Writers can be tough to buy for, especially now that so many of us are using keyboards instead of pens. Don’t despair, the secret to selecting a great gift lies in understanding the core experience of a writers life: the writing session.

Below is a breakdown of what’s needed for a fantastic writing session. To construct your gift, simply pick one item from each category and bundle them together.

A place to write

I’m not a coffee shop writer, primarily because I’m too demonstrative when I write. Talking, crying, laughing, and fist pumping are all part of the process. Explaining that process to nearby coffee drinkers is problematic.

Instead, I have a few places in and around my home: an oak tree out back, a chair in my bedroom, a space in the butterfly garden, and a table in my office. There’s no particular rhyme or reason to which of these I use on a given day.

Whichever setup you choose, try to craft a balance between having the space both free of distractions and populated by items you can turn to when you need to take a break. It’s fun to look up and see something that makes you smile.

Gift Ideas

• Under 20: Who are some of the writer’s heroes or favorite characters? Having an inspirational bobblehead nearby while you write is always fun.
• 20-50: Think about things that can be used to help re-center: a squeeze ball, a dartboard, a trashcan-mounted basketball hoop.
• Over 50: A writing blanket. In these arctic times, there’s nothing better than having a writing blanket to wrap around your shoulders or put over your legs. Think soft and not too big.

Hydration

There’s something invigorating about taking a contemplative sip. Lean back in your chair, lift your mug, and let your eyes lose focus as you enjoy your drink.

Gift Ideas (winter-themed)

• Under 20: hot chocolate, of course.
• 20-50: Tea, coffee, hot buttered rum. Once you open the door to alcohol, the choices are pretty much endless. 
• Over 50: More hot chocolate, and don’t overlook the possibility of mulled cider.

A reward system

Writing is, for the most part, completely lacking in celebration. 99% of the time, nobody’s around to celebrate that awesome scene you just wrote, or to appreciate the overwhelming cleverness of your latest dialogue.

Occasionally, your dog/cat/parakeet/lizard is nearby and paying enough attention to give you a lick/swat/peck/bite, but, usually, you just indulge in a satisfied sort of nod, take a breath, and keep going. 

Enter the reward system.

Stack cookies nearby for when it’s time to celebrate. When you produce a moment of sheer brilliance (or maybe just finish editing a chapter), eat a cookie. 

Gift Ideas

• Under 20: chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, Samoas 
• 20-50: Pepperidge Farm Milanos, Nutter Butters
• Over 50: Any of the above, macarons, or gingerbread cookies

Ritual

We all steal writing time. It’s part of life for anyone who’s not a full-time writer. I’m guessing it probably happens for full-timers, as well.

The perfect writing session isn’t stolen time. It’s intentional.

If you don’t have one already, consider crafting a ritual to help get yourself in the right mind space. Some writers use music. Others use candles or lighting.  

My ritual is pretty straightforward. After stacking my cookies, I position my drink, adjust my keyboard, crack my neck a few times, take some deep breaths, and dive in. 

Gift Ideas

• Under 20: A music playlist is always cool, especially one with music the recipient may not have heard. Writing hats are also fun.
• 20-50: Candles and incense are not my thing, but a lot of people love them. 
• Over 50: At this age, there is undoubtedly a record or CD player in the picture. Pick an album that matches the writer’s vibe. 

Voila!

Combine some options from the gift ideas above, and you are guaranteed to have a happy writer on your hands. Also, and I’m just spit-balling here, there’s nothing preventing you from giving yourself a fantastic writing session.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that there are also a few amazing gifts available from yours truly. Bop on over www.secondstoryup.com and pick out a great book. Whichever you choose, you can’t miss!

---

Want to comment? Hit me up on Threads or Facebook!

---