gifts for writers

27 Brilliant Holiday Gifts for Writers—Unique, Book-ish and Beautiful!

December 11, 2019 by Lisa Tener

[bctt tweet=”Gifts For Writers: Sourced from Writers #WritingCommunity #giftguide” username=”LisaTener”]

Lisa Tener with gifts for writers — Here I am with my creativity enhancing essential oil blends.

Buying gifts for writers in so much fun. One for your recipient and one for you!

As I wrapped holiday gifts for the writers in my life, I decided to reach out to my Facebook community for additional ideas to share with you. And our writer’s gift giving guide wouldn’t be complete without a few ideas from my assistant Geri Lafferty who gives THE BEST gifts!

essential oils for creativity — I love essential oil blends to induce a creative mood.

My Favorite Gifts for Writers

Let’s start with one of my favorite gifts for writers—essential oils. The creative muse responds when we slow down and nurture ourselves, making space for creativity to bubble up. Spraying a light mist or rubbing an oil blend on my wrists transports me to my happy place where the writing flows.

My favorite blends are Sacred Presence Mood Mist and Empower Body Oil from Essential Rose Life. I discovered these oils while working with owner and creator Jenn Stone Goldman on the book proposal for her self-help memoir.

Jenn says, “Aromatherapy balances our mood, supporting self-connection, relieving stress and providing mental clarity. This enhances your ability to write with focused awareness and communicate clearly from a place of truth.” You can find tips and rituals for using the oils and blends on Jenn’s blog.

Let’s have my assistant Geri and our Facebook friends weigh in too!

Writing Essentials

Geri discovered this techie gem, LiveScribe. Write with the pen. “When you’re done, you’ll have an ink copy of your writing and a digital copy saved to the pen’s memory which you can then synchronize with your computer, phone or tablet. Several services will perform this task, including the SmartPad from Wacom.

Visit Deborah Monk Books and you’ll find inspirational books, journals and beautiful jewelry. Geri especially likes these Inspirational & Motivational Greeting Cards with Envelopes, Refrigerator Magnets. I love Deborah’s mini notebooks. And her novel, Well Behaved Woman Coming Undone is fabulous!

Do you get some of your best ideas in the shower? Geri discovered AquaNotes with pages you can detach and file, or this waterproof whiteboard from Shower Thoughts. The whiteboard comes with an eraser so that you can wipe down and reuse your ShowerThoughts Board as many times as you want. “Your thoughts are portable,” too. You can easily remove the pad from the hooks. “Get those ideas down before they wash away!”

Being an old schooler who loves writing by hand, I LOVE journals, and our gifts for writers list would not be complete without them. How about “doing good” with your shopping? Ten Thousand Villages offers an array of beautiful, handcrafted journals that are ethically sourced and provide income to help break the cycle of generational poverty throughout small villages all over the planet!

Gael Johnson just bought herself Michelle Obama’s Journal Becoming “Delicious,” Gael says. I also enjoy Peter Pauper Press Journals.

Stephanie Chandler recommends the Hemmingway pencil holder.

I recently bought these tote bags as a thank you to clients who came to a brainstorming session, “design thinking” says my strategy consultant. Everyone loved the bags. And guess what we put in them? Journals, pens and chocolate—more great gifts for writers!

For Ambiance, Quiet and Hunkering Down

My assistant Geri Lafferty suggests this retro plastic door knob hanger sign: Do Not Disturb Writer at Work. “Your writing room is your sanctuary. Impossible to overlook, the colorful design will deliver your message clearly.”

Jennie Nash recommended this blanket from Restoration Hardware. “It is amazing. It’s soft and HEAVY and is perfect to drape over your lap when reading or writing. It’s oddly affordable for what it is and where it’s from. I would not want to be without mine—and I live in sunny Southern California!”

Books, Of Course!

From Kathy Dodson: “It’s totally dorky, but I love my indestructible CMS (Chicago Manual of Style) cheat sheet.” Now, that would come in handy. While technically not a book, this gift is book-derived. I’d never seen it before but it’s now on my list!

