I love a list, an affirmation, a submission deadline to work towards - the reason being - they work. Living in such a hectic world with endless possibilities can be overwhelming, which is why I look for effective tools to keep on track.
Enter the Mslexia 2023 Writers Diary and Planner. Ok, I am biased, but this little book packs a big punch with brain gym exercises, a habit tracker, inspirational quotes, and accountability possibilities all alongside a fully functional diary. This one is for the busy woman in your life who wants to make more time for writing.
2. Scrivener
The Mslexia team is full of writers, when asked about writerly gifts, this app was number one for the serious writer in your life – our own Laura Steven has written 11 books and she couldn’t do without it! This gift tells your loved one that you truly believe in their writing.
They say 'it’s tailor-made for long writing projects', helping you to 'banish page fright by allowing you to compose your text in any order, in sections as large or small as you like. Got a great idea but don't know where it fits? Write when inspiration strikes and find its place later. Grow your manuscript organically, idea by idea.'
Ran by literary agents, Curtis Brown Creative is a big hitter and ‘one of the UK’s most successful writing academies’. They offer incredible courses from big names like Marian Keyes and Kate Mosse.
So why not give a gift that keeps giving well into 2023 and encourage the writer in your life with a voucher from £30 for a ‘30-Day Writing Bootcamp’ to £220 for a six-week online course with Founder Anna Davis looking at ‘Starting to Write Your Novel’.
Mslexia editor Debbie Taylor recommends Rare Birds Book Club. Their team of expert curators select three brilliant books, all recently published by female authors and packages them up to send to the writer in your life. If you’re famed for buying books, then this is a nice twist on a familiar gift.
5. A4 lined notebook for Morning Pages
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron has been providing insight into the creative practice since 1992, with its most well-known idea included in the ‘creative toolkit’ section of our writer’s diary listed above. Gifting a beautifully crafted notebook along with the diary shows you’ve really thought about your giftee's writing experience.
6. Poetry Society gift membership
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If the poet in your life needs a meaningful gift, this offering from our good pals over at The Poetry Society is a goodie. Membership offers The Poetry Review (published since 1912), the quarterly newspaper, Poetry News, plus a direct connection to the poetry world all year, with access to the Members’ Area featuring an archive of digital readings, their network of local Stanza poetry groups and special offers and discounts and regular e-bulletins. You also get a free tote with the Christmas bundle, and who doesn’t like a free tote?
7. Feminist Book Box subscription
Another great gift idea from Debbie. This is more than just a feminist book selection – as a subscriber you also get access to monthly events with one of the book authors. They say: ‘We'll bring you household names, undiscovered gems and new literary talents that ignite ideas and start conversations. From amazing non-fiction to unforgettable novels, these exceptional feminist writers will broaden your horizons with powerful books that truly matter.' A no-brainer for the engaged feminist in your life.
8. Audre Lorde – The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House
This is my favourite gift to give to anyone who writes poetry; the chapter ‘Poetry is not a Luxury’ never fails to get me back at the blank page. It’s a stocking filler in size and price – but life changing in the magnitude of its content. Give the gift of gritty inspiration to the poet on your Christmas list.
When I look at my journals from before I discovered these pens, they are dark, monotonous places. Now my writing is colourful and varied – regardless of the content! I've even started drawing more interesting doodles. They are a silky smooth nib and loved by everyone I know who uses them! Trust me, these li'l beauties never fail to brighten even the darkest page.
If you want a thoughtful, jam-packed, effective, long-lasting gift for a female writer: this is it. Mslexia magazine is published four times a year, and includes expert advice and inspiration, debate and opinion, extraordinary poetry and prose, and a unique directory of opportunities. Both beautiful object and unrivalled resource, this is the gift all women writers need this Christmas.
Good luck with your Christmas presents – let us know on socials if I’ve inspired you!
Merry Christmas, Lucy x
