by Lisa Tener
I’m in the midst of holiday shopping and searching for the best gifts for the writers on my list.
Having received some of my favorite writerly gifts from writers, I know how special a thoughtful gift can be.
Last year, my friend and editor, Stuart Horwitz, gifted me a lovely hammock. I’ve done some of my most whimsical writing in the hammock and I assume it’s because one feels so relaxed and held that it’s easy to be freer, experiment, play. That’s my theory, anyway.
As a more modest gift, I found these elegant feather pens by Two’s Company, which several writers on my list will be receiving this year.
Elizabeth Spann Craig, bestselling author of cozy mysteries (including this year’s A Myrtle Clover Christmas) and founder of the Twitterific blog, says, “My husband gave me a pair of literary-themed fingerless writing gloves a couple of Christmases ago. Not only do the gloves make me smile and provide a bit of inspiration, they also keep my hands warm on cold winter mornings.”
Stephanie Chandler, founder of the Nonfiction Authors Association and Nonfiction Writers Conference, and author of The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan, said, “I’m standing in my kitchen right now so I’ll share how much I love this little typewriter pen holder. I use it for stevia packets and often give one as a gift to writer friends!”
Ghostwriter and editor Annie Tucker suggest these Creative Blocks brainstorming cards to “Open up. Breath through.”
Award winning blogger, publishing industry guru, and author of several books including The Business of Being a Writer, Jane Friedman suggests something I had not heard of before: “Transparent sticky notes – great for editors and revisers! (And cooks with cookbooks.)“
Sandra Beckwith, author of Get Your Book in the News and founder of the award-winning website and blog, Build Book Buzz, shares that, “A friend turned my book covers into dangling Christmas tree ornaments. I think she did it through Etsy.” Indeed, I found these for $9 on Etsy, along with several other fun book-oriented ornaments.
Bryna Haynes, author of The Art of Inspiration and founder and CEO of WorldChangers Media recalls, with an “Ooh!” an antique china inkwell and nib pen her stepfather gave her last Christmas. “I love it. It’s on my desk and reminds me of how far we’ve come in our ability to create and share our writing.” Bryna adds a book her company published , “I also highly recommend Amber Swenor’s #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller Unleashed: A Been-There, Rocked-That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business, as a gift for any creative, rebellious young women on your list who need reminding that being themselves is always the best way to go.” And, of course, as a writer tapping into our true self, our authenticity is key!
Founder of Author Accelerator and author of several writing books including Blueprint for a Book, Jennie Nash says, “It’s Not About Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha Carvan is a fantastic book for anyone who writes. It’s the story of a superfan circling around the idea of writing about superfandom, and asking the hard questions like, “Who am I to write about this? Will anyone care? Can I tolerate the mean, uninformed, dismissive things people might say if I DO write about it?” and also, “How can I find the time to write in the midst of a busy life?” I loved this book and have been recommending it all over the place.” And on the non-book front, she adds, “I bought two Edge lights from Lume Cube for filming video and doing zoom meetings. They are sleek and solid all at the same time, and give a soft, focused light. I got two because anyone with glasses has to contend with glare. It’s an easy way to up your game online!
Ghostwriter, author and Psychology Today Blogger, Janice Harper shared has a whole lotta ideas (or a very big wish list)! “On the high end, subscription to Masterclass or Audible, Chirpbooks or Scrivener. On the more reasonable end, books on writing, word games or magnets. Harney teas offers some perfect teas for writers. Murder on the Orient Express, Little Women, Death on the Nile, A Midsummer’s Night’s Tea.
Business strategist, human design expert—and soon-to-be-published author of HD Your Business —Jamie Palmer offers, ”This backpack…I never thought I could love a backpack so much. I take it with me every time I go to write in a coffee shop. And I love how this notebook feels. It is very luxurious for the price. The dotted paper means I can write or draw and inspires a lot of creativity. I keep all of my ideas in it and it goes with me everywhere.”
Robin Kall, host of Reading with Robin shared, “I received this thoughtful ceramic coffee mug complete with a cover from one of my long-time Reading With Robin listeners. I am a devoted coffee drinker and am known to drink one mug of coffee over several hours. While hosting a marathon day of online interviews I mentioned something about my coffee being cold and voila! One day this beautiful solution arrived. I was so touched by this loving gesture.”
Paige Velasquez Budde, CEO of Zilker Media and a frequent presenter at the San Francisco Writer’s Conference suggests one of my favorites: A writer’s weekend retreat. “One of the best gifts I have ever received is a hotel room for a weekend to utilize as a writer’s retreat. For busy professionals, a staycation in the writer’s current city is the perfect gift because it provides a change in scenery, a quiet retreat and a thoughtful gift without the stress of travel. This gift has provided precious time away from the day-to-day to focus on making headway on projects.”
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Lisa Tener is an award winning author, book writing and publishing coach, and speaker. Her recent book, The Joy of Writing Journal: Spark Your Creativity in 8 Minutes a Day, won four prestigious awards including the Nautilus Book Award. Lisa received the Stevie Award for Coach/Mentor and has helped thousands of writers tap into their creativity and publish. Her clients have signed 5- and 6-figure book deals with Hachette, Random House and other top publishers. Lisa is quoted in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Vice, and appeared on national and local TV, including PBS. More at LisaTener.com
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