The 12 Days of Writing Gifts
And… we leap from Thanksgiving straight into gift-giving season. I don’t know why it always takes me by surprise. And this year, when the mail is slower than usual just at the time when most of us are trying to do our shopping online, we have to think about it sooner rather than later.
So… I present to you my Holiday Guide for Writers 2020. I’ve tried to avoid some of the usual things (cute mugs/tote bags etc.) and get a little more creative. This will hopefully give you some ideas for gifts to give - or to put on your own list!
1. Pens – Okay, I know this isn’t exactly original, but I don’t know a writer who doesn’t love a new pen. Or a set of pens, like the funky colorful metallic ones a friend got me for my birthday this year.
2. Journals or notebooks – Again, not unusual, but also again, something that I and every writer I know needs a ton of. Small ones for jotting notes, larger ones for drafting, the gorgeous Peter Pauper Press ones for journaling… I never mind getting more because I want to know that I’ll never run out.
3. Coffee, tea, or other beverage of choice – Any writer will bless you for adding to their needed supply. This is where a fun mug might come in. I also use a gorgeous mug decorated to look like the Lascaux cave paintings as a catch-all for pens, pencils, and scissors. I have baskets that hold mini notebooks and bookmarks.
4. Snacks – Chocolate, nuts (or dried fruit/nut mix), popcorn… my personal favorite writing snack at the moment: Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups (TJ’s has loads of great snacks). This also where you can bring in your baking skills: homemade granola bars or energy bites, for example. Why not put some goodies together in a gift box or basket with the coffee or tea?
5. Computer stuff – a big-ass monitor to save their eyes (I need this!). A lap desk, or adjustable laptop computer desk. Software, like Scrivener.
6. Books – Well, duh. For this, you have to be tricky though (unless it’s your own list). You have to know what craft books, or books by favorite authors, they already have (or want). Or what new authors they may like. You can try looking on their Amazon wish list for ideas (but order them from a local independent bookstore if possible!).
7. Speaking of ideas… Idea Books – the weird and wonderful, that may spark ideas for writing: Atlas Obscura, books on weird historical facts or mysteries… Also think about local walking guides. Whether the writer lives in a town, the country, or a city, there is likely to be a guide to local attractions or hiking spots. Frequent walks are the times when a writer can recharge, and dream up new ideas. However, they may also enjoy exploring new places, new architecture, or new spots of historical interest.
8. Subscriptions – to writing magazines (The Writer, Poets & Writers), literary journals, or writing membership sites that provide community, learning, and inspiration (Medium, The Manuscript Academy)
9. Speaking of the Manuscript Academy… they sell consults with agents and editors who review query letters, first pages, and more. As long as your writer isn’t new to the biz, this can be a fantastic way to get quick feedback on their work.
10. Learning opportunities – There are many online courses offered by places such as Grub St., The Writer’s Loft, UCLA Extension, etc. They are great for beginners and more experienced writers. I am also offering courses through Set Your Muse on Fire: Fanning the Flames: Using Writing to Launch Your Dreams and Blueprint for a Book. In this category I also include coaching, which is better for people ready to work on a book, or who are revising one. It could include coaching them through writing or revising the book, or a one-time edit (either developmental or line-edit). For this, I might recommend (besides me, ahem) going through Author Accelerator’s Coach Referral Service, which is free to access. They can put you in touch with coaches who work in your writer’s genre, and you can pay in advance for a package with someone after you’ve checked out their website and maybe had a conversation.
11. Retreats – it may seem crazy to think about going anywhere right now, but it can be done carefully (and the pandemic won’t last forever). Booking something like a few nights at a Getaway House or a B&B that lets you buy a gift certificate rather than booking specific nights at the time of purchase can give your writer a mini-retreat to go deep on a project or just recharge.
12. Massage – Writers spend a lot of time hunched over desks, typing. A massage – full-body or one that focuses on the back and arms/hands – can be a lifesaver.
So, those are my ideas for 2020. If you have any to add, please share in the comments!
