Christmas Pressies for Writers

Yes, I know it's already the 9th December, and you're probably so organised you have all of your shopping done already...
...or you could be like the rest of us who are thinking "I really need to get the present shopping started!" and frantically scratching your head at what to get everyone.

Well, I am here to help!  For the writers in your family at least.  (For everyone else go for socks.  Everyone loves socks.  Well... I love socks.)

So without further ado, here's your list of great gift ideas for the writer in your life!


1.  Scrivener.

This is a fantastic piece of writing software.  Honestly, it doesn't matter if they write novels, poetry, screenplays, theater plays, articles... they will find this program amazing.

It allows you to keep all your files organised in one file.  No more losing the latest file version of your book, or having twenty saved documents to trawl through each time you change something but don't want to delete old text!

It has spaces for research, deleted scenes, character and setting descriptions and pin-board displays which allow you to rearrange scenes and separate out chapters... and a great backup system so you don't lose your writing if your computer crashes in the middle of something.

I guarantee, if the writer in your life isn't already using this, they'll love you for introducing it to them!

http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php


2. A nice notebook/journal and pen.

No really!  I know it's cliché but most writers and artists go through notebooks like sweets.  Don't go for just any old notebook though.  To make it special, get one of those lovely hardback ones that will fit nicely in a bag.  And don't be afraid to get one with blank rather than lined paper in it.  If your writer is creative (poet/novelist as opposed to journalist) they may want to doodle out ideas alongside their scribbles.

Here's a couple of ideas for the types to look for:

http://www.paperblanks.com/us/en

http://www.moleskine.com/gb/


3.  A day out.

Writers spend far too much time in front of the computer.  That's part of writing, I guess.  But to get those ideas flowing you need to get outside, and the gift of a day out could do just that.

Think about the type of thing your writer writes, and get them the appropriate trip!

Is your writer a lover of historical fiction?  Why not a membership to English Heritage or a trip to a castle or historic landmark?

Science Fiction fan?  Make your own voucher to take them on a trip to the National Space Centre.

Into Murder Mystery?  How about a period style afternoon tea?

The possibilities are endless! :)


4.  A good book.

Writers love to read, but books can be hard to buy without a recommendation.
I stumbled on this site the other day, and it's a really good starting point to find a book you may have overlooked that they would love.

http://www.openingthebook.com/whichbook/


5. USB Handwarmers

Keep their hands toasty while they type this winter! :)

6. An extra, unhelpful, idea:

I saw these Word count pencils at the Science Museum in London last year.  They would make a great gift, but they're not on the online shop, and I can't seem to find any other way to buy them.
Perhaps they stopped making them now, but I'm going to show you a picture anyway, cause they were so cool!


So there you go, that's the gift for the writer in your life sorted. :)  Have a fun and a very Happy Christmas, (or other holiday!).