by Tara Stevens, Carina Press acquisitions team
With Christmas upon us and a good chunk of my shopping for other people done, I finally have time to revel in a recent addiction of mine: wish lists. I don’t know about you, but with so many fabulous books popping up every day all over creation, it’s hard to keep track of everything I want to devour in words.
Wish lists were probably invented by a Virgo, but sometimes Virgos invent useful things, especially if they’re also geeks. Having your heart’s desires at the ready is especially handy when your parents or partner want a gift idea that doesn’t involve stone-cold cash or a frying pan. I mean, they may know you’re generally a literary type who likes losing herself in other people’s stories, but they don’t necessarily know what particular book you’re craving at the moment. So why not help them (and yourself) out?
Besides being the more prepared way to go, I also think wish lists are a more polite approach to consumerism. (Maybe they were invented by a Canadian Virgo?) In light of recent “competitive shopping” incidents involving pepper spray south of the border, taking the civilized route not only nets you better karma (important at this time of year), but also increases your chances of actually getting what you want without landing yourself in prison.
The good and bad thing about wish lists (specifically book-related ones) is that they can be constantly updated and have the tendency to grow wildly out of control (like your bevvy consumption in December after one too many holiday parties).
Another neat thing about wish lists is that they’re so easy to set up online. With the advent of the interwebs, you just browse, pick and click to your heart’s content. The best part is that you can share your consumerist longings with those closest to you with a few taps on your keyboard. In my experience, you’ll quickly find out that some people know how to follow directions (i.e., keep you happy), while others don’t like being told what to do and go rogue with the nearest catalogue.
While most of my wish list this Christmas is populated by actual books (Blue Nights by Joan Didion, Then Again by Diane Keaton, The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler, anything I haven’t gobbled up by Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb), there are some other book-related things I also covet.
As part of the Carina Press acquisitions team, I’d love to see more male/male and witty contemporary romance submissions in my stocking this year. It would also be cool to get more connected editorial in 2012, so that when I find a story or character I love, I know there’s more guaranteed awesome to be had in the same vein coming my way soon.
But enough about me and what I want. What’s on your Christmas wish list (books or otherwise) this year?
Tags: Books, Carina Press, Contemporary Romance, male/male
“With Christmas upon us and a good chunk of my shopping for other people done”
Excuse me? I don’t understand how this is possible.
Haha you’re right about the karma. Santa’s always watching!
My wish list also includes The Future of Us! Have you been peeking?
Haha…most of my Christmas shopping is done, too.
My wishlist includes: gift certificates to ebookstores, nursing clothing stores, and the spa!
What’s on my wish list? I think you can probably guess… Fassbender!
Wish Lists! Love ‘em
I sent hubby a wish list. I keep it simple because if I put too many things on there he wouldn’t choose between them, he’d just get everything and I’m not that spoiled
Of course, there were two books, but otherwise I’m pretty easy. Some of my favourite tea and some cookies for my stocking, a new bottle of my favourite perfume, and maybe a gift certificate to go buy iTunes and I’m good!
I did the majority of my shopping online this year and it was so easy! I loaded up my wish lists over the past several months with what I wanted to buy everyone, and then clicked “purchase” all at once. It was a beautiful thing.
@Stephanie – I don’t know either, but somehow this year I’ve managed to start earlier than usual. Makes a big difference to my stress levels!
@Carrie – ha ha. I must’ve have been. That, or I’m just psychic.
@Emma, I’m amazed most of your shopping is done considering you have such a relatively new baby. Kudos!
@Dana, I admit I had to Google that
@JK – smart strategy. What’s your favourite perfume, out of curiousity?
@Sophia – I couldn’t agree with you more. Online shopping takes the pain out of Christmas, especially when there’s free shippping!
I love wish lists. Mine this year features a combination of handmade goodies from Etsy (including boot toppers — what is my obsession with those this year?!), naughty and well-written ebooks, more time with family and friends and, of course, more great orgasms. Cause good sex makes for happy holidays
I had some pretty basic items on my wish list…love, peace, some cookware…
@Harley – didn’t even know about boot toppers – thank you for educating me
@Heather – me too. Just bought a new big pot for cooking lots of tasty soups (and hopefully stews)in!
I love lists…they help me keep track of wishes as well as what I’ve gifted in the past. My list was really short this year. A kindle touch w/ 3G & wifi (not the fire, way too much I neither need or want) & my husband loves Heavenly so he’ll get me more. I love Anais Anais myself.
I’m done w/ all my buying, just have a few things to make…I’d really like a couple extra hours added to my day right about now.
Tara, I wear Tresor
I finished my shopping yesterday
. I’ve been dropping hints to my hubby that I really, really want a fossil handbag. Maybe I need to be less subtle and write it down for him.
Oh, I see I’m in the minority. I don’t mind keeping a wishlist for myself….but I really dislike giving a wishlist to another person. It takes all the thought, wonder, and surprise out of giving a person a gift. Might as well just give them cash so the can buy something. (I feel the same way about gift cards).
@Eleanor, you’re lucky that you have people in your life that put thought, wonder and surprise into your gift.
I think we all have a few of those thoughtful people in our lives who know us well and buy us something accordingly, but it seems like the majority (from what I’m hearing) are basically clueless or honestly feel they want to get you something you actually want or will use. Guess there’s pros and cons to both.
You are so cool! I don’t believe I’ve read through a single thing like this before. So nice to find someone with original thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!