In March 2018, two women watched as their hard work and creativity culminated in the mailing of the very first Scribbler Box. A subscription box for writers, Scribbler is a labor of love put together by Victoria Scott and Lindsay Cummings, two female writers and entrepreneurs. I was given the opportunity to review the March box and interview the lovely ladies that brought it to life. This is the first in what I hope is a series of subscription box reviews. Check out my review of Scribbler Box below!
Scribbler Box: 4/5 Stars
Credit: Scribbler
Name: Scribbler Box
Price: $29.99 (plus shipping)
Who is it for: Writers or Aspiring Writers
A Look Inside!
Credit: Paige Engle
March Theme: Emotional Touchpoints
Book: More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kremmer (with a signed bookplate)
I haven’t had a chance to read the book yet, but it sounds like something that is right up my alley: A YA love story that deals with *emotional* themes.
Writerly Gifts:
- #writer decal: 4/5 Stars
This adorable decal can be applied just about anywhere and serves as a great reminder for writers.
- Typewriter word count stickers: 4/5 Stars
I love these. As a writer, I struggle with word count and meeting my goals, but these make it a little more fun.
- Yoobi mini multi-colored highlighters: 3/5 Stars
These colorful little guys are super cute and fit easily in my pouch. Personally, I only use around three to four main colors, so the others will probably not get much use.
- “I will write” motivational poster: 5/5 Stars
This was probably my favorite item besides the passport. It’s a play on the song “I’m Gonna Be” by the Proclaimers. It so witty and a great motivation to look at when trying to reach that word count.
- Writing Passport: 5/5 Stars
I cannot get over how cool this is! Every new box will include what the Scribbler team calls a “Writing Passport” that educates subscribers about the theme of the box and how to use it when writing. This is essentially my creative writing professor in a box so, mission accomplished, Scribbler.
Overall, this first edition of Scribbler box was wonderful. The box itself is so unique in that it is one of a kind; A subscription box for writers by writers. I loved that the writerly things were super cute but also useful! Most of all, I enjoyed the writing passport. I love that this box is bringing writers together to share their knowledge with each other and help one another grow.
If you are interested in getting the April box, check out their website!
Now check out what Victoria and Lindsay had to say about life, Scribbler, and writing!
The Interview
Credit: Scribbler
First off, I want to thank you immensely for taking the time out of your busy schedules to answer some questions! I am so happy to see two amazing women accomplishing great things! I want to find out a little more about you both and how you ended up where you are today.
So, first things first, where are you both from?
We’re both from the Dallas, TX area!
How did you two meet each other?
VICTORIA: I think we met at an author signing? Lindsay, is that right?
LINDSAY: I don’t remember the moment we actually met, but I can’t remember a time when Tori wasn’t in my writing life. We’ve been such strong cheerleaders for each other along the way, from pre-agent life all the way to now, with several different series under both of our names. It’s my longest lasting author friendship to date!
Did you go to college? If so, what did you major in and what was your experience like?
VICTORIA: I got a bachelor’s in marketing from Texas A&M University, and a master’s in business administration from the University of North Texas. I loved college. I sometimes think about going back for a degree in creative writing.
LINDSAY: My story is a bit unique, in that I never went to college due to several years of illness with intense Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Writing became my way of coping with the illness. Eventually, writing became a passion-turned-career.
Did you always know that you wanted to be an author and entrepreneur or was there a moment that brought this career into clear view?
VICTORIA: I always knew I wanted to have my own company, but I never saw myself as being an author. Never! The writing tiptoed in when I was working in advertising. The storytelling aspect of it unlocked a love I didn’t know I had.
LINDSAY: Definitely after getting sick. Writing felt like my only option, because I could do it from my bed or the couch. But it wasn’t until I finished my first novel, and realized I hadn’t thought about my own circumstances the entire time I was writing, that I wanted to keep on writing, and never stop.
Where did the idea for Scribbler box come from, and how has it evolved since the first idea?
VICTORIA: I was looking through subscription boxes as a way of procrastinating editing my manuscript, and thought to myself, “Where’s my box for writers?” A light bulb went off in that moment. Honestly, I think the box came together very closely to the original ideas we had for it.
LINDSAY: Tori called me up with the idea for it, and from there, we just began casting out ideas and seeing what stuck. Those first initial conversations were so much fun, and our visions clicked so well.
What challenges did you encounter when it came to bringing something like Scribbler box to life?
VICTORIA: The learning curve! There was so much to absorb about the industry. That, and balancing writing and family life in addition to building a business from scratch.
LINDSAY: So much to learn! We know how to sell our books, but when it comes to selling a subscription box? That was a whole different type of strategy!
Do you personally use the items selected for each month’s box?
VICTORIA: Yes! My favorite piece is the Writing Passport, which features an essay from our featured author teaching you how to tackle writing themes. I learn so much from them, even after publishing nine books!
LINDSAY: Totally. I think we both get so excited about the Writing Passport, just because as authors, it’s always so fun to see what you can learn from others in the business. There’s no wrong way to do things, but a million different right ways, and that’s one of the coolest parts about getting to share these fun bits of information with our subscribers.
How do you each hope to see it evolve in the future?
VICTORIA: We have plans to open other branches of Scribbler, all writing resources for novelists. We hope to announce our next piece by the end of 2018.
LINDSAY: I just want to see the box continue to grow and reach new subscribers, and in turn, I want to hear success stories that come about by people who were inspired by Scribbler!
What do you hope people get from Scribbler Box?
VICTORIA: Three things—motivation, writing knowledge, and connections with publishing decision makers.
LINDSAY: Excitement! A new-found passion for their craft, and a chance to get to see beyond the shadowy veil of publishing, and learn how things are really done behind the scenes, from all different publishing perspectives.
Do you have any advice for women in college who are writers or entrepreneurs?
VICTORIA: Right now, do it for the pleasure of it. Soak up everything you can, and decide what to keep, and what to toss. Build something or write something that you are proud to put your name on. Dream. Balance hustling with partying. You’ll have to do the same thing once you leave college.
LINDSAY: One of my favorite quotes comes from a YouTuber and filmmaker I love, and it’s greatly inspired me in my own life, not just for writing, but creating anything in general. “Work Harder.”- Casey Neistat. There’s nothing like putting down your phone or choosing to spend a night in, focusing on the things that drive you towards success and busting your butt until you reach your goals.
Credit: Scribbler
And now some fun questions to finish things off!
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
VICTORIA: I’m going with Hemmingway, because that dude knew how to have a good time. Before he offed himself, that is.
LINDSAY: JK Rowling. And I hope we’d become best friends.
What book should everyone read?
VICTORIA: This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
LINDSAY: Recently, I devoured TRULY DEVIOUS by Maureen Johnson.
What is the number one item on your bucket list right now?
VICTORIA: I’d love to meet an entrepreneur that built their business from nothing into an empire. I’ve fangirled over authors for years. Now I have a new segment of people to fangirl over.
LINDSAY: I just want to keep creating novels that inspire others. Also keep pushing out great video content and learning as much as I can about reaching the next level.
Okay, settle the debate, Hardback or Paperback?
VICTORIA: I’ve been all about paperbacks lately!
LINDSAY: Hardback! Sorry, Tori.
Any famous last words?
VICTORIA: Life is short. Eat the damn cookie.
LINDSAY: Take more naps.
Be sure to stay up to date with Victoria, Lindsay, and Scribbler on social media!
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