Lifestyle
The Best Habits for New Novelists
There has always been one thing standing in the way of every person that wants to be a novelist: writing the damn novel. Any aspiring writer will tell you that they have endless false starts and half written novels clogging up their laptop. Scribbled notes in copybooks, ideas in their head they haven’t mustered the spirit to put on paper – often times the hardest part about being a writer is the writing. Writers can develop a complex after so many failed attempts. They start to think that they just don’t have what it takes. In reality, they just haven’t given themselves the best chance to succeed. Here are the best habits for all those chasing the two most elusive words in the English language: ‘The End.’
1. Write
Writing every day is a discipline that many people don’t have. It can be difficult to find the inspiration to get behind a keyboard. When you do bring yourself to write, you can struggle with finding a rhythm. Your sentence structure is clunky. You find yourself rewriting the same sentence over and over again. The best way to rid yourself of this is by writing every day. Even if you can only manage to write 100 words one day, make the time to do it.
2. Establish a Ritual
To help strengthen your writing habits, it’s a good idea to create a ritual out of it. Choose to write just after breakfast. Get a coffee mug that you only use when you’re working on the novel. Put on a certain music playlist (something without lyrics, preferably). Where do you write? Pick a place, free of distraction to designate your place to get work done. It can be difficult to write in the room where you typically watch TV or eat. Consider a local coffee shop, a place where you will be free of the million other little things you should be doing around the house.
3. Outline Your Novel
Outlining is tricky. Some writers love outlines. Some writers hate them. All writers need them. You don’t need an outline when you first start writing, but once you know where you you’re your story to go, put it down on paper. There are many different ways to outline your story. It is just a matter of finding the best way for you. A great practice is to break up your novel into acts. This way you can outline your story in sections. Mark the beginning of your story on the outline, then mark the end. If your story was a TV show with three seasons, what would happen in the first season finale? Make that the end point of your first act. Create as detailed an outline of your first act as you feel comfortable. Then, revisit the second and third act of your outline once you’ve written all of the first. Keep in mind that just because you put something in the outline, doesn’t mean it’s written in stone. Nearly all novels have diverted from the original outline in one way or another.
4. Get to Know Your Characters
If you’re writing something, then you presumably want someone to read it. You want your readers to be invested and care – you want them to love or hate your characters. Take the time to develop your characters before you write them into your story. You know that your protagonist is the charming, sarcastic anti-hero type. Why is he that way? Where did he grow up? What was his dad like? Has he ever loved before? Picture him going to the grocery store. What would he buy? How would he treat the cashier? If he found a wallet on the ground, would he keep it or turn it in? Maybe he pockets the cash and then turns it in.
4 ½. Smell Your Setting
One of the easiest ways to get taken out of your story is when suddenly a new element to the setting was introduced that they were not expecting.
It’s snowing? I pictured a warm summer day.
Whenever you introduce a new setting in your story, think of what it might smell like and work from there. Smell is the sense tied closest to memory, but also the last sense in mind when reading a book on the couch. A well described smell can teleport a reader from their bedroom to a dank, marshy swamp or an old rusty spaceship in an instant.
5. Don’t Edit
Writing and editing are two completely different things. They require a different mindset. Do not edit when you should be writing. It can be tempting to go back and tidy up some dialogue that you wrote the day before, but you should avoid it as best you can. The quickest way to disrupt your flow and your vision is to go back and chop up what you worked on mid project. Keep your head down and forge ahead. There will be moments where you don’t feel that your writing is at its best, but it is more important to get the words down than it is to get them down perfectly. There will be time for that later.
6. Cut to the Chase
If you’re not interested in writing about something, how can you expect your audience to be interested in reading about it? There will be times when you find that you’re writing a scene that in all reality is inconsequential to the story and whatever point you’re trying to make. Feel free to leave it all out of there. Is your protagonist having some profound thought on their drive home from work? Did they witness something on the road or learn something significant from a radio broadcast? If not, you should consider leaving it out. There are times when you get into a rhythm and you’re practically typing faster than you can think of the words. Take a beat, step back, and think about the importance of what you’re writing.
7. You’re Done! Now You Can Edit Your Novel
You did it! You sat down every day and banged on the keys until you finally wrote ‘happily ever after,’ or ‘they were never heard from again.’ Of course, that’s not it. While the hard part may be over, you still have a long road ahead. It’s time to rip your story apart. How do you write a good story? You write a bad story and make it better.
