The Best Gifts for Writers

Rosemi Mederos: 00:01

If you have plot bunnies coming out of your plot holes, it’s time for a writing break.

Hi, writers. I’ve snuck away from the holiday festivities to wish you a happy holiday season and an extremely productive new year. I hope you’re getting everything you want this holiday season. Now, I know you can never have too many books, or notebooks, or pens, but here are 5 last-minute gifts for writers that are none of the above. They’re all free, but they’re all something you really want.

Keep listening, share it with your friends who maybe are not as familiar as I am with the plight of the writer. As always, the writing break cafe is open, and they’ve got their holiday menu up. Let’s step inside and be merry on the Overthinking Couch.

Here is a list of 5 free things you can get the writers in your life. No matter the occasion, these are things writers always need.

1. Time

Writers need time to write. Give writers time to write without a guilt trip and without making them feel like they’re missing out on something (even if they are).

Also, give the writer you care about some of your own time during which you listen as they describe their latest plot bunny, character arc, whatever.

2. Understanding

Okay, so maybe you don’t actually get why they insist on working for hours on a book or screenplay that seems to be making them monumentally miserable, but you can at least let them know that you understand it is something they want to do. Maybe they even feel it’s something they have to do. We’ve all felt this way about something, haven’t we?

Writers often feel misunderstood, so this is a great gift, trust me.

3. Enthusiasm

This might be the hardest one on the list to pull off. You might think, Enthusiasm? They’ve talked to me about the same scene for days! How about I just get them another notebook instead? Maybe with a nice pen this time?

I’m not asking you to show interest in their story because what they’re working on might not be your cup of tea, and that is something you should be honest about. (Do not offer advice on their sci-fi novel if you do not read science fiction.)

Instead, I’m asking for enthusiasm for the overall writing process, such as when they send off their 300th query letter.

Yes, they are oscillating between talking your ear off and slinking off to their writing spot without you. It’s hard on you, which is why this is a big gift and better than anything you can buy them.

If you want to make a writer feel good, do your best to express enthusiasm for their work. Mainline caffeine if it helps.

4. Introductions

This one is for extroverts only.

A writer might be able to write 60,000+ words for their novel, yet they will crumble when it comes time to talk about or write about themselves. Tell others about them. Introduce them as a writer at parties. Share their news on social media (unless they’ve asked you not to).

5. Praise

Tell them their writing is good (if it is), note improvements, and let them know you admire their dedication. Even if you’ve already told them before, tell them again.

And, of course, leave 5-star reviews all over the internet.

hank you so much for spending: 2024

If you would like us to visit your favorite independent bookstore, feature your favorite independent author (even if it’s you), or discuss something you’re overthinking about, please email me at podcast@writingbreak.com.

Thank you for making space in your mind for The Muse today.

Writing Break is hosted by America’s Editor and produced by Allon Media with technical direction by Gus Aviles. Visit us at writingbreak.com or contact us at podcast@writingbreak.com.