#ISWG: Best Gifts for Writers

What is the best gift for a writer?

Made with a template from Canva by J.Enzor

I can’t just choose one, so I'm featuring my top writing gifts. The intention behind these gifts meant so much. They represent my cheering section from friends and family. So if you’re looking to give something to your favorite writer or to yourself, remember that the thought does count.

Reference books or craft books

• When I was in high school, my parents gave me an unabridged dictionary. Oh, what a word nerd I was even at sixteen. I poured over that thing, which is almost like a mini-encyclopedia with foreign language dictionaries, an atlas, and important dates. Although I don’t use it as much anymore, it was a gift that said,  “You are a writer.”

  

  My dictionary from high school, well loved and well worn. Photo by Jenni Enzor

  
  
• Also in the books category are various writing books my aunt gave me over the years. She is also a writer and has a hilarious blog,  Random Thoughts and Silliness. My favorite: The Careful Writer, which is full of grammar tips with a smile. What did her gift say? “I love passing on the spark of writing."
  
  
   
• Finally, another book that actually I purchased myself but a writer friend loaned me initially. I’ve talked about it before on the blog, and it was life-changing for learning how to create a character arc that ties in with your plot. (Plotting is my nemesis!) The Story Genius What did this gift mean? “Keep learning and growing as a writer!”
  
  
  

Author Accessories

Photo by Jenni Enzor

Another gift from my mom was this burgundy leather bag that I tote with me everywhere. It’s perfect for sticking in a few pages to bring to a writer’s conference or get-together. When she gave it, she wrote a note that it was for all those writer conferences I’ll be going to. I still use it frequently. Thanks, Mom.

Journals

As a writer, I’m often gifted a lot of journals, but my favorite ones are from my husband. In one, he wrote a quote: 

Almost anything is possible with time. --Jane Austen

Memberships

One of my favorite gifts was the year my hubby got me membership to SCBWI. I’d let it lapse for a while and was so glad to be back. I’ve never let it lapse since, and the craft workshops, the conferences, and all the wonderful information and friends I’ve gained from this organization was so worth it.

 

For Young Writers

I started pursuing writing at age nine, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many of my young friends and some family members pursue this dream, so I need to plug one of my favorites for budding authors, Gail Carson Levine’s Writing Magic.

 

What is your favorite writing gift or gift you have given? How is your writing going this month? 

I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

 

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