When you start to make edits to your story, the first thing you want to do is put it down. Close the laptop and leave it alone for a little while. A few weeks? Months? That’s up to you, but the important thing is to put some space between you and your baby. You want to be able to look over your work with fresh and relatively new eyes. Once you’re ready to bust out the red pen, consider printing out your story – one sided and double spaced. You’ll feel accomplished holding the draft in your hands, but it’s also good to read it like someone would read a book. Try reading your story aloud. It’s easier to skip over misspellings or miss awkward sounding sentences when you read in your head. Don’t be afraid to run out of ink in that red pen. If you don’t have enough notes, you’re not a good editor. Once you’ve made your notes, go back and fix them. Print out the draft, and edit again.
You don’t have to wait for the holidays to surprise the special women in your life. You can browse through this gift guide to find the best gifts for women for any occasion. These unique and thoughtful presents are sure to put a smile on their faces.
1. Dearfoams Memory Foam Slipper
Jessica Plush Criscroos Slippers by Dearfoams make a gorgeous yet functional gift for your mom, wife, daughter, or friend on any occasion. They’ll surely appreciate your gesture of helping them say goodbye to achy feet with these lovely slippers.
2. The Gift of Self-Love Workbook
Give your favorite gal this heartfelt and relatable book for her self-love journey. The bestselling paperback has quizzes, writing exercises, and a step-by-step guide to express their emotions, feel motivated, and increase their self-confidence.
3. Sephora Favorites Makeup and Skincare Set
For women who love makeup, here’s a gift set from Sephora. This Clean Me Up Makeup and Skincare Value Set includes eight must-have beauty products enriched with skin-loving ingredients. It also includes products from Glow Recipe, Tower 28, Olehenriksen, and more.
4. Akola Glow Unlock-it Bracelet
An unlock-it hinged bracelet, this unique and classy gift is ideal for all the special women in your life. It is perfect for all ages and styles, thanks to its timeless design. It features twin bezel-set designer crystal baguettes in a green emerald hue, engraved with the word GLOW.
5. Tulianna and Alejandra Garces Rosebud Earrings
Celebrate friendship, love, and romance with these pretty Birthstone Balloon Earrings by Tulianna and Alejandra Garces. The makers of these fancy earrings decided to cast colorful drops in a glassy eco-resin. Gift a set of these to someone special and show how much you love them.
6. Merokeety Knit Loungewear Set
Everyone needs comfy pajama sets to lounge around the house on a lazy weekend. So. grab a pair of this knitted casual nightwear from Merokeety. Besides, you could wear them separately, too, making it a perfect work-from-home OOTD.
7. No-Pressure Reading for Fun Journal from Uncommon Goods
Enhance the joy of reading with this thoughtfully designed journal. This helps the bibliophiles in your life with tracking their reading, reflecting on their favorites, or rediscovering the fun in books.
8. Bubble Soy Candles
Make your special someone smile by giving this scented cube-style candle in pastel colors. This lovely present is one of the cheapest yet most beautiful items in our women’s gift guides collection.
9. Mom Kindness Change-It-Up Clutch
Any woman will love the functionality of this clutch which can fit all her essentials. And the proceeds from every purchase go to Every Mother Counts, a nonprofit organization that promotes safe pregnancy and childbirth for every mother everywhere.
10. IUGA Navy Yoga Pants
These yoga leggings are a perfect present for women with an active lifestyle. It’s an ideal workout leggings made comfortable because of Four-way Stretch materials.
11. Pavoi Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings
These Hoop Earrings are always best sellers! This thick hoop earring is crafted to be lightweight for easy all-day wear. They are Hypoallergenic; Nickel and Lead-Free with Stainless Steel Post
12. Revlon One-Step Volumizer Enhanced 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
With this Revlon revolutionary blow dryer brush, she can finish her hair in minutes. Surprise your significant other, sister, or best friend with this product that promises salon-quality results and less hassle of booking a pricey hair appointment.
13. Ztujo Purse Organizer
Your mom or friend who carries everything with her at all times 100 percent needs one of these organizational inserts for her bottomless pit of purse.
14. Senia Hot and Cold Facial Steamer
Show love for your favorite person by helping de-stress and regularly cleanse your skin. It has a calming nature of warm and cool mist and aromatherapy. Gift this wellness gadget to the woman you adore, and she’ll thank you for your thoughtfulness.
