Unique Gift Ideas for the Writer in Your Life

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 6 Comments

Finding the perfect gift for the writer in your life can be as complex… annoying. I say this as a writer. It is very common that someone doesn’t know what to get me so I somehow end up with a tower of empty journals and an overflowing desk cup filled with new pens. I understand, it can be annoying to buy for us and sometimes one doesn’t know where to start when getting something thoughtful for the word-weaver in their family or friend group. Writers are often particular about their tools and tastes, but there’s a world of thoughtful, creative gifts beyond the basics that will make them feel truly understood. Here’s a guide to inspire your holiday shopping for the wordsmith you adore.

The Basics (But Make Them Fancy)

Pens:
Writers love pens, but gifting them a luxury pen—like a Lamy fountain pen or a weighted rollerball—can elevate their note-taking experience. Bonus points if you include a refill set in their favorite ink color!
Journals:
A writer can never have too many journals. Opt for a unique twist, such as leather-bound notebooks, journals with prompts, or eco-friendly options made from recycled materials.
Books on Writing:
Classics like On Writing by Stephen King or The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron are staples, but consider books on niche writing topics or even beautiful annotated versions of their favorite novels.

Step It Up: Gifts That Show You Truly Get Them

Subscription Boxes for Writers:
There are subscription services like Scribbler or The Writer’s Box that deliver curated goodies, writing prompts, and insider tips from published authors every month.
Customized Writer’s Toolkit:
Assemble a personalized kit with items like sticky notes, page flags, highlighters, and correction tape. Include a pouch or box engraved with their name or a quote about writing.
Noise-Canceling Headphones or White Noise Machine:
Whether they thrive in silence or need the soothing sound of rain, a tool to manage their audio environment can be invaluable for focused writing sessions.
Specialty Coffee or Tea:
Many writers are fueled by caffeine. Look for unique blends or quirky mugs (a typewriter-themed one, perhaps?). Add in a high-quality milk frother for the latte-loving wordsmith.
Bookends or Shelf Accents:
Help them organize their beloved writing books or display their work-in-progress stack with quirky bookends shaped like typewriters, quills, or punctuation marks.

Truly Unique Ideas for the Writer Who Has It All

Custom-Made Book Cover Art:
Writers with published or soon-to-be-published works will swoon over framed custom cover art of their book or even a faux cover design for their work-in-progress.
A Writing Retreat Voucher:
Gifting a weekend at a cozy cabin or a spot in a writing retreat program can give them the solitude and inspiration they need.
Quirky Desk Accessories:
Think vintage typewriter-inspired keyboards, literary-themed calendars, or even a tiny desktop hourglass to time writing sprints.
Personalized Word Necklace or Bracelet:
Have their favorite word, their own name, or the title of their book engraved on a piece of jewelry.
A Masterclass Subscription:
Access to workshops by renowned authors like Neil Gaiman or Margaret Atwood can be an incredible resource and a dream come true for many writers.
Unique Inspiration Tools:
Try something like the Rory’s Story Cubes or a deck of writing prompt cards to help spark creativity.
Gift a Domain Name:
If they don’t already have one, buying them a domain for their writing blog or portfolio is an incredibly thoughtful and practical gift.
Customized Wax Seal Kit:
For writers who enjoy a touch of old-world charm, a wax seal kit with their initials or a literary-themed emblem adds a personal touch to letters or notes.

Stocking Stuffers for the Literary-Minded

Literary-themed socks, tote bags, or pins
Magnetic poetry kits
Tiny pocket dictionaries or thesauruses
Bookplates with their name on them
Candles inspired by books or writing (like “Library” or “Freshly Sharpened Pencils” scents)

Of course, these gifts and their usefulness will vary from person to person. However, I think this list is a great starting point or sparking inspiration for that special writer in your life. Whether they’re a poet, novelist, or someone just discovering their voice, there’s something here for every writer to inspire them and remind them that their craft is worth celebrating.

What’s the most creative gift you’ve ever given (or received) as a writer? Let me know in the comments!

