My favorite part of December magazines is the gift guides. I grabbed a copy of Real Simple and Oprah Magazine hoping to find the perfect gift for the people on my list. I didn’t see anything in either or them that I wanted to have or to give. The stuff was too showy or just plain weird. No anyone on my list who would enjoy a package of chocolate sardines in a reusable tin.
So as a courtesy to those of you who are looking for a gift for yourself or the writer in your life, I’ve come up with 10 Gifts for Writers.
- Freedom Productivity Application – It locks down the Internet while you write. I first read about it in Poets and Writers Magazine. I’m definitely giving this one to myself. It turns out several famous authors use it. Nora Ephron even mentioned it in an article about her in The New York Times. It’s only $10.
- A Writer’s Conference/Workshop – There is nothing like being surrounded with a bunch of writers to get your creative juices flowing. I’m going to AWP (Association of Writers& Writing Program) Chicago Conference. They have a variety of workshops and readings. But the best part is the huge book fair. Even if you can’t fit Chicago into you plans, there are tons of local conferences and workshops. Both AWP and Poets and Writers Magazine have list on their websites.
- A Starbucks Gift Card – Writers and coffee. Need I say more?
- Champagne – In preparation of that acceptance e-mail or letter. Imagine how gratifying it will be to have it already chilling when you get the news. Try Laurent-Perrier Rose. It’s wonderful.
- Tickets to a local exhibit or show – A wonderful way to feed the inner artist.
- Hand cream – My hands get dry when I’m in the flow of writing. I love True Blue SpaSuper-softening Hand Lotion –Look Ma New Hands by Bath and Body Works.
- A Tote bag or Messenger bag – Big bags come in handy when you’re writing on the go. Kipling has great durable bags for under $100.
- Massage – Relieves tension in the back, forearms and wrist. It also relaxes the mind. Your Muse need pampering too.
- A Subscription to a Literary Journal – One Story is a great literary journal that focuses on one story a month. It fits easily into a purse for a quick read.
- Journal and pens – Writers never have too many journals or pens.
What gifts would you add to the list?