15. Masters Creative Custom Line Art Portrait
These custom line art portraits could be a perfect gift for those who love the minimalist look. Straight from the U.K, you can have it delivered as a digital file. Or have it printed on high-quality paper and shipped directly to you or the recipient.
16. Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket
This cozy blanket like this one from Anthropologie is a universal gift idea. This plush throw will keep her comfortable whether she’s always chilly or loves snuggling up on the couch. Plus, it comes in various colors you don’t usually find in faux fur blankets, including ochre, teal, mauve, and more.
17. Invigorate Shower Steamers Gift Set
Energize your giftee’s shower with this Invigorate Shower Steamer gift set. It contains essential oils and aromatherapy scents, including cedar, orange, and pine. This luxurious gift is made from natural ingredients and is handmade in California.
18. The Citizenry Aegean Cotton Bath Robe
This luxe bathrobe is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to feel at a hotel after a shower. It’s soft, absorbent, and has pockets that the recipient will love!
19. Flower Subscription
Give a gift that keeps on giving with this flower subscription. They’ll enjoy a new bouquet of mixed blooms each month for six months! Each arrangement is a work of art with some of the world’s most beautiful flowers. Get roses, sunflowers, hydrangeas, alstroemeria, and more.
20. mDesign Stackable Storage Box
Keep clutter under control by keeping favorite jewelry and accessories in one place. These stackable containers feature multiple compartments in various sizes providing plenty of options.
21. Coyuchi Dillon Organic French Terry Cardigan
You can never fail with comfortable loungewear as a present. This French terry cardigan, for example, is perfect for days when she doesn’t want to wear PJs or a robe but still wants to feel cozy. It’s made with organic cotton and has pockets for when she needs to stash lip balm or keep her hands warm.
22. Papier Colorblock Notebook
This notebook from Papier is a gem for bullet journaling enthusiasts. The colors, cover, and paper type are customizable in many ways. You can also get it personalized with the recipient’s full name, initials, or inspirational quote.
23. Crystal Green Beaded Bag
This cute handmade bag is made with natural beads and the perfect for holding your keys, wallet, and cards. It comes in a light green color that is semi-transparent, but totally eye-catching!
24. Custom Handwriting Necklace
Buy this dainty necklace customized in your own words and handwriting so she can carry it wherever she goes.
25. Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Cookware Set
These pots and pans are a perfect present for your wife, who loves to cook. The cookware set features PlatinumShield Technology enhanced non-stick reinforced to be nine times harder than titanium.
We hope you liked what we featured in this list of women gift guides. Enjoy your early holiday shopping! And if you want more gift ideas for your loved ones, check them out here at Owner’s Mag!
What was once old is new again: mid century modern is back in style. From architecture to furniture, the postwar look is in, and the hype extends all the way to office chairs.
Do you need a mid century modern office chair in your life? If so, there’s plenty to choose from. Your office chair should be tailored to your style, whether you like luxury, utility, or something in between.
That’s why we’ve put together our 10 favorite places to find your ideal mid century modern office chair.
What is mid century modern design?
After World War II, spirits were high in the US, and new technology was taking the country by storm. Mid century modern refers to the design concepts that came about during this time.
As opposed to the frilly, ornate designs of classical furnishings, mid century modern designs are angular, material, and functional. Wood is a common design element, especially teak. Mid century modern furniture may also have materials like glass, vinyl, and metal. Designs are simple and geometric, with bold accent colors to make them pop.
The mid century modern aesthetic never really went away, but it’s made a noted comeback in recent years. Some have chalked it up to Boomer and Gen X nostalgia, others point to mid-century-set shows like Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Why should I buy a mid century modern office chair?
Mid century modern is the perfect fusion of style and utility. If you want to cultivate an office space that commands respect without being ostentatious, mid century modern is the style for you.
When it comes to office chairs, an MCM one is often made with sturdy wood and vinyl. They combine the ergonomics of a modern office chair with old-fashioned grace.
If you’re concerned with utility and utility only, a more bog-standard office chair may suit you. But a mid century modern office chair is great for someone who wants to wow colleagues with a mature, thoughtful business space.
Where can I get a mid century modern office chair?
1) Wayfair
When it comes to furniture, Wayfair offers the best of both worlds. Their goods, including their mid century modern office chairs, are stylish and affordable. You can get a sturdy task chair for less than $100 or a more distinguished seat for less than $350.
