Mslexia Christmas Gift Guide 2025

Pass the hankies, this year’s John Lewis advert has done it again. Pulling on the heartstrings with its sentimental story of a dad and his son, and the gift that helps them find their way back to one another. Because, sometimes, a gift can say the things we can't. If you’re puzzling over a present that will speak volumes to the writer in your life, maybe our Christmas Gift Guide has the answer… 

 

Indie Press Guide 

If you know someone who’s been in the query trenches this year, then you’ll know how hard it is to get over the knockbacks, or worse still being ghosted – ‘Do one, Marley with your rattly chains and doom and gloom!’ But what if there was another way? We’ve been busy collating the best indie publishers out there and wrapping them up in the brand-new edition of our Mslexia Indie Press Guide… It’s brimming with brilliant indie publishers eager for new writers, so say goodbye to ghosts of Christmas past and hello to a shiny bright future by picking up a copy here.

 

Curtis Brown Creative

Having completed my manuscript, someone suggested it would work as a screenplay – something I’d never considered. ‘Where to start?’ I wondered. The answer: Curtis Brown Creative. CBC offers a wealth of courses for every type of writer including Starting to Write a Novel, Writing a Memoir, Writing Short Stories, and many more. But the one that caught my eye was the Writing TV Drama course led by celebrated playwright, translator and writer for screen, Colin Teevan. Perfect for learning the ropes of screenwriting, I’ve scribbled this six-week course down on my Christmas wishlist. Fingers crossed Santa believes in me enough to support my writing journey with a Curtis Brown Creative gift voucher. Available here from just £40, all digital vouchers are valid as payment or part-payment for any of these online courses or for CBC’s editorial services. 

 

Tŷ Newydd National Writing Centre of Wales

If the writer in your life struggles to find time to write, why not gift it to them? 

Book their place on a writing retreat at Tŷ Newydd and revel in the fact you’ve just given them the perfect creative escape. Located in the stunning surroundings of rural north Wales, Tŷ Newydd offers tranquillity in the cosy library or on the many woodland and beach walks, inspiration from the spectacular sea views over Cardigan Bay and conversations with like-minded folk, and the freedom to focus on a work-in-progress knowing everything else is taken care of – including freshly prepared home cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. Go on, click here, secure a space and imagine the look on your loved one’s face come Christmas morning. 

 

The Write Habit by Dr. Nicole Janz

A book-shaped stocking filler is always a lovely thing. Even more so when the book promises to help writers build a reliable, productive writing routine and finally finish those pesky writing projects, and that’s exactly what The Write Habit does. Drawing from her extensive coaching experience, Dr. Nicole Janz distils her most effective time-management and writing-habit strategies into this easy-to-follow, 52-week writer’s workbook based on her proven four-step coaching framework that has helped hundreds of writers get published. So, if unfinished books or articles are piling up on your other half’s bedside table, I’d say a copy of The Write Habit is a must this Christmas.

 

Starcroft Farm Cabins

I have to admit I’ve dropped several hints to my hubby about how fab a stay in one of Starcroft Farm’s writing cabins would be. Some subtle – ‘Don’t you think the best gifts are those that can’t be wrapped?’ Some less so – ‘Doesn’t Starcroft Farm’s Christmas reading retreat starting 5 Dec look amazing?’ So, here’s hoping he’s taken the bait and I’m off to stay in of one of three historical hideaways, inspired by women’s stories. Set amid peaceful Sussex countryside, yet only 90 minutes from London, each cabin is a unique creative space filled with art and books. Independent writing break retreats can be booked year-round. They also provide nurturing small group retreats which include a writing coach and lots of lovely treats (massage, hand-picked book and delicious cake anyone?) Or for the perfect bookish weekend, try their new Virginia Woolf reading retreat. 2026 dates now open for booking so get your gift vouchers here!

 

The Subtle Art of Short Fiction edited by Isabelle Kenyon

Following on from their bestseller The Process of Poetry, Fly on the Wall Press have come up with another Christmas cracker of a craft book. The Subtle Art of Short Fiction includes renowned authors and critics sharing advanced techniques for crafting nuanced, impactful short stories, alongside practical writing prompts — from mastering structure and subtext to mapping moments of tension and surprise. Featuring essays and exercises by Daisy Johnson, Matt Wesolowski, Dr Kerry Hadley-Pryce, and more, this is a book worthy of any short fiction writers’ wishlist. Order now in time for Christmas. 

 

Mslexia Subscription

I hear that Santa and his crew are up against it this year – too many gifts to deliver and not enough staff. So, why not take the pressure off Mr Claus and order a subscription to Mslexia magazine? Each quarterly issue is filled with writerly inspo, opportunities and articles to ignite creativity and craft. What’s more, the Mslexia elves have been busy redesigning the magazine, so it’s now more beautiful, more relevant and more readable than ever. And at only £32 (including free UK delivery), I think you’ll agree that’s a lot of bang for anyone’s buck. Go on, click here and help out the big guy this Christmas. 

 

BookTrust Christmas Appeal

And finally, how about donating to the BookTrust Christmas Appeal and supporting children and families who need it most? In the spirit of the John Lewis advert, this has to be the ultimate gift to say the things we can’t. Your donation helps BookTrust deliver life-changing support and show families how powerful books can be all year round. Research shows reading can create a lifelong positive impact for children, helping them to do better at school, become more creative, enjoy more success in life and form better bonds and relationships. Clicking here will help spark a love of reading that can last a lifetime – who could wish for more than that?

 

Whatever you’re wishing for this Christmas, let us know on our socials!

Lots of love,

Jo x