Holiday Gift Ideas for Writers

Reference Books. Even in this age of computers where you can look up anything online, a good reference book is never amiss on the table of any good writer. A dictionary and a thesaurus are standard. A style guide is even better. But if you really want to impress a writer this holiday season, try some unusual reference books like a book of quotations or The Describer's Dictionary.

A Fountain Pen. Most writers use a keyboard these days; that much is true. But when a writer wants to take his or her time and really flesh out an idea, nothing is better than paper and pen. Sure, they could use any old pen to do that, but wouldn't it be nicer to feel the weight of a real fountain pen at the top of each page? Perhaps it will bring a twinkle to your writers eye if his or her name is engraved on the fountain pen. That's a great gift idea for writers.

Notebooks for the Nightstand. Every writer has woken up in the middle of the night with a fantastic idea, and no where to write it down. He bumbles through the dark, stubbing his toe on the bed, accidentally yanking the desk drawer out of the desk and spilling its contents onto the floor. We all know the type. Save your favorite writer many stubbed toes by giving him or her a lovely notebook that can be kept right on the nightstand. It should be attractive, so that no one feels the need to hide it away when cleaning up for company. And the pages should be a little bit on the thick side so that night time clumsiness doesn't cause the pen to go through the page.

Bookshelves. And with all these books and notebooks, a writer is bound to need a bookshelf to hold them all. Bookshelves may not seem like the most glamorous of gifts, and they can be a bit heavy, but a shelving unit is bound to be appreciated by any struggling writer. Taking advantage of all the wall-space possible is always a good thing. And as every writer knows, you can never have too many books.

Writer's Digest. Perhaps what the writer on your holiday list needs is a little inspiration. Writer's Digest is full of helpful articles and handy hints for the aspiring or experienced writer. A subscription is always appreciated and makes for a great gift idea for writers.

Writer's Market. But maybe your favorite writer has already finished the manuscript. He or she just doesn't know where to send it. Here's how you can help! Every year, the Writer's Market digest is published listing all the available markets that might buy your writer's work. It'll make life simpler for the writer in your life, and you'll be giving him or her the gift of time. If you think they'd rather have an online subscription, that's available too. The database is easy to operate and a great tool for writers of all stripes. Plus, then you don't even have to wrap it.

Submission Tracking Software. For the writer who already knows where to send his or her work, consider purchasing them submission tracking software. This will help them estimate costs, profits, taxes, and even suggest markets. It keeps track of the details so that a writer can concentrate on writing, not marketing. One of the best programs for this is Write Again. The customer service cannot be beat. It even comes in a lovely jewel case that you can wrap up pretty for the holidays and slide into someone's stocking.

A Shoulder Compress. After all that writing, and editing, and marketing and putting together bookshelves, your favorite writer might be a little sore. It's not uncommon for writers to strain their wrists, neck and shoulders. A nice warm shoulder compress can help relax a writer and put them in a more creative mood. They come in all varieties, but the ones with herbs inside add aromatherapy to the mix and are ideal for any writer on your holiday list.