The Art of Letting Go: When It’s Time to Move On from a Story Idea

November 28, 2024November 28, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

As writers, we probably like to think of our ideas as precious gems, sparkling with potential and promise. But what happens when those gems start to feel like rocks weighing us down? Moving on from a story idea can feel like a betrayal. It can feel like we’re giving up on something that might have been great if only we’d tried harder. But, sadly, sometimes, letting go is the most freeing, productive decision we can make.

Recognizing When a Story Isn’t Serving You

Every writer knows the thrill of starting something new. It’s like falling in love—the endless possibilities, the bursts of creativity, the “this is going to be amazing” energy. But over time, that spark can dim.

Here are a few signs your story idea might not be serving you anymore:

You’re Avoiding It: If you constantly find excuses to work on anything but your story, it’s worth asking why. Is it fear of failure, or are you genuinely uninterested? I will say the difficulty of this step comes from knowing the difference between writer’s block, intense procrastination, or a sign to actually quit.
It Feels Like a Chore: Writing isn’t always fun, but it should bring some sense of purpose or joy. If working on your story feels like dragging yourself through quicksand, it may no longer align with your creative goals. Unfortunately, I reached this point editing down my second draft of my YA novel that was once so dear to me in high school. It no longer felt inspired and became just another task to chug through.
The Idea No Longer Resonates: Maybe it felt groundbreaking when you first thought of it, but now you find yourself bored or disconnected from the concept. That’s okay—people grow, and so do creative tastes. Maybe you’re no longer writing the type of book you would read? Maybe it’s time to expand to something different (maybe even a different genre??).
You’re Forcing It to Fit: If you’ve twisted your story idea so many times it feels unrecognizable, it might not be the right project for you at this moment. This also might be a sign that you’ve lost focus and you don’t know what you’re going for with this idea.

The Emotional Weight of Letting Go

For years, I told myself I’d go back to that first draft of a novel I finished in high school. It sat on my computer like a ghost of a dream—haunting me with the promise of what could have been. But every time I opened the document, I felt dread, not inspiration. The characters no longer felt like mine. The plot felt shallow. Worst of all, working on it felt like an obligation, not a passion.

I clung to it for far too long because I thought letting go meant failure. It took me years to realize that setting it aside wasn’t a sign of giving up—it was a step toward making space for stories I actually wanted to tell.

Gracefully Setting a Project Aside

Letting go doesn’t have to be dramatic or final. You don’t need to delete files or burn notebooks (unless you want to; dramatic gestures are valid). Here’s how to set a project aside with intention:

Acknowledge Its Place in Your Journey: Every story idea, no matter how unfinished, has taught you something. Reflect on what this project gave you—new skills, insight, or even just a fun creative spark when you needed it.
Give Yourself Permission: It’s okay to say, “This isn’t for me right now.” Writing is a personal journey, and it’s better to move on than to force yourself into creative misery.
File It Away: You don’t have to toss the idea forever. Save your notes, drafts, and outlines. You might come back to it someday with fresh eyes—or never at all, and that’s fine too. Again, speaking from experience, I deleted way too many old drafts out of shame and now wish I had them on hand. I’d love to see how far I’ve come.
Celebrate the Space You’ve Made: By letting go, you’re freeing yourself for new, exciting projects that align with who you are now, not who you were when the idea first came to you. The possibilities are endless!

Moving Forward

Writing is an ever-evolving process. Just because an idea didn’t work out doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer or that you wasted time. It means you’re growing.

So if you’ve been holding onto a story that feels more like a burden than a joy, ask yourself: Is this serving me? If the answer is no, it might be time to let go. And when you do, know that you’re not giving up—you’re moving forward.

What about you? Have you ever had to let go of a story idea? What did that process look like for you? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Take care friends & Happy Thanksgiving!

