I haven’t done this in awhile so a lot of what’s here is entirely new. If you have a friend or family member who is a writer (Psssttt…these are all great gifts for yourself), they may appreciate one of these writerly Christmas gifts this year.
- For writers who write for children: SCBWI membership is not cheap. It’ll cost you about $95 or $65 for students. But the Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators offers great workshops, information and other resources for writers who are serious about writing for children.
- For all writers at any stage: Writer Digest or The Writer magazine subscriptions. These are significantly less expensive. It’ll probably set you back about $20 and is a must for any writer who wants to learn about their craft and get published. It’s how I eventually became a columnist for The Writer magazine.
- For writers who want professional critiques or take a writer class: Manuscript Wish Lift gift certificates range in price and can get you anything from a $25 a la carte class to $99 for a 10-page read and 15 minute e-consultation.
- An inspirational reminder: Keep Calm and Write On poster. I bought one years ago and it’s still hanging up in my room reminding me to keep at it. It’s been a decade now so I think it’s worked? I found the one in the photo above on Etsy for $15.
- Writers who like to take notes (a.k.a. all writers): This one from Uncommon Goods is magnetic so you can rearrange the pages.
- For writers who like to be organized: Scrivener is a system that lets you dump your manuscript, organize it by chapters, highlight it by character names, create character profiles…In fact, there are so many things you can do with Scrivener they have classes to teach you how to use it. Truthfully, it can be a bear but for the tech savvy and uber organized, it can be freeing once you get the hang of it. I paid about $30 and it inspired me to complete my first middle grade novel so I can confidently say it’s worth it.
- For writers who are inspired by smell: I blogged about these literary candles long ago because I think it’s cool to write when you’re inhaling the fragrance of Alice inWonderland’s Mad Tea Party or Sherlock Holme’s 221 Baker Street. They’re $16 a pop. I actually own a Homesick candles, which remind me of my soul home, Northern California. The smell of pines inspires me to write.
- For writers who need extra support and encouragement: One of my favorite things as in, I get all tingly and excited like a kid on Christmas morning, is coaching others. Second only to writing, I absolutely feel fulfilled when I help other people find and pursue their purpose whether that’s writing or not. If you want to make someone’s day and mine, I’m also offering gift certificates for coaching. And it’s a deal! $68 includes 2-1 hour sessions. I’ll even throw in a free 30-minute session just for you.
That’s my top 8 Christmas wish list for writers. What’s on your list this year?
