need a break. As you can guess, the next problem, they complain about, is a low financial position. So, today I want to share with you some hints on how to subdue such an ‘illness’ without discounting your work.

As for me, the most effective way is to entertain yourself. Watch a film, for example. Each movie is a short story that isn’t taken off the mark. All films are based on people's experience. Consequently, they can come in handy to overcome any troubles.

Here is a list of my suggestions for you.

1. Central Intelligence, 2016


Remember that nothing in this world is impossible! If you like comedy films, you will enjoy this picture for sure. Do you remember your school time? Was there a person you have been scoffing at? Be cagy; they might knock your door right now. To put bluntly, see how a whipping boy has become a stand-up guy.

‘I worked out six hours a day, every day, for last twenty years straight!’ - this was his peg to hang success on, so why not make it your own motto, huh?

2. Dallas Buyers Club, 2013

Some people face problems that are more complicated than a writer’s block. This film isn’t funny, but it will make you muse on other issues to realize that lack of inspiration is not, actually, an issue!

A man was an AIDS sufferer, but he has made the call not to give up and stand up for his life. Having found some medicines for AIDS, he starts surreptitious sale to help other people who suffer from such a malady.

3. War Dogs, 2016

It is always useful to mull over the real-life problems, but at times, we want to watch something relaxing as well as fun. In this case, I recommend you come down to this movie. This picture, based on real life events, shows how two simple mates have reached their dream, having inked a $300-million deal.

The main slogan of the film is “An American dream”, so bear in mind, if you desire, you will hit the target for sure! 

4. Hacksaw Ridge, 2016


If you are a drama fan, you will find this picture quite impressive as well as inspiring. It dwells upon the story of a man who was proclaimed objector during the World War II due to his unwillingness to kill people.

This film will help you realize that nothing should make you give up your views of life as well as your personal goals.

5. The Founder, 2016


Do you like McDonald’s? Sure, yes! At times, we all want to do or eat something we know won’t do any good for our health. Here is a movie that will tell you the full story of such a household name.

The slogan sounds as follows ‘He took someone else's idea and America ate it up!’ Keep in mind that it is not always needed to make up topics that are created from scratch; look through the other’s work and specify their subject to make up your own mustard.

Ray Kroc says that only one thing has helped him – persistence! So, show your perseverance at writing, and craft this all-fired piece!

Most people consider films, books, songs and other kinds of entertainment as tools to relax and abstract themselves from the daily grind. Of course, they help us have some rest, but it is not the only benefit that we can gobble up.

If you dig a bit deeper, you will see that films have many beneficial sides. The only thing I want to add is:

“Stop pitying yourself! Man up and show your best self! In case, you haven't enough motivation, choose a film from this list and let it charge you with motivation!” Enjoy, my dear. Hope to hear about your success soon :)

5 Ways to Capture Readers within First 10 Seconds

It is said that people are met due to their clothes, consequently, it can be said that writers are met by their value. But at times, it happens that even useful writing does not impress the reader. In this case, there are some hints on how to outfox your audience and make them read your paper till the very last word.

The best place to hook a prey is an introduction. If you do not do this here, they won't be motivated to continue reading as there is nothing ‘special’. Get rid of such denials using these simple hints. As a result, you will gain not just tens of followers, but will stand out from others for your mojo.

1. Warning

Nowadays, there are so many factors that influence people’s lives. Searching for the most valuable ways to solve these problems, people would be pleased to hear some additional reasonable advice from you. Are you, actually, afraid of anything? Choose an issue that currently harasses you not to sound workshopped.

Fears are the most effective tools that make people rethink their lives. We always try to do our best to avoid things that may hurt us or our families. Using a warning in the introduction you make people think about a particular issue, perhaps even familiar with them.

As a result, the trick is done, you have hooked the reader, and they will read your work till the end to find some more information as well as ways on how to resolve the problem.

2. Recent News

Modern people are quite busy. They work hard, take care of their families having even no time to meet friends once a week or to read news. So, why not provide these busy bees with some breaking news that would save their time searching the web, or thumbing public prints.

