Writing Books to Gift Writers

Say you have a friend who writes and you want to get them a book about writing. Or maybe your writer's group is doing a gift swap. Or maybe it's the holidays. Or maybe you're looking for some books to put on your own wishlist. Whatever reason, here are some books to consider:

For the Creative Writer

Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer is a fully illustrated writing guide and inspiration  source all in one. It is also one of the best writing-guides hands-down for new and young writers, no talking down to them, but clear writing on plot mechanics, character creation, and setting description. Plus the lavishly illustrated interior makes a big impact as a gift.

For the Struggling Writer

If you know a writer who has been having a tough time of late (and aren't we all) Chuck Wendig's Gentle Writing Advice might be the balm they are looking for. It's less about writing mechanics and more about how to live a writing life. Written during the pandemic, its a meditation on making art in tough times. It’s also hilarious.

For the Voracious Writer

For the writer who wants to read everything at once, Roy Peter Clark's Muder Your Darlings summarizes the best writing advice from over fifty writing books. Clark has an engaging, easy to read style that charms you through Aristotle and eases you through Strunk and White. There's a lot to discover here and it is just as great a resource for writers creating memoir, journalistic fiction, and nonfiction too.

For the Next Big Star

If your writer friend is going places, (the next big Romantasy series, maybe?) Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass is the book for them. Maass has been an agent for decades, and knows what makes a novel sell. This book is written for people looking to amp up their stories and break into the bestseller lists.

For the Handwriter or any writer you don't know well

Get them a discbound notebook. If they don't have one already it's a huge game changer. And if they use one already, they could always use another one. Discbound notebooks use specially punched paper that can be removed and re-inserted into the notebook, meaning your writer can re-arrange notes and chapters with ease. Replacement paper inserts are easy to find in lined and dotted papers and in all kinds of weights and colors. There are several brands and most are interchangeable with each other so they can mix and match in the future.

• TUL at Office Depot is easy to find and sturdy
• PAPERAGE notebooks come with dividers and in fun colors
• LEVINGER started the game and have fountain-pen friendly paper