Jody Lisberger declares: “Unquestionably: ON WRITING by Stephen King.” And we concur.

In addition to all the wonderful fiction I’ve received from Reading with Robin Salon (more info on the Salon below), I’ve been reading Fearless Writing. by William Kenower, another great pick.

Is your author friend looking to start a new career? How about Jennie Nash’s terrific book for writers interesting in becoming a book coach, Read Books All Day & Get Paid for It. Book coaching is a fulfilling profession and Jennie is a perfect guide. Her courses are comprehensive and cover a wide variety of aspects of this exciting career.

Another great gift for the female writer, from the founder of She Writes: Write on, Sisters! Voice, Courage and Claiming Your Place at the Table.

What’s your favorite book for writers?

Gifts That Empower Writers: Subscriptions and Such

Stephanie Chandler suggests a gift memberships at the Nonfiction Authors Association Among its many services, the Nonfiction Authors Association provides education, resources and support for authors.

I often recommend that even nonfiction writers read fiction, for the many powerful lessons well written fiction teaches about compelling writing and voice. Check out my friend Robin Kall’s Reading with Robin Salon gift membership. Give a monthly membership subscription (at $7.99/mo) for unparalleled access to exclusive content, giveaways and gifts; discounts to your favorite events; and interaction with Robin and her authors.

I have received 1-2 free books each month–often hot off the press and pre-launch—as part of the book giveaways. These are usually new releases—fabulous writing, mostly novels, one memoir and one cookbook with a writerly theme. Favorite highlights include This Tender Land, Stay and Fight and Wyoming, which I’m in the midst of. And Geri’s waiting for me to read Queen Meryl which I’ve promised to pass on to her.

I tend to write in quiet. I find most music intrusive when I’m writing. An exception? The holiday jazz of Trio West for mood-making background. Check out their second holiday jazz album for writing ambiance. This light, jazzy selection from my neighbor Tobias Gebb and his band offers inspiring background music for writing.

And if you’re looking for to give big to that writer in your life, email me to explore gifting a book concept consultation, book writing program, course or other empowering gift.

Note: With the exception of my own programs and services, I do not receive any remuneration for recommending these gifts, or for items purchased.

How to Keep Your Writing Momentum During the Holidays

December 22, 2018 by Lisa Tener

I originally wrote this short piece to help the writers in my mastermind group keep their writing momentum going during the holidays. I realized that it would be timely to share with the wider community.

A few ideas for making sure you keep writing while family is around and festivities abound:

Be realistic. You don’t have to plan on tons of hours; just make sure you keep your momentum going. Can you write for two hours a week once or twice a week for the next couple of weeks?
Schedule the time and date directly into your calendar and keep it sacred.
Identify ahead of time what could deter you. Plan a way around such challenges. For instance, if you’re concerned about disturbances, plan to write from your office, the library or a cafe rather than at home.
Schedule an extra time slot so that if one doesn’t work out, you can still meet your goals.
Get Support: Keep your call with your accountability partner, if you have one. This last bit was for people in my class but perhaps you want to find yourself a person you can check in with to stay accountable.

That should keep your writing momentum for the holidays and beyond!

Holiday Gifts from Writers and for Writers

And if you’re still holiday shopping, consider intangible gifts. I recently took a 1″ x 1.5″ book of handmade papers and wrote a word on each page for my friend. It came to her at a very challenging time (her mother is passing away and siblings are not supportive of her). She told me this gift made such a difference. I only wrote a word on each page, describing my beloved friend. Could you do something similar? Write your loved one a poem, a playful song (which you can videotape and post on youtube for them) or something else personal. It may be the most meaningful and moving gift they receive.

And for anyone looking to gift you something special, you can send them this article in Market Watch with some fun ideas, and a quote from your favorite (I hope) book coach! More gifts for writers can be found in last week’s post.

Have any suggestions for writing momentum during holidays? Please share your tips.