If you mention something hot in your introduction, it will help you involve the readers in your paper. But in this particular place, to hit the target, you have to do a profound research beforehand and study your audience well to dwell upon the news that is on point for these people.

3. Striking Facts

People are very curious creatures, so anything that seems interesting will capture them for sure. Knowing that can help you impress such a great number of readers you have not even dreamt about.

Find something ‘spicy’ for the particular audience and put it into your introduction. Again, you have to study your audience well in order not to bomb out.

4. Personal Experience

Even more than often, people ask their closest friends and relatives for help if they can’t resolve a problem on their own. It’s time to snatch at a chance and creep into your audience’s favor!

If you start your paper telling about the problem that you have recently faced, those people who are fighting the same issue, willing to tackle it ASAP, will be involved in reading the paper till the very end to learn how you have handled the particular issue on your own. Even those who are not in a tight corner would be glad to get armed to prevent the trouble - we always want to be ahead of the curve.

5. Interesting Observations

People like learning something new, but nowadays most of them do not have enough time to surf the web searching for some new inventions. Consequently, it would be a great idea to dwell upon the novelty that you have recently faced. Get up to speed on this item in your introduction and be sure that all the curious readers will be caught.

As you can see there is nothing impossible if you want to capture as many readers as possible. Do your best to present a great introduction involving your audience in the whole text. Use these ideas to create truly impressing pieces that will easily gain you a thousand of readers.

What Did You Achieve? Let’s Say Goodbye to 2016’s Monkey and Meet the 2017’s Rooster

The 2016 is almost over and it’s time to sum up all the things that have happened to us during this year. At times, it was quite hard, but I am sure that there were a lot of pleasant moments that we will recall in 2017 with smiles on our faces.

As for me, the year of monkey was really crazy and inquisitive as they are themselves. A great number of activities have not been letting me be bored and sit without any work. There was really no time to search the web in order to find some activities to take part in. Actually, I’m not complaining, I really like these moments when I do what I like. It is said that our life is a motion, and I totally agree with it.

So, today I want to share with you the most important things that have happened to me, and that I will remember forever.

Long-Awaited Trip



I think every employed person will understand me that sometimes it is quite hard even to devote some time to our relatives and friends. But, even if we have some spare days to relax, it’s hard to completely forget about the job. This year has provided me with the opportunity to get a long-awaited trip to Spain. Actually, it happened very spontaneously and I wasn’t ready for such a turn of events, but at one moment I have told myself ‘Now, or never!’ and set off on a journey.

Guys, do not neglect chances that you get on the spot in order not to regret untapped opportunities.

Writing Challenge



The best way to sharpen your writing skills is to practice them again and again. This year I have held a writing contest that is very similar to the well-known annual NaNoWriMo. When NaNoWriMo’s main benefit is that you can try your efforts in fiction writing, my challenge has a bit different aim. It was just for academic writers. Having announcing the challenge, I even did not think that such a great number of academic writers would embrace the idea. I have met a lot of great writers who are just on their start of the career path, but I’m sure that they will reach their target dreams and will become professionals.

Remember, nothing will come to you by itself! You have to do your best as well as to make efforts to reach your goals. Hope that next year we will see yet more academic writers taking part in our contest.

Member of the Hanging Committee



Practicing for academic writers is everything. They try to do this everywhere, as with the help of modern technologies they can do this easily. This year EssayLancers has held a writing challenge, and I was suggested to be an expert. At first, it seemed quite hard and I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, but how I would know if I didn’t try. Thus, I made a decision to try myself in this sphere. To be honest, it was so great that I am already looking forward to the next chance of such an experience. I was really impressed that such a lot of freelance academic writers are interested in taking part in such kinds of activities. One of the conclusions that I have made is that it was a good practice for me as an editor and proofreader.

So, I have shared with you some of the best events that I faced last year. Hope you passed it also with pleasure and do not regret anything that was done.

In the conclusion, I want to wish you all the best in 2017. Let all the pleasant things still stay with you, and all the worst ones be left in the 2016. Wish you to reach all your goals as well as set new ones! Roosters are quite persistent, so let’s follow the main character of this year and purposefully be on a course to the success!

Happy New year, friends!