We all have that one writer friend in our lives, or we are the writer friend that our families struggle to find appropriate gifts for. Gift-giving can be a daunting task, especially around the holidays. There is a lot of anxiety involved when it comes to shopping for loved ones. Luckily, we have compiled a list of books to make the process easier. Below, you will find a list of novels ranging from writing tips to memoirs on craft from beloved authors such as Stephen King. If you’re struggling to find a gift, we got you covered.
On Writing by Stephen King
Beloved horror author Stephen King takes you through his life as a writer in this memoir on craft, offering insights into the mysterious writerly world. King uses both childhood and adulthood anecdotes to provide advice to both young and old writers. He takes a practical view of the writer’s craft, offering basic tools any writer worth their salt will need. It is a gift perfect for both writers and fans wanting to know more about one of the most prolific authors of all time.
Room to Dream by David Lynch and Kristine McKenna
Following King is another book by a beloved and prolific master of the weird and the astonishing. Room to Dream details the life of David Lynch and the extraordinary creativity that came to define his life. With the help of Kristine McKenna, Lynch interweaves interviews with friends and collaborators to paint a full portrait of his life and creative successes and struggles. Inspirational and insightful, Lynch’s memoir is a gift meant for anyone hellbent on creating things that are weird, unusual, and incredible.
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
Studying craft is an essential part of being a writer. Making your characters feel like real people can not only improve your work but also help foster a relationship between writer and reader. In this working thesaurus, Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi aim to help you better convey character emotions through tips and tricks to guide you to show and not tell. In an easy-to-follow list format, The Emotion Thesaurus will help you to create stronger, fresher emotions that will make your character’s expressions extraordinary.
Wounds of Passion: A Writing Life by bell hooks
Brilliant social critic and incredible intellect bell hooks takes you through her extraordinary life in this memoir on a writer’s journey. Filled with insights into the triumphs, successes, pleasures, and dangers of a life spent writing, Wounds of Passion showcases the voice of bell hooks at its most bare. Providing wisdom and inspiration to new and old writers, hooks reveals intimate knowledge and details of a path carved from words. A gift for anyone looking for how to improve their voice and carve their own path in a writerly world.
The Language of the Night by Ursula K. Le Guin
Science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin takes you through her life as a writer and educator in this collection of essays. Revised after its initial publication in 1979, this collection covers everything, ranging from her early life as a writer to her advocacy for science fiction and fantasy to be taken as serious literary genres. An intimate look into her writer’s mind, Le Guin’s collection is fit for anyone striving to break into the contemporary literary scene.
First You Write a Sentence by Joe Moran
A book beloved by MFA professors, Moran’s First You Write a Sentence guides you through the most important aspect of being a writer — writing a sentence. From poetry to prose, it is within the sentence where the writer learns and focuses their craft. Using minimal techniques, Moran turns the ordinary into extraordinary, offering tips on how best to refine and perfect your wording to create ideal worlds and passages that flow like a rushing river. Moran’s novel is great for anyone looking to refine their craft, starting from the basics.
Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing by Margaret Atwood
What is the writer’s role? To be a court jester? A high priestess? Or to simply be a witness to this terrible thing we call the world? This is the question Margaret Atwood contemplates in her memoir on her childhood and the development of her writing career. She also explores the metaphors used by poets and writers alike to explore what it truly means to be a writer. A contemplative book good for anyone lost in their desired role of “writer.”
The Oxford Essential Guide to Writing by Thomas S. Kane
Whether you’re composing a letter, writing a thesis, or starting a novel, The Oxford Essential Guide to Writing offers advice on how to think creatively like a writer. No matter what part of the writing process you’ve found yourself in, this guide has what you need. This is a great gift for even your non-writer friends.
A Glossary of Literary Terms by M.H. Abrams and Geoffrey Galt Harpman
One crucial aspect of the writing process is becoming familiar with literary terms as well as literary theories. In this glossary, M.H. Abrams and Geoffrey Galt Harpman discuss literary terms, literary history, and the ever-daunting creature that is literary criticism. Whether you are taking English 303 or simply want to familiarise yourself with the study of literature, this glossary is one you’ll want to keep handy.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
It takes a lot to write, whether it be gaining courage, setting apart time, or simply breaking your ideas down step-by-step to make the task feel less scary. To be a writer is to try. In this writing guide, Anne Lamott helps writers overcome creative blocks and deep-rooted fears of imperfection and failure. Bird by Bird is a look into the writing process and how you can break it up into smaller pieces so the blank page appears less daunting. This is an incredible guide for every type of writer, especially the overthinkers.
While it may be easier to get your writer friend a candle or a refurbished typewriter, these books offer you something different. From advice to inspiration, they make for great gifts for everyone who has dabbled a bit in writing, either creatively or academically. Be sure to check out these books and add them to your cart or TBR. Happy reading!
Interested in more memoirs from writers? Check out our recommendations here.
Find these titles and more on our Writer Inspiration shelf on Bookshop.