Why I Write

January 28, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 7 Comments

For school, I was tasked for reading a great many number of essays on a singular topic: “Why I Write”. These readings included “Why I Write” by George Orwell, “Why I Write” by Joan Didion, “Why I Write” by Terry Williams, “Why Write” by Paul Austers, “Why I Write” by Reginald Shepherd. Turns out, writers are very concerned about tackling this question and rightly so. Burn-out is a common term used in writing spaces and for good reason. It besets you quickly when you least expect it. Why? Who knows, the answer is rarely the same from person to person. Then there is the whole conundrum of “how so I get out of this head space?”. Turns out, defining your motivations and why you do this whole writing schtick is one good way to get out of this swirling mental blackhole. And so, I created my own “Why I Write” constitution/statement of my own. While this was indeed a school assignment, I still would love to share it. This exercise was unexpectedly cathartic and I definitely recommend you give it a shot if you ever find yourself in a flurry of self doubt and find yourself asking, “Why am I doing this again?”.

I’ve included the video version (created by yours truly) and the essay itself in case you don’t feel like watching my mini-movie filmed on a my old-as-dirt ipad (edited with imovie of course). I won’t be (that) offended, I promise.

The Video:

The Essay:

Why I Write

By Brooke Freeman

I write for a great many number of reasons as do most people I think. Strangely enough, I made a list back in middle school of this very thing. At the tender age of 12, I found that sometimes I didn’t want to work on my story. And so, I made a master list of writing motivation. I dug it up for this question and have been pleasantly surprised that the reasons still very much ring true.

I’m going to share this list with you now in its true form, complete with the starry 2014 bulleted points I had copy-and-pasted from the internet because I could never figure out how to make special characters myself. I will also elaborate on how each reason is true to me to this very day. It’s nice to know that, if anything, I’m consistent.

★ The feeling of reaching that plot twist

As a kid, I posted to a lot of kid targeted writing chat boards. These boards have long since shut down but in this little internet space, I found an audience. Other kids, like me, who loved writing and loved reading. From early on, I found the joy of writing something unexpected and the reaction of those who read it. Even now, this is a process I still find myself taking joy in. Really it’s the community created in such moments that I find myself coming back to.

★Getting to write that scene.

The scene that pictured in all it’s glory. Perhaps the very scene that got me writing the story in the first place to write up to. My chance to drop that one-liner that my young self thought was oh-so-clever. And yet I still do this now. A dynamic captures my fancy. A scene springs to life vividly in my head and I need to write it. And then I build the world around it.

★Improving your writing ability

Improvement is a strange thing. I never felt like I was improving until I figured out that it often takes the form of reading one’s past work and cringing. This is something that is even more accurate now that I’m in college as I find myself cringing a lot at whatever work I pumped out in high school. And yet I don’t hate it. You don’t hate a time capsule because it’s old and outdated. You marvel at it and all the trinkets inside. And then you think about how much has changed, most of it for the better.

★Making your thoughts more cohesive.

That feeling of seeing a project come together is unmatched. I tasted it as a middle-schooler and thought “wow, that’s pretty neat to see how it ties together”. But as life has gotten messier and my thoughts and brain even more so, I think this reason has become more and more prevalent for me.

★Holding your published book in your hands.

I want to hold my words in printed form. Not that that gives them any more importance, but I am drawn to the physical space that words can take up when they’re printed. They’re beautiful as well as accessible.

★The aesthetic of the writing life is impeccable. Drink some tea, type away on a rainy day- indulge in it.

Pompous and shallow as it may sound, writing feels important while you’re doing it. It feels whimsical and sometimes even mysterious. It’s easy to romanticize. Not that you should believe yourself any better than those around you but there should be a certain amount of joy you should take in your writing work. I write because I love doing it. I indulge in it.

★Hearing from other people who have been touched by your work.

And here we are back at community. It has been a big driving force for me as I continue onward on my writing journey. From 12 years old to present, I loved the connection I got from my work. I had no promise back then that my writing would make it big or make an enormous, uncompromising difference. But maybe it did to a fellow 12-year-old browsing a writing message board. It did for me after all.

But I don’t think it’s sufficient to leave it here. Yes, these reasons are still accurate but they are no longer the full extent as to why I write. I think it would be an indicator of lack of growth within the last 10 years to no add to this list by quite a margin.

I am finding in my 20’s that I write because I love. I can end the sentence there as cliché as I’m sure it sounds. But I won’t.

