Gift Ideas for Writers

Teachers are superheroes. Every day they work to captivate young minds and expand them with new knowledge. English teachers are especially heroic, as they need to make students care about grammar and reading books many kids and teens think of as “boring.” After a year of hard work, your English teacher deserves a nice gift as a thank you for all their hard work. While there are plenty of lame gift ideas out there for teachers, our suggestions are actually fun and original. These gifts for English teachers are also great for reading & creative writing teachers, as well as other literary-focused professors. They’re perfect to give as Christmas gifts, for Teacher Appreciation Day, or as an end of term thank you gift.

Gifts for English Teachers

Cool Story Poe Mug

For that English teacher who can’t get enough of “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” This mug says “Cool Story Poe” with an illustration of Edgar Allan Poe. This 15 oz. ceramic mug is dishwasher safe and totally punny. Include some of your teacher’s favorite coffee or tea to create a gift bag they’ll really appreciate.

Check out more Edgar Allan Poe Gifts.

Clip-on Desk Cupholder

Many teachers fear the possibility of spilling their coffee or soda on a stack of papers or their favorite books. With this cup holder, they don’t have to worry anymore. This plastic cupholder clamps on the side of the desk, securely holding glasses and cups up to 24 ozs. It’s portable as well, perfect for teachers who switch classrooms all day.

Personalized English Teacher Name Sign

Teachers love to decorate their classrooms and they’ll enjoy adding this personalized sign to their desk. This fully customizable name sign features their name on top of an open book. Pick the font, the color, and add your teacher’s name. This is a great gift for a new teacher.

Anguished English

The book Anguished English was compiled by Richard Lederer, an English teacher who found himself collecting various spelling and writing blunders from his own students. He put them together with other gaffs and bloopers into a variety of categories like “Mixed-up Metaphors” and “Grammar Gaffes.” Any English teacher will find these goof-ups hilarious.

Notebook Paper Necktie

This a classy gift for a classy teacher. The familiar notebook paper they see all day in the classroom has been translated to a subtle tie print. Great for wearing during the day or can be dressed up for special occasions.

These screen printed ties come on a silky microfiber fabric in your choice of 7 shades: white, cream, platinum, champagne, butter, honey, and ivory.

Much Ado About Nothings – Shakespeare Sticky Notes

Sticky notes are super useful for teachers, but plain yellow Post-it notes are boring compared to these Shakespeare themed ones. This nicely packaged gift set comes with large and small stickies notes as well as multi-colored flags perfect for marking their favorite lines in Shakespeare’s plays.

Check out more gifts for Shakespeare fans.

Punctuation Earrings

Most English teachers are pretty nerdy about grammar and punctuation. These earrings are a fun and glamorous way to pay tribute to that love. Handmade by The Hometown Haven, these lovely silver earrings are a mismatched pair with an exclamation mark and a question mark. These earrings are great to wear in the classroom or even cut enough for a night out.

Made from sterling silver, these earrings are 11 mm tall and come with sterling silver backings.

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar

If you want to distract your English teacher from your grammar failings, give them this book and they’ll be amazed by the real world examples inside. Sharon Eliza Nichol’s book collects photos from signs, posters, clothing, and even newspapers and books, with atrocious spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This funny book will amaze any English teacher.

Warning English Teacher Zone Sign

This is a funny gift for English teachers who can’t stop correcting their student’s grammar. In the style of a classic warning sign, it says: “Warning English Teacher Zone. Your Grammar May Be Corrected at Any Time.” This is perfect to hang above their desk or on a classroom door.

Made in the USA. Waterproof.

Scout’s Ham Costume Pin

This gift is one that only literary insiders will get. If your English teacher loves To Kill a Mockingbird, they will appreciate this enamel pin. Designed by ShinyAppleStudio, it features Scout wearing her ham costume, which was made from chicken wire and paper machete in the book.

The pins are handmade and finished in silver.

Composition Notebook Tote Bag

Any English teacher would appreciate this practical gift that’s super fun. This tote bag features the classic black and white print of a composition notebook. Perfect for carrying books or essays home to grade. Made in the USA from 100% cotton.

