Is it really almost Christmas?! This year seems to have flown by, despite containing some of what seemed like the longest of locked down days! But here we are at the end of this strange and challenging year and although there is still plenty of uncertainty, we hope you’ll be looking forward to a restful festive period. As is tradition, here we are with our Festive Gift Guide, which will hopefully give you some great ideas for the writer in your life, or to jot down on your own Christmas list. This year has been difficult for many and though we hope these suggestions might bring you some festive cheer, we were keen to keep things budget friendly this time round and so everything in the list is £20 or less!
This post contains affiliate links on some of the listings, which means every time you buy something using these links, you’re helping to support our work at no extra cost to you!
1. London Playwrights’ Workshop Membership
Here’s a gift that really does keep on giving! For the writer who has everything, why not treat them to a 6 month membership to London Playwrights’ Workshop and give them access to a year of inspiration, support and writing resources – whilst also doing a good deed by supporting our work? A 6 month membership costs just £20 and to purchase it, just send us an email to contact@londonplaywrights.org with the name and email address of the person you’d like to buy for. We’ll then send you a secure link to make the payment along with their subscription details which you can print off and pop inside a Christmas card!
2. Playwriting: Structure, Character, How and What to Write by Stephen Jeffreys
This hit from last year’s gift guide has become something of a stalwart for the playwright’s book shelf. Packed with inspiration and practical advice from the late Stephen Jeffreys, whose famous writing workshops spanned over two decades, it’s a book that will be read again and again .You can get your ha it via our lovely new Bookshop storefront and help to support independent booksellers at the same time! £15.89
3. Theatre Donation
For a true gift with a heart, why not consider donating to to a theatre on behalf of the writer in your life? Check out the website of their favourite local theatre to find out how to donate, or have a look at this list on Official London Theatre. What better gift than to help keep theatre alive during these difficult times for the Arts?
4. To- Do List Book
Productivity is always a challenge for writers and amidst the day-jobs, chores, and general chaos of daily life, writing can often make its way to the bottom of the pile. That’s where the art of making to-do lists comes in! Breaking things down into small manageable tasks can really help you to keep on top of things – plus there is nothing more satisfying than ticking off things once you’ve completed them! This one is just £5.50!
5. Into the Woods by John Yorke
If there is only one book a writer needs in order to get to grips with structure, we’d argue it’s this one. Bold statement, yes – but this easy to follow, enjoyable, and accessible book will change the way you look at structure forever. Grab it for yourself or as a really valuable gift for another writer! £9.29
6. £2 Playtexts from Bush Theatre
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift at a bargain price, head over to the Bush Theatre’s online shop. They have a selection of play texts on offer for as little as £2. You can also purchase gift vouchers for The Bush which can be sent via email – a great way to support the Bush whilst giving someone a super special (and very low effort!) gift.
7. A place on a LPW Online Workshop
We’ve got a full programme of online workshops kicking off in January 2021 and places cost as little as £8. From Writing for Audio to producing your own work to writing amazing dialogue – there really is something for everyone (beginners welcome!). All workshops are delivered via Zoom and are friendly, relaxed, and accessible. If you want to book a place as a gift for someone else, just let us know in the comments section on the booking form. Find out more about what we have on offer here.