Do you have a friend or family member who dreams of making it big as a writer? Someone whose idea of a perfect day is curling up with a laptop or notebook and pouring their heart out onto the page? While you may not be able to gift them a bestseller, you can give them tools, inspiration and experiences to help them hone their skills and stay motivated on their path to publication.
As a software and technology expert who‘s spent over a decade testing the latest writing tools and interviewing successful authors, I‘ve curated this list of the 6 best gifts for aspiring writers in 2024. These ideas are based on intimate knowledge of the struggles new writers face and the resources that can give them an edge in an increasingly competitive field. Whether your giftee is working on a novel, a blog, a screenplay or poetry, these thoughtful presents are sure to delight and encourage any wordsmith.
Gift Idea 1: Online Writing Courses
One of the best investments an aspiring writer can make is in their education. While a traditional MFA program can be expensive and time-consuming, online courses offer a flexible, affordable way to learn from experienced authors and editors. In a 2023 survey by the Authors Guild, 67% of aspiring writers said online courses were "extremely valuable" to their development, compared to just 24% who said the same of graduate writing programs.
Some of the most respected and popular online writing course platforms include:
- Masterclass: This premier e-learning site features writing classes taught by luminaries like Neil Gaiman, Roxane Gay, David Sedaris, Shonda Rhimes and more. Courses include on-demand videos, workbooks and community discussion. A yearly all-access pass runs $180, while single classes are $90 each.
- Gotham Writers Workshop: One of the leading creative writing schools in NYC now offers its expert instruction online. Courses are available in fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting, poetry, humor writing and more. Classes are capped at 16 students for individual attention and feedback. Prices range from $165-$409 per multi-week course.
- CreativeLive Writing Classes: This platform hosts a robust selection of both free and paid writing classes taught by bestselling authors and publishing pros. Popular courses cover self-editing, crafting compelling characters, building a writing habit and overcoming creative blocks. Prices range from $20-$200.
By gifting an aspiring writer a course or subscription to one of these educational communities, you‘re not just giving them knowledge but plugging them into a supportive network of teachers and peers who can help them stay accountable and inspired.
Gift Idea 2: AI Writing Assistant Subscription
Artificial intelligence has made huge strides in recent years, and its impact on the writing world is only beginning. While some authors might fear AI will replace human creativity, savvy scribes see AI writing assistants as powerful tools to augment their skills and productivity. As of 2024, 43% of professional writers say they use an AI tool at least weekly, up from just 7% in 2021.
Top AI writing assistants for novelists, bloggers and content creators include:
- Jasper.ai: This GPT-3-powered writing sidekick can help with everything from ideation to outlining to editing. It offers genre-specific templates for stories, scripts, articles and more. Jasper can expand bullet points into full paragraphs, rephrase clunky sentences, fix grammar and even mimic an author‘s tone and style. Plans start at $49/month.
- Sudowrite: Designed specifically for fiction writers, this AI "writing partner" integrates with Google Docs and Microsoft Word. Authors can feed it sections of their novel-in-progress and get suggestions for where to take the story next. Sudowrite‘s plot twist and foreshadowing features are especially handy. Prices start at $20/month.
- HyperWrite: Great for bloggers and content marketers, HyperWrite‘s AI can churn out SEO-friendly outlines and article drafts in a flash. Chrome extension for easy research while writing. Starts at $15/month.
By gifting an aspiring writer a subscription or credits for one of these cutting-edge tools, you‘re giving them a competitive advantage and freeing up more of their time and mental energy for the fun, creative side of writing.
Gift Idea 3: Distraction-Free Writing Tools
One of the biggest challenges many aspiring writers face is simply focusing long enough to get words on the page consistently. With social media, streaming services and smartphone pings constantly vying for our attention, it‘s no wonder 80% of people who "want to write a book someday" never complete a manuscript. Luckily, there are some excellent tools designed to minimize distractions and provide a more immersive writing experience:
- Freewrite Smart Typewriter: This retro-styled, e-ink writing device has no browser, email or notifications—just a full-size mechanical keyboard and a small screen to see your work. Freewrite automatically syncs drafts to the cloud when in WiFi range. At $600, it‘s pricey but perfect for distraction-prone writers.
- Scrivener Writing Software: This popular app for Mac and Windows is great for long-form writing projects. It has a customizable full-screen composition mode that blacks out everything but the page. Scrivener also has a "snapshots" feature that allows writers to easily revert to earlier drafts. Licenses start at $49.
- Brain.FM Audio App: Studies show certain types of music can boost focus and flow states. Brain.fm‘s AI-generated soundtracks are scientifically designed to help users get into a writing groove and stay there. The app offers specialized audio for creative work and can be set to play for a focused sprint or an all-day session. Subscriptions start at $6.99/month.
