Gifts for the Wordsmith in your Life
This isn’t a wishlist for myself, more an inspiration for anyone that wants to buy for a writer – enthusiastic or otherwise. But if anyone wants to buy me something from this list, I won’t be complaining…
A Decent Thesaurus
There is only so far anyone can go with search engines and the Microsoft thesaurus function. A good thesaurus will add elegance to writing, and help prevent repetition. To be used with caution of course – complex and uncommon language will curry little favour with most readers. The Penguin Reference Roget Thesaurus would be my choice – the paperback version retails at £10.99.
Good Pencils
Needing less pressure than the ubiquitous Biro (less chance of writer’s cramp), pencils are pleasingly low-tech and make a nice little stockingfiller to be used for pensive planning or frantic draft-writing. These little beauties from Faber-Castell (the 9000 Perfect Pencil) are the complete package, including rubber, sharpener and a pencil extender and would please anyone needing to take notes in style.
Paper
And what a shame to give pencils without paper. The classic choice would be a Moleskine, but a stylish Paperblanks book would be sure to please as well. Don’t overlook a more sizeable pad – A4 is the ideal size for capturing ideas that won’t stop coming. The fundamentals? Smooth paper that doesn’t show the writing on the other side of the page, and bear in mind that a thinner book with a slim spine is so much more comfortable to write upon.
Food for the Soul
On some days inspiration is scarce. A book of quotes, speeches or facts would be just the thing to kickstart a stodgy mind. I particularly like the visual style of David McCandless’s “Information is Beautiful“.
Balm for the Mind
If stodginess is the least of your problems, there is certainly such a thing as too much caffeine. Clear a racing mind and think more clearly with a soothing and stimulating infusion. Teapigs do some lovely combinations, other brands are certainly available as well.
Linguistic Fundamentalism
Should you split your infinitives? Hyphenate or not? And what about that apostrophe? The English language is a minefield, and because your writer is exactly that (a writer) and not a professor of English, it’s helpful to have a handy reference for those moments of doubt. The classic “Eats, Shoots and Leaves” by Lynn Truss is a good starter for ten. There are plenty of other books to choose from. Tip – make sure your recipient would appreciate such a gift, otherwise you may well offend… don’t say I didn’t warn you.
For Very Good Days, and Very Bad Days
Whatever their poison, your writer friend will have days to celebrate, and days to forget. Give them a multi-tasking gift they can celebrate with, or commiserate with. Incredible chocolate, uber-posh gin or indulgent bath salts (maybe this is my wishlist after all…). If you ask nicely, they might share.
Note: no commissions or payments were taken in the writing of this wishlist.