MCM office chair examples: Dovray ($126), Bradford ($139), Lithonia ($133)
2) France & Son
Wayfair’s chairs are affordable, but France & Son is the perfect option for luxury shoppers. Their mid century modern office chairs are robust and sleekly designed. If you dress to impress and enjoy the finer things in life, these are the chairs for you.
MCM office chair example: Brooks ($695)
3) Houzz
Started as a community for people to share home decor tips, Houzz has become a great ecommerce platform for finding stylish furniture. They’re more known for home decor than desk chairs, but they have plenty of great, affordable finds if you know where to look.
MCM office chair examples: Arvilla ($173), Rathburn ($259)
4) Laura Davidson
The Laura Davidson collection offers a fairly limited selection of classic office furniture. Still, there’s a reason they’re trusted by big-wigs like Apple, Disney, and Salesforce. Their chairs are sturdy and beautifully designed, reimagining classic Eames and Knoll designs.
MCM office chair examples: Rockefeller ($275), SOHO II Soft Pad ($450)
5) Icons of Manhattan
Icons of Manhattan has a simple philosophy: do one thing, and do it right. Their office chairs are handcrafted from premium materials and tailored to a mid-century modern style. If you want that Mad Men energy in your office (hopefully with a lot less angst), these are the chairs for you.
MCM office chair example: Ribbed Medium ($219)
6) Amazon
Yes, the internet’s premier shopping destination has a robust collection of mid century modern office chairs. Like with most products, their selection of seats is vast and can be hit or miss. Still, they’ve got stunning chairs available for any style, whether you care about comfort, class, or ergonomics.
MCM office chair examples: IDS Home Modern ($219), Art Leon MCM Swivel ($139)
7) AllModern
AllModern’s collection of desk chairs and other furniture truly embodies the mid century modern spirit. Their work is tight, angular, and functional above all. They’re part of the Wayfair family and they traffic in a number of modern styles, but their sleek chairs are perfect for any mid century modern space.
MCM office chair examples: Frederick ($229), Kealey ($349)
8) Overstock
Overstock is known as a one-stop shop for quality home goods at sub-wholesale prices. If you want a spiffy mid century modern office chair that won’t break the bank, they’re the first place to look. While they’re somewhat less reliable than the more upscale platforms on this list, their selection is massive.
MCM office chair example: Joseph Modern ($163)
9) Walmart
Hayneedle’s selection of mid-century modern office chairs falls somewhere between the minimal Laura Davidson and the endless Amazon catalog. Their array of mid-century designs is affordable and versatile, with chairs that match almost any style. While they may be part of the Walmart family, these chairs are anything but second-rate.
MCM office chair example: Waleaf ($97)
10) Target
Why splurge when you can save? As usual, Target is a hidden gem, offering a sturdy selection of mid century modern office chairs for some of the cheapest prices out there. Many of the chairs they offer are from the same designers as these other stores—Christopher Knight, LumiSource, Armen Living, etc.—at reduced prices.
MCM office chair example: Lombardi ($136)
You think you know your man, but when it comes to giving him gifts, you’re at a loss. To make your life easier, we came up with a gift guide for men to suit every occasion.
1. Scratch Off Map of the World Map
To the wanderlust in your life, give him this map of the world from Etsy. He can scratch off the fantastic places he has been to. You can personalize it to make it more special.
2. Wave Duo Vibrating Roller
This ergonomically designed massager contours to the neck, back, and spine to give relief from everyday aches and pains. It vibrates and waves to deliver pressure where he needs it.
3. Ring Toss Game
A gift that he can enjoy with you and the whole gang, this Ring Toss Game is sure to provide lots of fun. It’s perfect for parties, camping trips, or picnics.
4. Personal Concrete Fireplace
Baby, light his fire with this unique table fireplace. The FLIKR fireplace is portable, easy to use, and an excellent conversation piece. Its warm and soft light lets you toast a marshmallow!
5. Lululemon ABC Jogger Shorter Length
The most comfortable sweatpants ever! These Jogger pants are designed to sit just above your guy’s ankles. It uses quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant materials that are ideal for indoor and outdoor wear.
6. Marvel Infinity Gauntlet
In times of boredom, let your man pass away the time by enjoying this LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Infinity Gauntlet. It is 590 pieces of build-and-display fun and challenge.
