Left Bank Writers Retreat in Paris Announces 10 Best Holiday Gifts for Writers

“We’re calling this a holiday gift list to coincide with the time of year – and the great opportunity for a discount on Left Bank Writers Retreat registration through Dec. 31, 2017 –,” says Left Bank Writers Retreat founder and host Darla Worden, “but really all of these ideas would be equally good for writers’ birthdays or any other holiday.” Here’s our list:

#1 – Timbuk2 Le Tour French Bandeau Messenger Bag

Thanks to BusinessInsider.com for suggesting this messenger bag from Timbuk2 inspired by the 2015 Tour de France. The blue, white and red color blocking reference the French flag and the inside features a zippered organizer, water bottle pocket and, mais bien sûr, an easy-access Napoleon pocket. From Backcountry.com, $52 (original price $130).

#2 – The Letters of Ernest Hemingway, 1929-1931, edited by Sandra Spanier and Miriam Mandel

Just released in November 2017, Vol. 4 in the Hemingway Letters Project brings to print Ernest Hemingway’s letters from April 1929 – 1931. The Hemingway Letters Project is a comprehensive scholarly edition of the author’s some 6,000 letters, approximately 85 percent of them never before published. The project launched in 2011 and is expected to encompass 17 volumes by completion. From Amazon.com, $33.12 (list price $45).

#3 – Write Drunk, Edit Sober Hemingway Quote Coffee Mug

Sturdy made-to-order ceramic mug shares a writing tip from the master with your cup of morning Joe. From Willow & Olive, $16.99.

#4 – Cogliano Leatherworks Full Grain Leather Desk Pad

The hand stitching and copper rivets on this full-grain leather desk pad channel Papa’s rugged style, adding swagger to your desk time. Choose your preferred leather, thread color and other detailing on this custom-made piece. From Etsy.com shop Cogliano Leatherworks, starts from $139.

#5 – uni-ball 207 Gel Impact Retractable Pen

Left Bank Writers Retreat’s Darla Worden, currently at work on a book about Hemingway’s Paris days, swears by this retractable gel pen for its sleek looks, great price, bold line and comfortable smooth feel when writing by hand. From Office Depot, $10.29 for a pack of 4.

#6 – Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPhee

If you can’t attend the Left Bank Writers Retreat, John McPhee’s new book on writing long-form non-fiction is a good place to start for instruction and inspiration, says Worden. Named the Amazon Best Book of September 2017, Draft No. 4 is being hailed as a master class on the writer’s craft. From Amazon.com, $13.64 (list price $25).

#7 – Ergodriven Spark “Start Standing Now” Standing Desk

The New York Times’ product review website Wirecutter named this cardboard converter its Budget Pick, calling it “a surprisingly stable workstation” that’s perfect for beginners who want to eschew the sedentary writer’s life in favor of the health benefits of standing. From Amazon.com, $25.

#8 – Moleskine Notebook

Lifehacker.com polled readers on their favorite notebook for jotting creative thoughts on the go. The winner with 60% of the vote was Moleskine, which has a cult-like following and makes a variety of sizes, colors and types to suit every writing situation. Target carries a broad selection, starting from $5.95.

#9 – Apple iPad Pro

Add a keyboard and the new iPad Pro is a go-anywhere do-anything device with more power than most laptops. From Apple, starting from $649 for a 10.5-inch display.

#10 – Left Bank Writers Retreat in Paris

Former Left Bank Writers Retreat attendee Kevin Craig was so inspired by his six days in Paris – writing in the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, touring Hemingway’s haunts and sharing the experience with a small group of dedicated peers – that he penned a blog post on why the joint writing workshop and literary tourism adventure is the perfect gift for the writer on your list – or yourself! From Left Bank Writers Retreat, $1,995 ($200 discount for registration before Dec. 31, 2017).