Gifts for Authors (and Aspiring Authors)
If you are looking for some last minute gift ideas or stocking stuffers for aspiring writers and/or speakers I have a few ideas for you.
For writers or aspiring writers you might try:
- Moleskine Ruled Notebooks — this is a great little all notebook with a beautiful look and feel. You can get them in several sizes but I recommend a smaller version that can easily be tucked into a purse or pocket. It’s a great way to capture ideas wherever you are when inspiration strikes.
- Post-it Notes Super Sticky Pads — this seems as if everyone has them but if you haven’t tried the super sticky pads you’ll love these. Writers can use these to put ideas and concepts or even entire phrases on a note and then rearrange them on a large wall to get ideas about how to structure a book.
- A selection of great pens in multi-color inks — nothing helps inspire me like an easy writing pen and some color for creativity.
- A subscription to The Writer Magazine — This is a magazine that is full of features to help improve writing, keep abreast of literary markets and lots of tips from famous authors. I enjoy every issue! www.writermag.com
- Stephen King’s book On Writing – this is a great book about writing by a very successful writer. The first half of the book is autobiographical and very inspirational as you learn that everything a writer goes through is useful to his writing. The second half is full of practical advice on writing.
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – This book is a step by step process for exploring, examining and unblocking creativity. Questions and exercises along with short essays on the journey of the artist will remind the reader of the creativity that is always available to them.
- The Elements of Style – Strunk & White — this is a quintessential reference book for writers, right up there with a thesaurus and a dictionary. One of my favorite parts is an entire chapter of alphabetical listing of commonly misused words and expressions.
- Evernote – While the free version is certainly useful, a yearly premium subscription at $45 for the year is a great gift. Writers can use this tool to organize and record thoughts as well as record business records and the premium version offers even more features and flexibility.
- Time away — If you really want to splurge, give a writer a gift of time and solitude. A gift certificate for a long weekend at a bed and breakfast or even a local hotel for a “writer’s retreat” where there are no interruptions would be an outstanding gift.
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