Books for Writers

Literary Gift Ideas for the Writers in Your Life

I love reading about the craft of writing almost as much as I love writing. Over the years, I’ve read all the “classics”, Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, and Stephen King’s On Writing. Likely, the writer in your life has also read them, they seem to be the place most writers start on their journey. But, if you want to get your favorite writer something a little different, here are three gift ideas for you.

The Way of the Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton

I love Beth Kempton’s books, and this, her first book on creating a writing life, is one of the most unique books on creativity and writing I’ve had the pleasure of reading in a long time. Beth is a Japanologist and applies Eastern wisdom to the practice of writing. It’s a very zen approach writing. The book is jam-packed with writing prompts that have inspired quite a few essays for me. If you are buying the book as a gift, I recommend the hardbook edition as it is gorgeous with its gold accents.

Bonus! Beth has a podcast where she talks about some points from the book and gives writing prompts. She also has a free writing e-course (Winter Writing Sanctuary 2023) starting at the end of December. AND she’s on Substack now! Go follow her!

Maps and Legends: Reading and Writing Along the Borderlands by Michael Chabon

This book would be great for the writer or the reader in your life. It’s a collection of Michael Chabon’s essays about what influences him as a writer, what he reads, and his childhood obessions. It made me think about the things I’m obsessed with in life and how they appear in my writing. Again, I have to recommend the hardback book. It has intricate, layers covering it that call to mind ancient maps of fantasy lands.

A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders

I’ve been slowly reading this book all year. I’m not going to lie, it’s a challenging read, but it is worth the brainpower. Set-up like Saunders’s MFA class at Syracuse University, the book explores Russian short stories and leads you through analyzing them to improve your own writing. I’m learning a lot both as a writer and reader with this book.

Bonus! George Saunders is also on Substack and his paid subscription to Story Club is worth it’s weight in gold. If you bought the writer in your life a gift subscription to Story Club plus this book, you just might see your name on the dedication page of their next book.

DIY MFA by Gabriela Pereira

I’ve been playing around with the idea of going back to school to get my MFA, but first I need to get my daughter launched on her own college career. As fate would have it, I found this gem of a book at my library’s used book sale. It’s full of tips for creating a self-guided MFA program without the harrowing tuition. I’ve just started the book and Pereira’s suggestions for creating a sustainable writing practice have already changed the way I approach my writing. If there’s a writer in your life who wants to take their writing practice and studies to the next level, I recommend this book.

Bonus! Gabriela has an excellent website with lots of information on it for writers who want to educate themselves on their craft.

Which book will you choose to give as a gift (or get for yourself)?