20 Gifts For Writers, Holiday 2015 Edition

For the past couple years I’ve picked out a plethora of fun  holiday gift ideas for your favorite writer and bibliophile (in other words, for YOU). This year I’ve asked some kidlit elves  to assist  with the merry-making. Let the wish list commence! (Thanks to author-cartoonist  Steve Barr for the graphic!)   THE STORYTELLING ANIMAL by Jonathan Gottschall picked by Mark Ury, CEO and Cofounder of Storybird Mark: “Why do we feel the need to create stories? Possibly because weâ€"and everything around usâ€"are made of stories, something Gottschall points out in this slim but evocative book. Storytelling is the fabric of the mind and, as writers, it’s refreshing to remember that telling tales keeps us wholeâ€"and stops us from unraveling.” Purchase Link via  Indiebound   BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert picked by author-illustrator Arree Chung Arree: “If you’re like me, you have a love-hate relationship with your creativity. You love words, art, stories and design. You are curious and have creative ideas that you want to bring to life. It’s exciting. But you also hate your creativity at times. You feel stuck, dread having to start over or may not be happy with your level of success. At these times, your curiosity can feel more like a curse than a blessing. “Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” is a refreshing perspective on how to think about and cultivate creativity. She discusses the idea that ideas are entitiesâ€"needing a partner to work with to be borne. Elizabeth addresses the challenges of living a creative life and offers insightful approaches to get the most of your creativity.” Purchase Link via  Indiebound   DOODLING FOR BOOKWORMS by Gemma Correll picked by Tara Tara: “Doodling is the perfect  exercise for getting the creative mojo flowing, even if you can’t draw well. There’s something about the freedom of the doodleâ€"the “no rules here” attitudeâ€"that lets your mind explore absurd and absorbing possibilities.” Purchase link via The Literary Gift Company   THE DODO CASE picked by author-illustrator Elizabeth Rose Stanton Elizabeth: “I was first introduced to The Dodo Case  by my talented author/illustrator pal and critique group (The Whatsits) buddy, Ben Clanton. I thought Ben had a little book in his hand, but it was his iPhone!  Up until I saw these, I never bothered with a case. I fell in love with them. They turn your iPhone into a little book! What could be better?  Now when we have our crit group meetings, Ben and I have to be careful not to mix up our phones! The cases  are handmade in San Francisco.” Purchase link via  DodoCase.com   TRUGLIDE DUO STYLUS/FELT TIP PEN picked by author-illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton Vanessa: “Hello PiBo Peeps, it’s holiday time again and you’re running around like the holiday turkey with it’s head cut off trying to find the perfect gift for the illustrator/artist person in your life!  Well with all the wonderful things out to get them like super-duper expensive watercolor paper, or the awesome Cintque that will set you back about 2k or more, why not get them something that they will love and use and that will keep you out of the poor house. Like this awesome TruGlide Microfiber Tip 2-in-1 combo for the new iPad, iPad Mini and iPhone. This thing is awesome!!! I love it. Has really nice control and precision. Easy to carry and at a smart price too. Under  $35!  How about that? They will love you for it! Available at