Finding the right gift for the writer in your life doesn't need to take a lot of time. It doesn't even require leaving your house! Here are some ideas for last minute gifts for people who love to write.
Pen and journal
The Fisher Space Pen is a great, quality pen for the writer on the move. Designed by NASA and supposedly capable of writing in any conditions, this pen could prove indispensable. Find it online or in art stores.
Moleskin makes classic, quality journals and are said to be Hemingway's journal of choice for Hemingway. Alternately, swing by your local art gallery bookshop. They often sell beautiful and inspiring notebooks. Don't bother with anything too pricey, though. It may make the writer feel shy about using it!
For a personal touch, print out some favourite quotes about the writing life and glue them onto the front page of the journal. Strong words from other writers can provide support and humour for the struggling writer.
New Books on Writing
For a fun book on the not-so-fun topic of grammar, pick up Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty [Holt Paperbacks 2008, ISBN 978-0805088311].
The Paris Review Interviews, Volume 3 [Picador, 2008, 978-0312363154] was just released and contains interviews with writers Chinua Achebe, Raymond Carver, John Cheever, Ralph Ellison, Ted Hughes, Martin Amis, and Salman Rushdie. This anthology, with an introduction by Margaret Atwood, makes great reading for any writer.
For other recommended books for writers, see here.
Writing Magazines
A magazine subscription is a gift that keeps giving all year long. Plus, you can buy in online in time for Christmas! Check out writing magazines like The Writer or Writer's Digest, or subscribe to a literary journal of your choice.
For some suggestions, see here.
Manuscript Consultation
At some point in their writing career, most writers want to receive critical feedback on their writing. Honest, detailed feedback can be hard to find. Surprise your writer friend this year with a professional manuscript consultation.
Some literary publications, such as Event magazine, offer affordable consultations. Other places to look would be university writing departments or writer's unions. A quick internet search will turn up a number of writers and editors who offer manuscript consultation services. Just be sure to check their background and references carefully.
A Writing Course
Check out your local community college or university for courses that might interest your writing friend. A course in magazine freelancing, poetry, or novel writing may be the perfect gift. If there's nothing in your area check out online courses.
The Canadian Authors Association has compiled a helpful list of writing courses.
Gadgets
The Alphasmart keyboard is a battery-operated, portable writing tool. It operates using AA batteries. It costs about $200 and can perform basic word processing functions. And with no internet capacity there are no distractions! The Alphasmart is a perfect gift for the writer on the go.
Another great gift is a voice recorder. Writers can record story ideas, interviews and much more.
The Gift of Time
Most writers will tell you they just don't have enough time for writing. Give them the gift of time by offering to babysit, cook a meal, or walk the dog. Or, if you can afford it, get them a night away at a local hotel or bed and breakfast. The break from the routine will be sure to stimulate their creative mind.
Writers will likely appreciate any gift you give that shows how much you value their writing life. And with these great gift ideas, they won't even know you waited until the last minute.
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