Well, the shopping is done and presents are all wrapped, but I don’t think I’ll find any of these things under the tree. Here’s what’s on my writer’s wish list this year:

1. Time

I wish for more time every year, but haven’t found a way to get a 26-hour day or fit everything in. I think I need Hermione’s time turner. Could I get that in my stocking?

2. A shiny new Macbook

My name is Cindy and I’m a Mac. I love Macs. I love my Macbook, but it’s four years old and there are newer, shinier things out there. It still works just fine, though, so for now it’s staying. The Mac desktop is ancient and really needs to be replaced. Again, it’s still chugging along and I’m cheap and don’t want to replace it until it dies.

3. A black hole for all those pesky adverbs

Adverbs are seductive. They sneak up on you, so handy and easy to use. Then before you know it, you’ve got a whole page littered with them.

4. Ditto for those repeated words and phrases

When I was going through edits on ToH, I was embarrassed and appalled by how many times I repeated certain words and phrases. How could I not have noticed them? I hope I’m a bit more conscious of things like that now, but I know I still have some crutch words I always seem to fall back on.

5. More readers

If more people bought my book (say, thousands more), maybe I could quit my day job and write full time. That would also help out with #1 on the list.

6. Find out how book 2 in the series is going to end

Again, this goes along with #1 on the list. I need more time to write so I can finish the next book!

7. Publishers for the wonderful authors in my critique groups

I know a number of people who have written great books. They just need to find a publisher to snap them up.

8. Less social anxiety

Speaking in front of groups is one of my worst fears, but it’s something I have to do more of. I survived my first public reading and did pretty well, I thought. Hopefully there will be more to come in 2012.

9. Peter Jackson to direct the movie version of my book

He must be nearly finished with The Hobbit, right? I have the perfect new project for him!

10. Peace on earth and good will toward men. And women. And pigs. And frogs. And chickens…

Not writing related, but it’s a given.

So what’s on your writer wish list?