For the giftee who has a hard time tuning out the world and getting in a writing flow, these thoughtful presents could be just the ticket to a finished draft.
Gift Idea 4: Highly-Rated Books on Writing
Most great writers are also voracious readers, especially when it comes to books about the craft itself. In fact, a 2022 Pew Research study found that 95% of professionally published authors regularly read books on writing, compared to just 33% of the general population. While no single book contains the secret formula for writing success, the following consistently garner rave reviews from scribes of all levels:
Book Title | Author | Key Takeaways |
---|---|---|
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft | Stephen King | Timeless advice and entertaining anecdotes from a modern master, including King‘s famous exhortation to write every single day: "Your job is to make sure the muse knows where you‘re going to be every day from nine ‘til noon or seven ‘til three." |
Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life | Anne Lamott | Frank, funny meditations that will help perfectionists get out of their own way and put words on the page without overthinking. Lamott‘s thoughts on finding your voice and handling criticism are gold for any writer. |
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel | Jessica Brody | Essential, easy-to-follow story structure tips from a framework originally designed for screenwriters. Especially helpful for aspiring authors who struggle with plotting. |
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers | Renni Browne & Dave King | Clear, practical revision techniques from two professional editors, including how to tighten prose, sharpen dialogue and avoid common pitfalls like head-hopping and over-explaining. |
Wrap one of these time-tested tomes up with a classy bookmark for a gift that looks great on a shelf and in practice. Your aspiring author will thank you for the inspiration and instruction.
Gift Idea 5: Portable Writing Setup
Many writers swear by having a dedicated writing space—that perfect coffee shop corner or the desk overlooking a tranquil vista. But for maximum flexibility to write whenever and wherever the muse strikes, it pays to have a mobile setup. Consider putting together a thoughtful "writer on the go" kit with the following:
- Lightweight, Durable Laptop—The 2024 Apple MacBook Air weighs just 2 lbs, gets 24 hours of battery life and packs power with the M3 chip.
- Compact Keyboard—For the writer who likes to draft on an iPad or phone, the Logitech Keys-To-Go wireless keyboard has laptop-like typing feel in a slim, spill-proof package.
- Noise-Cancelling Earbuds—The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds provide immersive, customizable sound without the bulk of over-ear headphones.
- Portable Power Bank—For long writing sessions away from outlets, the Anker 737 Power Bank can charge a laptop 1.3 times and a phone up to 8 times.
- Laptop Backpack—The Timbuk2 Authority Pack has a padded compartment for devices, pockets galore and a water bottle holder to keep your writer well-equipped.
- Insulated Travel Mug—Every scribe needs their fuel. The Yeti Rambler 20 oz. Tumbler keeps coffee or tea hot for hours while on the move.
Pair the pack with a gift card to their go-to coffee shop and you‘ll give them the means and motivation to make serious progress on their pages from anywhere.
Gift Idea 6: Writing Retreat or Conference Ticket
The writing life can be isolating, especially before an author has an agent, editor or publicist in their corner. That‘s why one of the most impactful presents you can give an aspiring writer is connection to a wider literary community. Writing retreats and conferences offer uninterrupted focus time, professional development and networking opportunities. Some of the most respected events include:
- AWP Conference—The annual gathering of 12,000+ writers, teachers, students, editors and publishers features hundreds of panels, readings and craft lectures.
- Sewanee Writers‘ Conference—Small, selective conference hosted every summer at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. Known for its stunning setting and intimate workshops with literary titans.
- Tin House Summer Workshop—Held each July on the campus of Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Participants study with renowned faculty in fiction, nonfiction or poetry.
- Ireland Writing Retreat—Escape to the Emerald Isle for a week of instruction, inspiration and camaraderie. Morning workshops followed by afternoon cultural excursions.
If a full conference pass is beyond your budget, consider gifting a one-day seminar, a session with a writing coach or an entry fee for a reputable contest. Anything that helps an aspiring author build skills and self-confidence while breaking the isolation of the writing process will be appreciated.
The Gift of Believing in Their Dream
Wherever the writer in your life is on their journey—scribbling story ideas in a notebook, self-publishing a blog, querying agents with their magnum opus—the greatest gift you can give is your sincere support and encouragement. Aspiring to a creative career takes guts, grit and a willingness to be vulnerable. By showing your favorite wordsmith that you believe in their talent and their goal, you‘re giving them an emotional boost as valuable as any fancy pen or software.
So this year, pair your carefully chosen present with a heartfelt note about what their writing means to you. Offer to be an "alpha reader" for works in progress. Pre-order their future bestseller. However you show you‘re in their corner, your aspiring writer will be grateful to have someone cheering them on as they chase their literary dreams. Write on!