Have a lovely holiday and may your writing momentum–and muse–be with you!

12 Meaningful Holiday Gifts for Writers

December 5, 2018 by Lisa Tener

I love buying gifts for writers. It’s like shopping for myself–with no guilt! How about you? Any writers on your Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza list?

I’m a little on the late side for Hanukkah, but lucky for me it’s an eight day holiday! Okay, here are a few great books—for pleasure or success as a writer—and some other unique finds I’ve purchased over the years as gifts for friends and colleagues and for myself as well!

That’s right, don’t forget a little something for the writer in you. Everyone loves a gift and your inner muse may just light up at your thoughtfulness.

And I promise, no mugs in this list! You’ll even find heartfelt ways to give that cost no money.

[bctt tweet=”12 Meaningful Holiday Gifts for Writers” username=”LisaTener”]

#1 Jane Friedman’s The Business of Being a Writer tops my list of gifts for writers this year because most writers need support to make a living at their craft. This book offers even the least-business oriented writer a practical path to success, while helping them enjoy and embrace the business end each step of the way.

#2 Book Jewelry: I once gave a pair of beautiful book earrings to Martha Rhodes when she signed up for my Bring Your Book to Life(R) Program at Tara Sage‘s The Dream Party. Martha went on to become an award-winning author of 3,00o Pulses Later which was featured in two New York Times articles online, among much other national publicity. All to say, these earrings are lucky! Nowadays, there are so many styles to choose from. Book related earrings, necklaces, hair sticks, and pins all make playful gifts for writers. My criteria for best book jewelry today were: books that actually open with blank pages to write in, stylishness, price and variety. You can find all these bejeweled gifts for writers at my favorite: Book Earrings. For more options, check out Etsy.

#3 Time: If your gift recipient is a parent of young children, time may be their greatest challenge. How can you help? Can you offer to babysit their kids? Cook dinner for their family one night while they go to the local bookstore cafe to write? Even a non-parent may have trouble making time. Think about a creative time-saving offer and make up a lovely card or certificate that describes your gift of time, support or resources.

#4 Start Right Where You Are by Samantha Bennett is perfect for the writer who’s stuck in perfectionism, procrastinating or just can’t seem to complete a project. Sam’s the perfect combination of wise guide and wise guy. Her humor will have your gift recipient smiling and laughing the whole way to completing his or her writing projects!

#5 The Literary Tee: Etsy is full of fun t-shirts for writers and readers, from the grammar tee (pictured) to the playful quote from a literary classic to future bestselling author and more.

#6 A Book to Help Writers Navigate Social Media: It’s hard to escape social media. If you’re a writer, you need to connect with readers and social media is one of the best ways to do so. Yet many writers feel intimidated, overwhelmed or just plain resentful of the time it takes. How to navigate social media and leverage it’s value without getting sucked in? Here are my favorite books for that job; they all make great gifts for writers: Social Media Just for Writers (revised in 2016) by Frances Caballo, the Stevie Award-winning Get 10,000 Twitter Followers Quickly, Easily, Ethically by Cathy Turney (an Amazon Deal of the Week this week!) and Mastering the New Media Landscape by Rusty Shelton and Barbara Cave Henricks.

#7 Quick Start to Kick Start Your Book: This self-study book-writing workshop comes in a spiral bound workbook format or download, both with an audio component and an optional series of emails to get clear on your book concept. At $97 for the download and $116 for the physical version, it’s my bestselling program. Aspiring authors for prescriptive books love the powerful exercises that provide clarity about the nonfiction book concept: vision, goals, readers/market, content, features, tone, structure and the practical habits and suggestions for getting the book written. For the holidays, I am offering 20% off. Just use “QS20” as the shopping cart code and find out more or order here!

#8 Journals: I love journals and my faves come from the exquisite Paper Blanks and the more affordable Peter Pauper Press. Some things to think about: something easily portable or big enough to write an entire book and get playful and even doodle while writing. You can also find leather journals at Teo Studio on Etsy.

