It’s the gift giving season and what better present is there for a writer, but a book? My wishlist grows longer every day – especially with all the ‘best books of 2016’ and ‘most anticipated books of 2017’ lists that are floating about. So I’ve been inspired to write my own version: the books I recommend for writers this year. Whether you’re putting them on your own Christmas wishlist or buying for a loved one, these books are guaranteed winners.
1. Tuesdays With Morrie – Mitch Albom
This is my go-to gift for the creatives and educators in my life. I give it to writer friends and beloved teachers. When people ask which book has influenced me the most, this is the one I talk about.
The story follows author Mitch Albom as he visits his dying professor, Morrie Schwarz, once a week (on Tuesdays) for lessons on life. It is emotional, raw and deeply moving. There is such love and wisdom in this book; I’ll always go back to it.
Tuesdays With Morrie reads like fiction, is a true story and will help you look at your life with a renewed outlook. Definitely ask the staff at your local bookstore for help locating a copy. I’ve seen it listed under fiction, non fiction and self help.
2. Diary of a Digital Nomad: How to Run Away with your Responsibilities – Amy Molloy
I read Amy Molloy’s first book, a stunning memoir called Wife, Interrupted, in July this year. It had me craving more of her story and her wonderful writing, so I was delighted to discover she’d written a second novel.
Diary of a Digital Nomad is described on Goodreads as as ‘part memoir, part travel book and part how-to guide.’ It covers Molloy’s four months of shoestring, high endurance travel with her partner while trying to maintain a freelance writing career. Molloy puts herself to the test as to whether she actually can work from anywhere and whether she would want to. As you can come to expect from her writing, it’s funny even as it pulls at your heart or explores a life lesson.
Unfortunately for print lovers, this one seems to be only in ebook form. For extra enjoyment, read Molloy’s first novel beforehand.
3. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi’s Thesaurus Series
It’s time for a book on writing craft. The previous suggestions are all about inspiration. This one is about getting words on the pages and making you a better writer.
Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi have constructed lists upon lists of descriptions to help writers when they’re struggling for words. They provide the perfect jumping off point to help you come up with your own, original sensory descriptions and fill gaps when you’ve run out of words. They also help beginner writers to actually include the topics of the books – like emotion in The Emotional Thesaurus, positive character traits in The Positive Trait Thesaurus (which, of course, means there’s also The Negative Trait Thesaurus), or settings in The Urban Setting Thesaurus and The Rural Setting Thesaurus.
These books are great desk companions and are best matched with sticky notes and highlighters.
So there they are, my top three recommendations. Of course, you also can’t go wrong with something you or your writer loves to read (i.e. Romance writers love reading romance books. I hear Love Elimination is a great read!😉).
Whatever you choose, I hope your Christmas stocking is lined with books this year. Merry Christmas!