It's a challenge to find just the right gift for anyone for Christmas... and sometimes writers can be especially hard to buy for. So...
Go for the "Wow" Factor – Give a Gift Voucher for a Writer's Conference or Writing Course
Most people can't think of anything better than to watch someone open a carefully-chosen gift and squeak "WOW!", overcome with surprise and delight. A gift sign-up or voucher for a writer's conference, writer's retreat or a workshop is sure to rate highly on the "Wow!" factor list. Extravagant? Perhaps – but this could make all the difference in a writer's career. An online writing course is another excellent gift idea.
For the Traditional Writer – an Exclusive Fountain Pen and Leather Journal
For the writer who loves to keep a journal, and sighs over gorgeous fountain pens, this gift will be a sure winner. Care does need to be taken here, though... make sure that the recipient really will use these beautiful gifts, not just keep them in a drawer because they're "too good"!
For Writers Who Love Gadgets
The opposite of the 'traditional' writer is the one who is a nerd at heart. This writer will devour every computer store catalog that comes into the house. Try searching for the latest writer-type gadget. Some ideas:
- A Digital Pen: This allows the writer to take notes anywhere and then later transfer it to a computer. (How useful is that for a writer's conference!) The newer digital pens work very well – in fact, in 2009 at MacWorld in Las Vegas, the Livescribe Pulse won the award for "Best in Show". Another option, the "IntelliPen" comes with flash memory that stores the information about whatever is being sketched or written. It is transferred to the computer via the USB port.
- An mp3 Player: Armed with the latest iPod or similar mp3 player, writers can get much-needed exercise (walking, gym treadmills) while listening to podcasts about writing (and interviews with writers). Get an iPod with video capabilities and they can watch vid-casts as well.
- A Netbook: This is a notebook computer that is small enough to carry easily in a handbag. Great for those days when the writer wants to work away from home, but doesn't want to carry a heavy laptop computer.
A Pocket Drive or a Giant Multi-Terabyte Drive
Pocket hard drives are small and light, and convenient to carry for extra memory. For writers (especially photojournalists) who use lots of images, or who use software that is memory-hungry, a larger multi-terabyte drive will be greatly appreciated.
For Writers Who Need a New Computer
Keep in mind that writers don't just work from home. They go to workshops, critique group meetings, friends' houses, or simply venture out of doors to the patio to write. A laptop or notebook computer is a great investment. Writers can link a laptop to a large flat-screen monitor, a mouse, and a keyboard, and enjoy all the advantages of a desktop computer.
For Writers Who Need New Software
From the latest version of Microsoft Office to specialist writing software, there's plenty out there to gladden the heart of any writer. Try Googling information about software for novelists or screenwriters. Some of it is free; some of it will cost. (Here's a great idea for the gift giver with a lot of love to give but not much money: spend some time finding all the good free software programs available for writers, burn them all to a CD or DVD, print a personalised CD cover and give it to the lucky recipient. People love gifts that show evidence of time and thought.)
For Writers Who are Learning the Craft of Novel-Writing
A subscription to a writer's magazine (such as The Writer or The Writer's Digest) or a Writer's Centre membership that includes a regular newsletter are both welcome gifts. As are books for writers: there are hundreds of these that will suit writers in any genre, as well as Writers' Market guides. A few hours spent at Amazon.com will provide plenty of inspiration for books and subscriptions for writers.
These are just a few suggestions for gifts that writers will love – ranging in price from nothing to thousands of dollars. Take care to make sure that the gift is something that is perfect for the writer you have in mind. For example, don't just choose a writers' conference that 'sounds good'. Plan well ahead, perhaps saying something like "What do you plan to do for the next year to work on your writing career? Are you planning to go to a conference or something like that?" Listen carefully to the response, and find out which conference/workshop the writer has in mind. Another way to make sure that the choice is the right one is to give a home-made gift card and a cheque that is to be used only for a writer's retreat, workshop or conference.
Whatever the final choice, the final choice of Christmas gift is sure to show the writer who opens the present that the giver really cares.
HOL101
Marg McAlister - Marg McAlister has tried on a good many writer's hats in her career, and has enjoyed wearing most of them. Her writing achievements ...
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