5 Valuable Books to Gift Writers this Holiday

This Pinterest Pin reads, "5 Gift-Worthy Books for Writers." In the background are 3 books standing upright with a red Santa hat placed on top.

Writers are not that difficult to shop for.

As readers at heart, books can be a special, even personal gift for a writer.

In today’s post, I’ll share 5 books to gift writers this holiday. These books are all about writing, making them the perfect present for the writer in your life.

Why Gift a Book

The writer’s craft is an intricate creative journey. Life-long learning is a goal for all writers who wish to continue developing their skills.

Reading books on writing allows writers to learn at their own pace. These books can inspire creativity and challenge them to try out new techniques.

You can successfully support their passion by choosing a book on the writing craft and journey.

There are many books to gift writers and it can be difficult to determine which one will have a meaningful impact.

Below, I’ve compiled 5 book recommendations for beginners to seasoned writers, ensuring that you curate a gift they’ll be grateful for!

1. Rilke’s “Letters to a Young Poet”

What It’s About

This book is a collection of letters that Rilke wrote to a young aspiring poet.

In his letters, he provides insights into the life of a poet, pathways to inspiration and being a creative observer of the world.

Rilke touches on the hardships of life as a writer and the sensitivity that most creatives experience with their internal world.

Why Authors Should Read It

This collection speaks to the soul of a writer.

It emphasizes that writers are not alone in experiencing their giant feelings, worries and dreams. Most writers and creatives at large have these experiences throughout their literary careers.

Buy It For

The dreamer who doesn’t feel ready to share their writing with the world. Buy it here.

2. Brande’s “Becoming a Writer”

A photograph of the book cover, "Becoming a Writer" by Brande. The book leans agains a piece of wood on top of leaves with an unlit candle in front of it.

Although this is a classic book, it’s still worth the read! In her book, Brande shares insights from her creative writing classes.

Rather than focusing solely on technical form, she discusses everything from tapping into your inspiration, building a sustainable writing routine and reading your work as a critic.

Why Authors Should Read It

Self-reflection is key to continuous skill development.

Brande engages readers in a discussion on the writer’s mindset –  a terrain both scary and magical!

Buy It For

This book is for writers who are just becoming interested in learning more about their creative process but aren’t ready for an in-depth look at structure and strategies.

Help them dip their toes into the writer’s world with this read! Check it out here.

3. King’s “On Writing”

In this book, Stephen King weaves writing advice throughout his memoir.

He provides writers with practical tips to help them develop successful writing habits, including notes on grammar, the benefits of putting your writing aside for a while and when to let your reader in.

Learn more about King’s book in this blog post.

Why Authors Should Read It

Learning from bestselling authors teaches writers that not all success is due to genius.

All writers, including famous ones, have trials that must be overcome and habits that keep them on track.

A story doesn’t write itself and King’s memoir makes readers very aware of this.

Buy It For

Writers who need a little discipline and a reminder that perseverance is a necessary skill for their craft.

Purchase it here.

4. Goldberg’s “Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer’s Craft”

A photograph of the book cover, "Thunder & Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer's Craft" by Golderberg leaning agains some green grass.

Goldberg provides advice by recounting her own mistakes and demonstrating relatable experiences that all writers have.

She focuses on topics such as reining in your imagination to write a clear story, writer’s block and handling criticism all while emphasizing the amazing journey of a writer.

Why Authors Should Read It

Goldberg’s excitement for the writer’s journey fuels readers with the spark to continue despite their doubts.

She reveals that mistakes are not to be feared, but rather embraced as a part of the creative process.

Buy It For

Writers who are struggling to overcome their self-doubt and seeking to reignite their passion for writing.

Buy it here.

5. Cron’s “Wired for Story”

Cron uses neuroscience to support writers with practical strategies that will engage readers throughout their stories.

By breaking down the story structure and providing narrative examples, she teaches writers how to keep readers curious from beginning to end.

Why Authors Should Read It

Each chapter ends with a series of questions and action steps so that writers can reflect on their manuscripts or plot out their stories with these insights.

Buy It For

Writers who are ready for a deep dive into the story process, are curious about the 3-act story structure and eager to breathe life into their manuscripts.

Check it out here.

With the busy creative lives that most writers have, self-paced learning is a brilliant way to continue improving their craft.

And, why not complete that education through a book – their life source?

Your writer will be grateful to receive a thoughtful gift that will enhance their storytelling skills, inspire their creativity and encourage their growth all at their own pace.

For book recommendations that can be gifted to anyone, young and old, check out How to Choose the Best Books to Gift Others.

Over to you!

Are you searching for other gift ideas for writers?

Check out my blog post, 10 Gifts Every Writer Will Love This Holiday.

Do you have a book suggestion for writers? Share them below.

Talk soon!

Julia

Hello!

I'm Julia

I’m here to connect with storytellers, creatives, and dream-chasers. This blog focuses on creative writing, goal-setting, productivity, and mindfulness- all things craved by creative minds who want to bring their dreams into the present.

Categories

November 28, 2024

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2 Comments

  1. Domii

    Great list of books for writers. I am considering getting myself 1 or 2 for myself! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Julia

      So glad you found it helpful! Happy reading.

      Reply

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