I write because I love so many things. I love peeling oranges on my front apartment steps. Write because I love petting cats that never belong to me but begrudgingly accepts my affection. I love rain, birds, cathedrals, breakfast, coffee, stars, journals that are empty, journals that are filled, cattle on grass, autumn, pancakes, skeletons, tacos, photos, brown eyes, blue eyes, my mother, my sisters, my brother, and my father. I write because I love.

And finally, I write because God has been kind enough (or cruel enough), to put words in inside of me. Then he allowed me to be fed on a steady diet of books. All kinds of books too. Apologia Science textbooks, The Magic Treehouse books, Narnia, Little house on the prairie, Nacy Drew, The Magic Thief, Lord of the Rings, Calvin and Hobbes just to name a few really important ones. I was fed until I was swollen with words and ideas. Then I was handed a pen and paper-or should I say a laptop with a slow internet connection, a pinball game, and a writing program. Then later a typewriter marked down to $50 at a thrift store. Then an actual laptop. Now it’s a Journal. Paper cradled in Leather.

I write because I am overwhelmed by everything it feels like. Some mornings I feel it more deeply than others. And when I do, I crack open my journal or open up my delipidated laptop. And then I write.

Playlists I’ve been playing on Loop

January 21, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 1 Comment

Music has the remarkable ability to set the mood for any creative endeavor. Whether you’re crafting an intense action scene or a poignant love letter, the right musical backdrop can transport you to the emotional landscape you wish to convey. The beat, rhythm, and melody become the heartbeat of your writing, infusing it with the desired atmosphere.

But I’m sure you already know that. My core audience is writers and we love a good backdrop to day dream to. So, I thought it would be fun to share writing playlists that I’ve been playing on repeat because they provide the perfect atmosphere for whatever I’m working on.

This Gremlincore playlist sets a sort of carefree and quirky vibe. I sometimes just put it on when I’m cooking- I don’t have to be writing. It feels like walking through a forest. I feels like catching lightning bugs. It feels like- I need to be paying more attention to whatever I’m doing. I’ve only gotten three words into my story and I’m already distracted by the immaculate atmosphere this playlist creates.

However, one little side note, if you don’t listen to anything else on this playlist, please check out the “Tardigrade Song” by cosmo sheldrake. It is an immaculate work of scientifically accurate art.

Yeaaaah, it’s no secret I’m a very distracted writer these days. But guess what! Music can help with that too! For many writers, creating a zone of focus is crucial if you’re going to get anything done. Music that is instrumental or ambient genres can act as a sort of shield against the distractions that my brain can conjure up. The rhythmic patterns and soothing melodies serve as a buffer, helping me to immerse myself in their work and maintain a steady flow of ideas. Or at least that’s the hope. This playlist particularly has helped me get quite a few writing assignments done as of late so maybe check it out.

Creating the perfect ambiance for writing involves a delicate balance of sounds that can transport you to a mental space conducive to creativity. Ambient noises and curated playlists can play a pivotal role in setting the tone for your writing environment. The subtle hum of raindrops, the distant chirping of birds, or the calming rustle of leaves—these ambient sounds can transform your workspace into a haven for inspiration…..

….. orrrrrr maybe you just wanna feel like a weary traveler trying to furiously write in a rambunctious tavern. When it comes to ambient noises, I tend to go for fantasy settings especially. I just want to feel like something is going on around me and ambient noises greatly help with this craving. I think it may be a partial side effect of living in a house with siblings growing up and having to get some writing or project done nonetheless.

Don’t mind me living out my Barbie’s 12 Dancing Princesses fantasy over here. This playlist is PERFECT for that or perhaps to be the backdrop of any regency/royal story you’re writing. It’s whimsical, magical, dreamlike- all the good things. Check it out if you’re delusional like me and am still living out that princess fantasy.

Aaaaand I think that just about does it! And now I shall attempt to wrap up this silly little sunday blog post of mine!

Ahem!

The joy of crafting creativity lies not only in the words we put on paper but also in the environment we cultivate. The subtle interplay between ambient noises and curated playlists enhances the writing experience, making it more enjoyable AND immersive. Remember, it’s about the journey NOT the destination. (or some drivel like that. Insert dramatic pause here so you have time to let that profound knowledge sink in).

