My Annual List of Gifts for Writers, 2022 Edition
Photo by Lucie Liz via pexels.com
This is my favorite post to compile every year – mainly because I see so many fun things I’d like.
Inexpensive
This Women Writers Notebook Set for the woman who always needs more notebooks (ahem, me.) $20 on Etsy. Why not add some Grammar Pencils ($8.95) as well?
For the tea drinker, here are some Novel Teas teabags – tagged with literary quotes from around the world. $12.50, Amazon
And for something to drink your tea in, try a Personalized Badass Writer Mug. $12.95, Amazon.
Moderate
Masterclass has a two-for-one membership deal right now, so why not get one for yourself and the writer in your life? Writers include Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Shonda Rimes, Judy Blume, Billy Collins, and more. If are not a writer, you can check out lessons from celebrity teachers in all kinds of fields from cooking to science and tech, sports, design, wellness, and many more. $20 per month (which equals $10 each while the deal is on). “Moderate” because it’s a monthly subscription.
Scrivener is probably the most popular writing app out there, for any kind of long-form writer. Helps organize research, chapters, and notes, and can export to a variety of formats, including for self-publication. $59 for the license.
If you want to get really fancy, I love this Vintage Leather Bound Journal and Pen Set. It’s gorgeous, and refillable! $37.95, Amazon.
Bigger spend
Querkywriter Keyboard – mimics the sound and feel of a manual typewriter for that retro feel. It can link to your laptop or tablet and looks gorgeous. From $249 at querkywriter.com.
Writer's retreat – You can book your writer an overnight (or longer) at an Air BnB, bed & breakfast, or Getaway House (https://getaway.house.com. They even have gift cards). Sometimes local hotels also have New Year special rates since that’s often a low period for bookings.
Coaching! I’m offering a couple of special New Year’s packages you can order through my Contact Page.
1. One Hour New Year’s Plan: We hone in on the writer’s goals – short and long term – and make a plan to meet them. This can mean anything: essays/articles, short stories, a novel... or even just how to create a viable plan to write more regularly. This can also be an “AMA” to pick my brain about a particular aspect of writing or publishing, doing an MFA program, etc. $59.
2. First 25 Pages Manuscript Review: Includes a coaching call to answer any questions the writer might have about the feedback, and a plan for next steps. $149.
And of course, books! Here are some recently-published ones that may be good to add to your writer’s shelf:
On Revision: The Only Writing That Counts – WIlliam Germano. Too many writers don’t know how to revise effectively. This is a great guide to really re-visioning your work, and tackling the big-picture as well as smaller issues to take your book from rough mess to great. Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Write for Your Life – Anna Quindlen. A book for what Quindlen calls "civilians," or people who want to use writing to better understand themselves and the world, it‘s more a book about the beauty, impact, and importance of journaling, with lots of historical examples. Bookshop.org or Amazon.
The 1-Minute Writer: 396 Microprompts to Spark Creativity and Recharge Your Writing – Leigh Madeiros. Even if you only have a few minutes a day, you can get some writing done. These prompts, in dozens of categories, actually come in 1, 5, 10, or 20 minute versions guaranteed to get you writing. Bookshop.org or Amazon.
Salivating yet? Did you find something for your own list? Do you have anything to add? Let us know in the comments!