#9 Book Architecture: If your writer friend is writing a more complex and non-prescriptive book, such as memoir, novel or narrative nonfiction, I recommend any of Stuart Horwitz’s excellent books on writing and revision. Book Architecture: How to Plot and Outline Without Using a Formula is an excellent place to start.

#10: Editing or other feedback. If you’re a writer or editor yourself, how about making up a nice card that offers a couple of hours of editing, editing of 20 pages or a brainstorming session? You don’t have to spend money to give. In fact, intangible gifts are environmentally friendly: they leave no carbon footprint! Of course, if your skills are not the perfect match, you can always hire an editor or book writing coach for your loved one.

#11: Your Favorite Book: The personal touch of a book you love can be especially meaningful. Recently Dr. Gayle Myers gifted me with You Are the Answer by her spiritual teacher, Michael J. Tamura. When he signed the book, the author wrote a lovely personal note on the first page. I’m so enjoying reading this book, both for its content and for knowing the role it played in Gayle’s life.

Have any gifts for writers ideas? Please share your gifts for writers as a comment below and feel free to include a link to buy. Is it a product you make or sell? I still have a few writers on my gift list!

Holiday Giving Guide: Gifts for Writers and Book Lovers

December 16, 2015 by Lisa Tener

Are you still racking your brain for some creative and heartfelt gifts for writers and book lovers in your life? Or maybe you want to send a few hints to the people who love and appreciate you!

Here are some of my favorite

Gifts for Writers and Book Lovers:

1. Bookmarks: Cozy Mil Art offers beautiful felt bookmarks and you may find it hard to choose from these scholarly mice, dogs and angels. You can find plenty of other great bookmarks on Etsy as well, including silver spoon bookmarks that say “Just one more chapter” (my teen bibliophile is getting one of those) or a miniature leather book that hangs from its silver bookmark.

2. Journals are always a favorite of mine–both to give and to receive. Ten Thousand Villages has a lovely selection and, as a nonprofit, the funds from sales of their items work to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. This handmade journal from Bangledesh features a border made from a recycled silk sari and it’s on sale half price! Check out their lovely Indonesian bamboo journal with its eco-vibe or find several other choices on their website.

3. Jewelry: Art of the Booke on Etsy offers some lovely book earrings made from marbelized paper. You’ll find a huge selection of book earrings throughout Etsy if you search on “book earrings.”

4: Nonfiction Books for Writers and Others: For insights that will help you tap into your creativity and raise your consciousness, I love Dr. Patricia Hoy’s Arts Awareness: A Fieldbook for Awakening Creative Consciousness in Everyday Life. I had the pleasure of working with Patricia as her book proposal coach and editor. Stuart Horwitz’s Book Architecture: How to Plot and Outline Without Using a Formula is an especially good gift for both fiction or memoir writers.

And for anyone who’s having trouble completing a writing project, give them a copy of Sam Bennett’s Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day. And as a writer who spends way too much time sitting at a computer, I’ve ordered my own copy of 52 Ways to Love Your Body by Nautilus Award-Winning Author Kimber Simpkins.

5. Writing- and Book-Related Fiction: Some of my favorite recent reads that will especially appeal to writers and book lovers are The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin and Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan.

6. Books to Help Authors Build Platform and Sell Books: A continued favorite of mine is Frances Caballo’s Social Media Just for Writers. I’ve also pre-ordered Mastering the New Media Landscape: Embrace the Micromedia Mindset by Rusty Shelton and Barbara Cave Henricks.

6. My Entry Level Book Writing Program, Quick Start To Kick Start Your Book, offers the perfect starting place for an aspiring nonfiction author, particularly for a how-to or self-help book. It will help the recipient of your gift get clear on their vision, goals, audience, book concept, content, features, tone, structure and more–all the important things to know before writing your book. Give it as a gift, put it on your list for Santa or suggest it to a loved one who wants to give you something especially meaningful. There’s a downloadable version and also one that comes with a physical workbook, CD and supportive email prompts.

