As writers, we have the opportunity to give gifts that can't be bought. Here are a few ideas for unique gifts we writers can give:
- A poem--Write a poem to someone you love and/or appreciate. A family member, a friend, or a teacher. Make it funny, make it inspirational, or make it short and sweet. I've done this a few times for my hubby--for Christmas and Father's Day--and he loved it.
- A hand written note--These days it's all about emails, and we've lost the art of the hand-written note. There's still something lovely about writing in script on pretty stationery. I plan to jot down short notes for each of my sons about what makes them special.
- Character name--Name a character after someone you know. If they have a great sense of humor, and wouldn't mind, you could even make them the villain. Or the sidekick. Imagine them reading your story, knowing Uncle Harold was named after them. (Btw, my late Uncle Harold had a 2-quarter plumber's crack and played Boogie Woogie on the piano like nobody's business. Seriously.)
- Character traits--Does a friend or family member have unique traits? Got a grouchy uncle who knits blankies? A friend who only washes her hair on Mondays? Use it! Heck, you can even create a cross blend of quirky character traits. The cousin who always smells their food before eating will get a kick out of reading about it.
- Record history--Know an elderly person who would like to record their personal history? Writers can experience the joy of preserving history for an aging friend or family member. Imagine the amazing stories they'd have to tell.
- Pay attention--The best gift of all may be our time. We can set the laptop or notebook down and be in the moment. Sure, we can think about character or scene details, but when it comes down to it, the people we love want to know they matter most.
These are just a few ideas. Can you think of other ways writers can give unique gifts?
And if you've given a character the name or traits of someone you know, did you tell them? What did they think?
Great tips, Julie. I wrote a poem once for my daughter's Sunday school teacher, spelling out the word "teacher." She happened to also teach middle school and told me that the poem was life-changing for her, because she had been thinking about changing careers. But the poem reminded her of why she became a teacher in the first place, and she changed her mind. So you never know...
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, WOW! What an impact you had! That's an amazing story, Linda.
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DeleteActually, when Cassie asked if a certain character had a name in my last manuscript, I decided to name her after my critique partner.
ReplyDeleteAw, Alex, what a neat tribute!
DeleteThis is wonderful, such great ideas! The last one is so important, and often easily overlooked.
ReplyDeleteHeather, so true. Family and friends deserve our attention!
DeleteGreat ideas! :) Whenever I get bored in school, I love writing my friends ridiculous poems or stories. Maybe I'll have to make a huge compilation for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMadeline, those poems and stories are keepsakes!
DeleteGreat ideas! Some years ago, I wrote a personal letter to each of my grown children as one of their Christmas gifts, and they all got teary-eyed. So, yes, a letter can be a very special gift.
ReplyDeleteSusan, that is amazing. I'll bet they all still have those letters, too.
DeleteI love these fantastic ideas. I love to write hand written letters to my daughters for the holidays. A special gift.
ReplyDeleteKarlene, that's so special! I'm sure they look forward to those letters each year :)
DeleteGreat ideas!!
ReplyDeleteSuch creative ideas. Well done. As a parent gift in my classroom, I have the kids write a letter to their parents about a favorite Christmas memory.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent who receives such special gifts from the kids, I'm so glad teachers like you have the kids do that. THANK YOU!
DeleteLovely post, Julie! When my son was being kept in at recess to finish work I left him a poem telling him to write faster or no more recess till he's eight. Didn't work lol.
ReplyDeleteHA! That's so funny!
DeleteLovely post, Julie! When my son was being kept in at recess to finish work I left him a poem telling him to write faster or no more recess till he's eight. Didn't work lol.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I've never even considered that! I mean I've written poems as gifts and have had great results by making others happy, but I never thought of the character thing...
ReplyDeleteLove, Love, LOVE. I'm *such* a fan of handwritten notes... I'm also a fan of mailing notes old school style, LOL... it's a lost art, and one that brings magic, I think. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this list! All great ideas. But of course I like #6 best of all.
ReplyDelete