So, the next time you embark on a writing adventure, consider the mood you desire to set. Whether you choose the gentle whispers of nature, that chatter of a tavern, or the curated tunes of a carefully crafted playlist, I hope the playlists I have shared can be a part of your fun little writing sessions. Happy writing!

Aesthete Blogging Award: My first award!!

January 5, 2022January 6, 2022 ~ Brooke F. ~ 13 Comments

Hello, everyone! Hope you are doing well this fine morning (or whatever time you happen to be reading this)! I have joyous news! I have been tagged for my first award! It is known as the Aesthete Blogging Award which is described best by the creator, Asmita.

“This award is to honor every creative person, irrespective of their number of followers and views. Because, as long as you create, that is all that matters. This award is for those bloggers who put an insane amount of thought in each of their posts and for those who spread creativity like wildfire! Just wow!”

Many thanks to Devangi over at Just Penning Down My Thoughts for tagging me! Go check out her blog and send her some love and support as she has some real interesting stuff over there that may interest you readers!

So, without further ado, onto the tag!

The Rules:

Use the official logo/graphic of the award and display it on your blog.
List the rules.
Show some love to the one who nominated you!
Mention the creator (Asmita@ the Fictional Journal) and link it back to the original post.
Tell me a something about this world that you admire.
What is your favourite form of creativity?
Nominate 7 lovely people and notify them by commenting on their posts; spread some love!
Ask your nominees 4 questions.
Share something you created. (can be anything!)
And lastly, just so you know: I LOVE YOUR CREATIONS!

What I Admire about this World

As a sort of cynic, I think I sometimes spend too much time looking at the flaws of the world so I think this is a lovely question to ponder. I really do love the kindness and gentleness you can find in the little corners of this planet where you least expect it. Despite this world feeling difficult and torn apart in so many ways, don’t let that make you believe that there isn’t some good to be find. There are still good people. There are still honest people. There are still kind people.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides that of evil.”

Oh, did I sneak another Tolkien quote into one of my posts? Hmm, well, anyways-

What my favorite form of Creativity is

100% writing. Although I love to draw, paint, and play guitar every now and then, I think writing reigns supreme in my mental list of favorite creative forms. I love the images we can paint with words and the various themes and ideas we can convey through little symbols strung together in a specific order. It is a very fascinating concept.

Devangi’s Questions

What incredibly strong opinion do you have that is completely unimportant in the grand scheme of things?

That sweet tea isn’t that great and that you can be pretty southern and still hate the stuff. I’ve lived in the Southern part of the US my entire life and I have never understood what people like about it?? It’s just sort of gross and has a very tangy taste.

What’s on your bucket list this year?

Quite a few things are on the bucket list for this year, but I one of them is to see the Ocean for the first time in my life. I’ve somehow made it to my twenties and have never walked on a beach before. This fact has made me quite sad but this year I have had an opportunity that will result in me finally laying eyes on the Ocean.

What’s the last book/activity you gave up on and stopped reading/doing? Why?

I could not finish the Star Wars Solo movie. I am a big Star Wars fan having grown up in a house hold where we watched the originals on a pretty regular basis. I have a fond memory of The Prequels even though they’re pretty corny. I am, however, not that big of a fan of the Disney releases with the exception of Rogue One and the shows that are coming out on Disney+.

I wanted to like Solo, but no one beats Harrison Ford’s portrayal, not to mention after Han and Chewbacca meet, there felt to be very little reason to keep watching. I got less than half way through before realizing I really didn’t care or could predict what would happen next. I hypothesized that the girl would die because she wasn’t in the following movies and we all know that Han ends up with his ship and he and Chewie go on to be smugglers. There aren’t really many stakes because you kind of know what’s already going to happen if you’ve seen all the other releases up to this point in the franchise.

Wow. That was a long, drawn out mini movie review. Kind of had a geek moment there for a second, sorry.

What was the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Any compliments concerning my writing or skill that I’ve worked to hone. Those tend to stick with me because it feels to gratifying to be recognized for something you love but also work hard at.