- Blue Light Blocking Glasses– I bought a pair almost two years ago and I love them! They really do make my eyes less tired during long writing sessions in front of my computer screen. Sadly, they don’t write your manuscript for you; still waiting for those glasses to be created.
- Notebooks and Pens– I have always been a sucker for a nice pen and a new notebook. There’s something about all those blank pages waiting to be filled…plus it’s great to have something handy in the car or in your purse when inspiration strikes you.
- Request That Your Local Library Carry Their Book -While this is not a gift you can pick up at the last minute, it is free and something every writers dreams of receiving. Simply sign onto the website of your local library and request that they purchase your favorite writer’s book. You can request an e-book or a physical copy. There is no guarantee the library will add it to their catalog, but it is worth a try and the effort will mean so much. It will take a few months for your request to be processed and for the book to appear on the shelf once the library decides to add it to their catalog.
- Promote Their Writing On Your Social Media -Another free gift that means the world to any indie writer. Writing takes a lot of brain power, so does marketing a book. Having a little help from friends when it comes to publicity is an amazing gift that every writer is grateful for.
- S.W.A.G. -After my first book was published, a good friend sent me a personalized mug with a picture of my book cover and “Next Stop: Oprah’s Book Club!” on the back. It is one of my favorite mugs and I smile every time I use it. There are innumerable gifts you can get with their book cover emblazoned on it –shirts, stickers, postcards, pens. Every time they use it they will think of you and feel your support for their dream.
- Bookplates -Bookplates are stickers with on it that people write their names on and place in their books. It ensures that if you lose a book or loan one out, someone knows who to return it to (sadly, it does not force them to return the book). But bookplates are also used by authors to sign their books, especially if the book was purchased from an online retailer. Authors can sign the bookplates and mail them to a reader, who then can stick the autograph into their book. They are inexpensive to print and you can customize them with any picture or saying you’d like.
- Give Their Books To Readers You Know – Several of my friends throughout the years have purchased my books as gifts for their favorite readers. It is one of the best gifts people can get me. Believing in an author enough that you would give their work as a gift is an amazing and thoughtful gift to any writer.
- Inspiration-Most writers have a designated space where they write. Mine is decorated with Legos and trinkets given to me by the people I love. Whether I’m plotting or blocked, I look over my collection while I write for inspiration. Anything you think will spark their imagination, bring them a little encouragement.
- Quiet -It’s worth its weight in gold! Life is busy and it can be hard to find enough time to write. Even though I try to carve out several hours while our son is at school day, the pressure to run errands, cook or do laundry is ever present. Freeing up an hour or two for a writer – whether it’s dropping off a meal, watching their kids or running an errand – is one of the most considerate gifts you can give.
- A Book Review -For an unknown writer trying to build an audience, reviews are what people turn to see if a book is worth buying or reading. Amazon, Goodreads, IndieBound, BookBub, Kobo, Target, Walmart, Waterstones – anywhere there are book being sold online, there is a place to leave a review. You don’t need to be eloquent. A simple star-rating is enough to let potential readers know how many people read the book and if it is worth their time. Anything more is just gravy.
Happy Tuesday!💕🎁🎄