2018 Holiday Gift Guide For Writers

Oh, yes, it’s that time of year… I have started my Christmas shopping and keep seeing super-cute (and tempting) items for myself. So I thought I would share them in case you have a writer in your life and are looking for gift ideas. Or want inspiration for things to put on your own ‘wish list’ this year!

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Stationery is always a good bet for writers…

I have been loving using my bullet journal this year, and I adore the turquoise Leuchtturm 1917 (dotted) I recommended last year. It has two ribbon markers, lovely paper and an elastic closure (plus loads of colour options!).

However, my daughter went with this Lemome notebook for her writing journal, and I was very impressed when it arrived… The paper is excellent quality, and I like the handy pen loop.

Lemome hardcover dotted journal/notebook – £9.99

Also, pens and pencils are very important… I love a fine nib (and still swear by Stabilo fineliners for journalling and doodling) and my go-to black pen for everyday use are Uni-Ball Pins in 0.1. £4.49 for a pack of three.

I also love a sharp pencil and mechanical ones are perfect for maintaining a good point. The Zebra M-301 fits my criteria of quality (at a very reasonable price so I don’t cry if I lose one!) and comfortable to hold. £2.58 each.

 

 

If you love fountain pens you probably already have a favourite brand. However, if you are keen to try one (or give one as a gift) and don’t want to break the bank, Pilot MR Retro Pops are a good choice…  They write very nicely, with good ink flow and a decent nib, and come in four colours: light blue, orange, purple or green.

Pilot MR Retro Pop: £19.32

Another nice stationery item is Washi tape. Even if you don’t bullet journal or scrapbook, this pretty tape is great for adding interest and colour to any diary or calendar, for marking pages in a book, and adding ‘literary love’ to wrapping paper. It’s also cheap enough to make a handy stocking filler.

Book Washi Tape for the reader/writer in your life! £3.95

 

 

I love my mechanical keyboard. Plus, alternating between different keyboard types (I use my laptop and iMac keyboards, too) seems to stop my wrist/finger pain from getting too bad.

If you know a writer who would enjoy the clicky-clacky noise and satisfying ‘travel’ of mechanical keys (along with the retro-style typewriter keycaps), this model fits the bill… Typewriter White keyboard. £86.98

Alternatively, the one I use is a Drevo, back-lit with rainbow lights! £45.99

ARTY

Lots of writers also love craft and other art forms. There is something deeply therapeutic about knitting or colouring/doodling and it’s a really good way to occupy part of your brain while your subconscious works out tricky plot points.

This year, I’ve discovered cross stitch as brilliant way to relax. It’s like doing a colouring book but with pretty thread – perfect! And this design (which I’m currently in the middle of stitching myself!) also happens to be one of my favourite quotes. It’s something I repeat often when I’m stuck in a draft (or in edits).

Impossible Cross Stitch by Satsuma Street. £8.75

(This link is for the printed chart on a handy website which also sells the necessary threads etc, but you can also go to Satsuma Street on Etsy for the digital download).

And for book-lovers in the US, I found this Hogwarts Crest cross stitch kit!

(NB: Not an item I have tested personally.)

If you know a writer who could benefit from some distraction/relaxation but they would recoil at the suggestion of craft, how about a jigsaw? No, come back… Honestly, it’s a good idea!

Personally, I love a good jigsaw puzzle, especially during the Christmas holiday, and this one combines two of my favourite things: fantasy and bookshops… In fact, I might have to send this blog post to my nearest and dearest as a subtle hint!

This would also be a great gift for a book-loving (older) child or family.

The Fantasy Bookshop 1000 Piece Puzzle: £12.99

 

HOMEWARE

 

As always, The Literary Gift Company is a treasure trove of book-related jewellery, apparel and homeware.

This year, I’ve picked out this lovely retro-style bookshop bookend.

Gorgeous, and a very reasonable £9.95. 

 

 

 

 

Writers are readers, too, and what could be nicer than a book sleeve to keep their favourite novel well-protected when out and about?

There are loads of different patterns available, so you could match a themed fabric to a particular book for a truly thoughtful gift.

Fox Book Sleeve £10.59

 

 

 

BOOKS

 

I have put a resources page HERE which lists my recommended writing books (craft of writing, business and mindset).

Of course, if you know a beginning (or professional) writer who suffers with fear, self-doubt or procrastination, I would recommend my own book on the subject(naturally enough!).

Stop Worrying; Start Writing is available in ebook, paperback or audio book (read by me).

 

 

Also, if you know someone who likes thoughtful ‘book club’ fiction, my dual narrative books In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water might fit the bill…

And if you know an urban fantasy/paranormal mystery fan, may I suggest The Night Raven?

For memoir, I recommend I am, I am, I am by Maggie O’Farrell.

Other outstanding reads from this year (with thanks to the publishers for providing the review copies!):

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – a brain-bending, high-concept and original murder mystery.

The Invitation by Keris Stainton – perfect for fans of romantic comedy, sparkling dialogue, lovely characters, and joyful reading!

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley – a claustrophobic, twisty, gripping crime thriller set in the Scottish Highlands. Out 3rd December 2018.

Belleweather by Susanna Kearsley – I am a huge fan and this well-researched ghostly tale was every bit as enjoyable as I expected.

 

I hope that list helps a little – or sparks some ideas! If you’ve found the perfect writerly gift, do let me know in the comments below… And good luck with your Christmas/holiday shopping!

