We read everywhere about what to give a writer as a holiday gift. But let’s turn that idea on its head and envision what a writer could give others as a gift . . . and still underline the fact they are a writer. If you have the gift of words, find the innovation to give them such that they are long remembered.

1) Give a book that made a difference in your life. Include a note as to why. Give it thought. Make it a few dozen words, not just a line.

2) Give a set of your books for your friend to donate to the library. A set beats a lone book. And you don’t donate it….let them do it. Include something additional in the package that they can keep as a gift of their own.

3) Offer to write or edit something they made need in the coming year. A letter to the newspaper. A poem to a loved one. A resume. An obituary.

4) If they have such connections or need, offer to present, tutor, or teach about writing without compensation.

5) Give any gift and instead of just a name tag, write a flash story or poem to go with the TO and FROM.

6) If you have an upcoming event, or an author is coming to town, give your friend or loved one a free ticket and maybe a meal out afterwards. Anything you can add to make the evening special.

7) Give them a Book of the Month subscription. www.bookofthemonth.com

8) Write the lyrics for a song and have it finalized via Songfinch.com

9) Go to Etsy.com and search CUSTOM POEM or CUSTOM WORDS to have your writing presented on a canvas print, on wood, via calligraphy, with art, with pressed plants.

10) Go to Spoonflower.com and have your words made onto fabric, wallpaper or an assortment of home decor items.

11) And if you want to think ahead, keep a journal throughout the year about your relationship, friendship, travels, or just philosophies. It could be written no more than monthly, if you like. Then gift it a year from now. I have done this, and it is a super special gift that is long remembered.

Giving a lone book of yours is just too easy. It carries no real meaning. It gives the sense you grabbed a free book from your closet and threw it in a gift bag to avoid thinking too hard about what to buy. These ideas can make a difference, show you have a heart as well as a brain, and you’ll leave a lasting impression. Don’t just use your words to make a dollar. Use them to impact people, showing your love by using that very special part of you that means so much to you. Now that’s how you make a connection.

–C. Hope Clark is author of three mystery series, predominantly the award-winning Edisto Island Mysteries. She is also founder of FundsforWriters.com, a resource for writers, reaching 29,000 readers each week with her newsletters. She has counseled writers the world over and often appears at conferences, libraries, and other venues across the US. www.chopeclark.com