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:
I love this quote and find it genuinely useful. Plus, this typographic print is so pretty!
Print by LilyWillowDesigns on Etsy. £3.01.
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:
Adorable chocolate books from Choc On Choc: £9.99.
A 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):
Hope that helps! If you’ve got any gift recommendations, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.