10 Great Gift Ideas for Writers

Yes, it’s that time of year again when we all need to find thoughtful gifts to express our love to our nearest and dearest which, let’s face it, isn’t always easy!

If you have a writer in your life, these gift ideas might help.

Alternatively, if you are a writer, you could always forward this post to your family as a helpful hint… Or just treat yourself!

Stationery

I have yet to meet a writer who wasn’t at least a little bit in love with stationery.

This Leuchtturm 1917 dotted journal is perfect for keeping a bullet journal (planning heaven!), writing, brain-storming or doodling. I have been using the A5 size (in Emerald) for my bullet journal this year and I am utterly in love.

Why not create a bullet journal starter-kit by adding a fine-point black pen and some pretty washi tape and stickers?

Happy Planner Sticker Set

 

 

 

Or, just for fun, how about this Storyteller pencil set from Sharp and Blunt?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writing fuel

Nothing is more important to me when writing than a cup of tea.* Okay, nothing except a computer or notebook!

Classic Penguin Books mugs come in a range of titles, including Pride And Prejudice.

*Technically, you could put a different hot beverage into this mug, but I can’t be held responsible for the results…

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t hold with the ‘tortured artist’ stereotype but if you know a whiskey-loving writer, this bottle might just be the key to a happy festive season.

Writers Tears Whiskey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When in doubt, chocolate is (usually) the answer…

This book-shaped packaging is lovely (and the caramel truffles sound pretty good, too).

House of Dorchester SeaSalt Caramel Truffles Book Box (pack of 2).

 

 

Pretty Things

 

 

The Literary Gift Company has lots of book-themed loveliness, but I particularly like this ‘So It Goes’ necklace (quote is from Slaughterhouse Five) and their range of ‘poems instead of a card’ pamphlets.

 

 

 

 

 

Books

A good reference section is useful to any writer. Once the basics (a good dictionary and thesaurus) are covered, you can branch out. I love Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase And Fable – it’s stuffed with eclectic facts and is perfect for browsing. Next, I’ve got my eye on this collection of quotes:

Oxford Dictionary of Quotations

 

 

 

 

 

Writers are learning all the time, so a book on the craft or business of writing is sure to be welcome. Stephen King’s On Writing is the most-recommended book on the podcast so it’s a good place to start.

Alternatively, if you know a worried writer, then there is always my book on the subject!

Stop Worrying; Start Writing: How to Overcome Fear, Self-Doubt and Procrastination

 

 

 

Christmas Gift Ideas for Worried Writers

I know that it’s December and you may have already bought all of your holiday gifts but, just in case you are still looking, here are some ideas… If you have bought for all the worried writers in your life, perhaps one of these will just have to slip into your shopping basket as a gift to yourself!

The Essentials:

 

 

It might not be wildly original, but a good-quality notebook is ALWAYS a safe present for a writer. I love Moleskine (again, not original, but there is a reason they are so popular) and have recently been favouring these large soft-cover ones. I have this blue one and it’s a lovely colour (always a bonus).

Extra-large blue Moleskine: £10.50

 

 

 

Lovely fine-tip pens in lots of colours for plotting/brain-storming/colouring-in or doodling. When it comes to writing, having fun is the key to productivity. An array of cheerful coloured pens remind me of childhood play, which can be a very good thing when wrestling with a tricky chapter or a ‘can’t be bothered’ day.

Stabilo 88 fine-liners are my go-to felt tip and this pack of mini-size sweet colours is £8.99.

 

Pretty Literary:

alwaysimpossible

 

 

I love this quote and find it genuinely useful. Plus, this typographic print is so pretty!

Print by LilyWillowDesigns on Etsy. £3.01.

 

 

 

 

SONY DSC

 

 

Literary cushion with added library-love.

Virginia Woolf cushion from The Literary Gift Company: £18.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Books:

 

I have re-read (and recommended) this book many times. If you struggle with fear and self-doubt, this book will make you feel less alone.

The Courage To Write by Ralph Keyes

 

 

 

 

 

I really enjoyed this from Elizabeth Gilbert (the podcast is good, too!).

She is warm, wise and encouraging, and I know I will turn to this book regularly.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

 

 

 

As you all know, Joanna Penn is my unofficial mentor, and I highly recommend all of her books (as well as her outstanding podcast, The Creative Penn). The Successful Author Mindset is particularly useful for worried writers, whether just starting out or with several books published.

 

 

 

Healthy Writer: 

Writing is a sedentary pursuit and a little motivation to leave the laptop can be a good thing. Mel Sherratt spoke about her Fitbit and how it had helped her to get more active in episode 13 of the The Worried Writer podcast.

FitBit Alta WristBand (also available in black, purple or dark blue).

 

 

 

 

 

Even if you don’t want to do a full yoga or pilates workout, I highly recommend interspersing your writing sessions with some gentle stretching. Like many writers, I suffer from a dodgy back, but if I do my physiotherapy exercises throughout the day, I can keep the pain under control. Even if you don’t have problems now, RSI and posture-related pain are very real hazards when it comes to typing for long periods – please don’t wait until you are suffering to look after your body!

 

 

Just For Fun:

chocolate_miniature_books

 

Adorable chocolate books from Choc On Choc: £9.99.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

zombieA Literary Feast: Recipes Inspired by Novels, Poems and Plays by Jennifer Barclay

Food and literature combined!

And, finally… For the writer who has everything (and who isn’t freaked-out by the undead):

Zombie bookends: £15.00

 

 

 

Hope that helps! If you’ve got any gift recommendations, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.