7. LARQ Bottle PureVis™
Give your guy the gift of the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. This LARQ Bottle PureVis gets rid of up to 99% of bio-contaminants, making it safe for hot or cold drinks.
8. The Daily Carry-On with Pocket from Away
Let him travel with style using Away’s The Daily Carry-On with Pocket. Its roomy interior lets him carry multiple items while the pocket can hold his laptop and other essentials.
9. Crosley Radio Cruiser Deluxe Turntable
This vintage-looking turntable has the technology to play his records. The Crosley Voyager Record Player is lightweight and ready to play your 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records anytime, anywhere.
10. Bowers & Wilkins Black PX7 S2 headphones
To complement the turntable above, give him these Black PX7 S2 headphones by Bowers & Wilkins. It has a noise-canceling feature that will let him get lost in his music.
11. Dad Grass Hemp CBD Pre-Rolled Joints
For a totally legit way of escaping reality, these Dad Grass Hemp CBD Pre-Rolled Joints are perfect! Let him relax after a stressful day at the office with a soothing CBD experience.
12. Personalized Light When Name Farts Soy Candle
Give him the laugh of his life with this Personalized Light When Name Farts Soy Candle. Place his name on this eco-friendly, carbon-neutral, and all-natural soy wax candle.
13. Steve McQueen Folding Sunglasses from Persol
These cool and classy Steve McQueen-inspired folding sunglasses will surely add that extra dapper to any man in your life. Its polarized lenses come in four fabulous colors.
14. Mac Mighty Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife
For the guy who knows his way around the kitchen, this Mac Mighty Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife is the ideal gift. This lightweight knife is suitable for everyday use.
15. Craft Beer Club Subscription
The gift that keeps on giving—a subscription to the Craft Beer Club. Your man will get to enjoy twelve different bottles of beer from various breweries across the country.
16. TAG Heuer Connected Watch
If you want to give the gift of ultimate luxury, this TAG Heuer Connected Watch is a perfect choice. Swiss craftsmanship is all about class, style, and elegance.
17. Oud Wood Parfum by Tom Ford
At work or play, this Oud Wood Parfum by Tom Ford will make him smell and feel charming and sophisticated. This is sure to make him more enjoyable to hug and cuddle with.
18. VANS Authentic 44 Deck DX
Add color to his wardrobe with this pair of VANS Authentic 44 Deck DX. Made with high-quality materials for extra comfort and style and a look that’s a classic.
19. Loewe Bifold Wallet in Soft Grained Calfskin
Help him keep his billfolds in this uber-stylish wallet. The Loewe Bifold Wallet in Soft Grained Calfskin is the epitome of splendor and elegance without going overboard.
20. Bird Brew Seed Feeder
Don’t be fooled by the looks of this unique gift. This Bird Brew Seed Feeder will remind you of a tall bottle of booze, but in reality, it will fill the birdies’ tummies.
21. Whiskey Glasses with Raised Topographic Impression by Whiskey Peaks
For a unique and exciting gift, this set of Whiskey Glasses with Raised Topographic Impression takes the cake. Inside are impressions of the world’s most iconic mountains, making the drink a better experience for him and his friends.
22. Fuzzy Ink Beautiful Outdoor Starry Night Sky Art Print
For adventure lovers, this outdoor night sky print from Fuzzy Ink is a perfect gift! It will leave him dreaming about his next adventure. Cat not included.
23. Gingko Smart Moon Lamp
Show him you love him to the moon and back with this Smart Moon Lamp from Gingko. It adds light and warmth to his desktop or bedside table. Whether it’s a boat cruise or a day of spa pampering, this is something he’ll truly cherish.
24. Barnett’s Gourmet Chocolate Biscotti Gift Basket
Let him enjoy decadence with this gift basket filled with Barnett’s gourmet chocolate biscotti. It’s two pounds of decadence that he can share and enjoy with you.
25. Choose Their Own Adventure eGift Card
If you find it hard to think about what to give, this Virgin Experience eGift card may just be the ticket. It lets them choose the adventure they want for a memorable and unique experience.
Final Thoughts
No one knows your man better than you do. But sometimes, getting a unique gift can be mind-boggling. This men’s gift guide includes a wide array of one-of-a-kind items that are sure to be unforgettable. And for other men’s gift guides, check out more here at Owner’s Mag!
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