Isn’t the guide for gifts for writers to give simply the books they’ve already written? Gotta get rid of that excess inventory somehow. I’m thinking more about gifts for writers to get. Yes, this is slightly early for such a list, but a few days ago, I was rummaging around through my office supplies as I looked for – something that I can’t recall. I was distracted by dozens of unused notepads and pens that are waiting for me. Let’s see what ends up on this quick list.
First, an apology. Writers don’t just give books as gifts as a way to get rid of inventory. Sometimes, there is actual feeling behind the offering. I can touch a few dozen copies that I’ve held as inventory for years. Hey, someone may want to buy them, someday.
Back to what I as a writer can ask for.
Notebooks
More notepads are useful, but there are limits. I’m covered, but I can easily understand why someone else can use a quiver of notebooks.
Standard letter size is obvious, but a notepad that fits in a pocket means catching that phrase before it flies away. Coffeeshop tables can be small, so a mid-sized pad is a nice compromise. When I take notes at a long business event, I’ll use the acreage of a large pad. But, I’ve scared off some interviewees when they see that. Does it look too serious? I’ve also scared off people by cradling a tiny one in my hand. I think it looks like a detective’s or reporter’s notebook. A mid-sized one can fit, and a nice design provides a conversation starter, a distraction.
One splurge for me, is the waterproof type that is made for hikers and outdoor contractors. They’re handy outside, and also handy inside for clumsy people who spill drinks.
Want to go upscale and high-tech? The tablets that finally recognize handwriting look sweet. I don’t need yet another device, but that’s just me.
Pens
Really, I do appreciate the ink cartridge pens. They write fine. They might be just right for signing books. I don’t tend them well enough, which is why I rely on rollerballs and ballpoints. Ah, but make sure the pen works with the paper. Waterproof or glossy paper and a rollerball is called a smear.
I’m covered, but there is one pen I might buy myself. There are pens, but too few of them, that shine a light on where you’re trying to write. Sound silly? They’re great for writing down dream notes without turning on the room lights, signing receipts in places like restaurants, and making quick notes during a show. A phone can do that, and a phone has to be turned on and can be obnoxious.
Bonus gift: Victorinox sells a keychain Swiss Army knife with such a pen and knife. Cool.
Pencils
Who cares about pencils?
Ex-engineers, like me. I had to care about HB versus 2H. 4H had nothing to do with livestock. Staedler Mars made expensive mechanical pencils that could spoil meticulous writers.
Have you heard of Blackwing pencils? I was gifted a few. They are so nice that I don’t want to use them. Pencil lead (which isn’t lead) can be buttery or stiff, thick or thin, or have a point that stays sharper longer.
I won’t speak for sketchers, but many writers sketch, too. I don’t so fancy colored pencils would sit in storage, but artists can truly appreciate the best.
Trinkets
Remember? Minimalist? I’m the wrong one to comment on coffee mugs, hats, posters, ornaments, etc. I even have enough tea, and usually don’t mix drinking and writing. Usually, but there was that time…but I digress.
Books
Books to a writer? Isn’t that the literary equivalent of coals to Newcastle? There are books that writers can’t normally afford. The various Manuals of Style, someone still uses dictionaries (I’m guessing), and the not nearly ubiquitous enough thesaurus. You are welcome to find better adjectives. I admit to relying on the internet for all of that stuff.
Books about writing
If a writer needs inspiration, or encouragement, or direction, there are plenty of books by successful authors, publishers, publicists, etc. I’ve heard good things about Steven King’s book.
Well-written books
Ah, a well-written book is a dangerous gift. The recipient can see it as a challenge (“You should be writing like this person!”), or as a slight (“Here’s another book like yours. I liked it. I’ll read yours later.”), or as a redirect (“Have you considered writing in this genre?”)
A well-written book can also be a very appreciated gift. I have my favorite authors who write so well that I don’t edit while I read. John McPhee, Terry Pratchett, Larry Niven, Dam Simmons. Good stuff. And, I already have most of their books.
Hmm. As I scroll back up this list, I realize I’ve listed a bunch of stuff that I don’t need. And then I realized, that’s appropriate. I’m a minimalist living in a tiny house. Stuff doesn’t fit. I’m somewhat of a techie, but still a minimalist. My power strip is already crowded with rechargers. I’m old and I’ve been writing for over twenty years. If I’ve needed it, whatever ‘it’ is, I got it.
But, there are young writers who can benefit from some direction who might have room to store stuff, who haven’t bought too many gadgets, who can benefit from something useful that is nicely wrapped and presented.
Free and Valuable
If you’re on social media, you’ve probably seen the meme that cost nothing except time (which is valuable). Post a favorable review online for others to see. Suggest one of their books to your local library, or to a book group, as recommend them for a speaking gig. Talk up their work. Pay them a sincere compliment – and save the critique for next year. Recommend them to another writer if they could both use some support. Intangible things can be the most valuable.
Sales
Yep. That’s the most obvious. Buy their book and gift it around. Your gift to them could be gifting their book. Ask how they prefer their sales: direct from the author, from the publisher, from a book store, or online. Author sales may be the best money. Buying from the publisher can elevate them in the company’s priorities. Book stores notice which books sell and might spread the news. And, online, okay, Amazon makes it all easier to buy and ship and the review (and if necessary possibly return). As I’ve pointed out in my classes, the Harry Potter series didn’t sell millions of copies because the author handled every sale. At some point, a mega-corp’s power can work to an author’s benefit.
Gifts From Authors
We writers and authors get to give gifts, too.
One of my books, Kettle Pot Cup, is basically a gift to a charity by being a fundraiser for them. During the early part of the pandemic I happened to learn about how tough it is for the women who pick tea. Really good tea is picked by hand, and picked by women who are like migrant farm workers, but who can’t migrate as readily. It was the pandemic. I wasn’t making much, but I could write a book. They get the profits. Who can you write a book for?
The screenplay I am working on is essentially a gift to my deceased father. He wanted me to do something with some notes he had from his grandfather. (They are a 14-year-old’s sailing notes. Scandal ensues.) My Dad took the first step by typing them up, but without punctuation. I took those notes, scanned them through a character reader, edited them for modern style, and privately published them. I sent him a paperback copy, and I sent him a link to a zero-profit copy so he could share the opportunity with his circle of friends and family. He died several years ago, but before he died I started turning it into a screenplay. He was right. I think it could be a good movie. The point is, however, the gift of creating that book for his was appreciated far more than the cost of the book.
Dang, and pardon me as I laugh at myself. This 'short' little post is over a thousand words! I'll post it after I pass it through Grammarly, but some other writer might appreciate a subscription to such a service, maybe even hiring a real person.
Happy gift giving.
tomthewriter.com 
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