And, here is my holiday gift for you: a free copy of The 5 Must-Knows Before You Get Started On Your Book.

Have you found any great gifts for writers and book lovers? Please share your ideas and links as a comment below.

Great Books for Writers and Authors

December 21, 2011 by Lisa Tener

Doing some last minute shopping for writers on your list (or to put on your wish list)? Perhaps a great book? As promised here are some books I recommend–a few classics and some new books, too.

Classic Books about Writing and Style

Stephen King’s On Writing: King breaks the rules by combining a memoir and how-to book on writing. The result is a compelling read and great, simple tips for writing well.

Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style: A classic for developing your writing style and it’s a quick read, to boot. My friend and mentor Teri Scheinzeit gave me a copy of the fiftieth anniversary edition, which is particularly elegant.

Books about Writing and Creativity

Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird: A witty and comforting book that explores the highs and lows and gives some solid advice along the way.

SARK’s A Creative Companion: Or anything by SARK. Her books are wonderful for tapping into playfulness and creativity.

Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles: Tricia Gilmore recommended this great book in my Bring Your Book to Life Program and I absolutely loved it. If you’re procrastinating or stuck, read this book and break through.

Books Recommended by Our Write Your Book Community

From Nora Hall: “I am in the process of reading Patience, The Art of Peaceful Living by Allan Lokos and am finding it extraordinarily helpful in learning to be patient and at peace with the process of building a platform for my book. In fact, I will post a review of it on Dec 28th and an interview with Allan on January 11th. The release day for the book is January 5th.” You can read Nora’s post on the book here.

Let’s hear from you. What great book do you recommend for writers (or anyone) this season?

Ready to Write a Great Book? This post will tell you how to write a great book and show you the elements needed to get started on the path.

Great Gifts for Writers

December 12, 2011 by Lisa Tener

journals for writers — Looking for the perfect gift for a writer?

Are you looking for a meaningful and inspiring gift for a writer? Or wondering what to put on your wish list? Here are a few of my favorites that support local artists, crafters and entrepreneurs.

gifts for writers: journals — Handmade journals from Blue Toad on Etsy.

1.I love to give journals. I found some lovely handmade ones on etsy. Blue Toad has some especially inspiring ones for $15-27.

I own a pair of these lovely book earrings and always receive compliments when I wear them.

2. Consider handmade “book” jewelry from Chena River Marblers. Their exquisite marbelized book covers adorn real blank books in their book pins, tie tacks and larger earrings. I’ve given these as gifts and worn them to writing conferences–they always get compliments. Caution: You made need more than one to match different outfits! $12 – $28

burled wood pens — A pen is the perfect gift for an author whose book is just coming out.

3. When my first book came out, my co-author gave me a beautiful pen made with burled wood from Vermont. I’ve followed in Jane’s tradition. Here are some beautiful wood pens I found online. Prices start at $52 and go up from there.

4. Check out these daschund bookends on Etsy only $25.

QuickStart_Assembly — Help someone on your list get their book started--and help them make it great.

5. Know someone with a book in them they can’t seem to get out? If it’s a how-to, self-help book or memoir, give them Quick Start to Kick Start Your Book. It will walk them step-by-step through all those early decisions that make a book successful and help them clarify concept, tone, features, content, audience, structure and more. $97 for self study course (includes workbook and CD).

6. Last year, several clients asked if they could purchase a gift certificate for a consultation with me. Of course! $175 for a half hour and $350/hr. Buy 3 and get 1 free. (Yes, you can purchase for yourself).

7. Write them a poem or mini-book and put it together yourself. Here’s a great video on making a small booklet in 5 minutes. You can use it for your poem or short book. Cost: $0-$5 (cost of fancier paper).

I’ll be reviewing some fun books for writers later this week, so e-mail me any favorite books for writers if you want me to include them in that post.

I’d love to hear what you’re giving to the writers on your list (or anything special you’ve received over the years. Add your ideas below.