Great Gatsby Book Locket

This is the perfect gift for English teachers who can’t get enough of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous novel. This book necklace is actually a locket, featuring the cover of The Great Gatsby. The necklace comes on a cute gift card with a quote from the novel.

This charm is available as a bracelet or a necklace with a choice of metal color: gold, silver, bronze, copper, rose gold, or black.

John Steinbeck Candle

If your English teacher got the class through Of Mice and Men or The Grapes of Wrath, then they deserve a nice gift. This candle from Paddywax’s Library Collection is a scent inspired by the great American author John Steinbeck. The scent is smoked birch and amber in a non-toxic soy wax. The candle comes in a glass container with a lovely gift box, ready to give to your favorite teacher.

Grammar Pencils

This is a fun and useful gift for English teachers who feel like they’re always correcting their student’s grammar. This is a set of five pencils, each with their own grammar-related saying:
SHOULD HAVE, NOT SHOULD OF
GRAMMAR GEEK
LOVE THE OXFORD COMMA
ALOT IS NOT A WORD!
I BEFORE E, EXCEPT AFTER C

This affordable gift is a great end of year present or makes a fun stocking stuffer for grammar nerds.

English Teachers Get Lit T-shirt

This is the perfect shirt for any English teacher to wear when they let loose on the weekends or are hanging out on their summer break. It says “English Teachers Get Lit.” And boy do they get lit–especially since their idea of a good time is probably reading a book.

Available in men’s & women’s sizes in black, navy, and dark heather.

While you’re shopping for your favorite teacher, don’t forget to get a gift for your librarian, too.

Want to see fun and creative gifts for writers and book lovers? Try our megalists of gifts for writers and gifts for readers.

Sure, we’re all pretty much using computers to write these days. But every writer can safely admit that there’s a certain nostalgia about typewriters, especially vintage and antique-style typewriters. So if you’re searching for creative and fun gifts for writers, a typewriter-themed gift can definitely fit the bill. We’ve gathered cool & unique gifts as well as some practical gifts that fit the typewriter theme. Check them all out below:

The Coolest Typewriter Gifts for Writers

1. Typewriter Coaster Set

I cannot get over these coasters–they are so cool. This coaster set features four coasters of typewriter keys that fit perfectly in the holder, which looks like an antique typewriter. Great for a writer’s office, library, or just to use around the house. This is a classy gift for writers for Christmas or birthdays.

2. A Vintage Typewriter

I feel like every writer should own at least one good vintage typewriter. They look cool displayed on a shelf, plus they’re super fun to use if you have writer’s block or want to try being creative in a different way. A typewriter can really help you unplug from the internet and focus on writing. While you can search antique shops, thrift stores, and garage sales for old typewriters, you can also buy them on Etsy. Cleaned and serviced by the sellers, they’re available in a variety of colors and styles.

3. USB Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard

This is perfect for the writer who likes the feel of vintage typewriter keys, but still wants to write directly to their computer. This mechanical keyboard features round chrome plated keycaps just like vintage typewriters and they make very satisfying clicks when you type. The slick design looks great on any desk and will delight writers who love typewriters and mechanical keyboards.

4. Typewriter Planter

If the typewriter enthusiast in your life is also obsessed with houseplants, then this is the perfect gift! This beautiful planter in the style of a vintage typewriter. Perfect for displaying succulents and other small plants.

5. Typewriter Sticky Notes

If you’re looking for a small trinket for a gift bag or a stocking stuffer, check out this useful little gift. Sticky notes are so useful for authors to make notes and attach them to their manuscripts. This set comes inside of a vintage typewriter, with the notes popping out like they’ve just been typed. At the top of the post-it, it says “Once upon a time…” Great for any writer’s desk, they’ll find these little sticky notes inspiring and fun.

6. Typewriter Cufflinks

If the writer you’re shopping for is a fashionable guy, then this is the perfect typewriter gift for him. These pewter handmade cufflinks feature vintage typewriters. This classy gift is perfect for special occasions or wearing day-to-day to the office.

7. Typewriter Teapot

If your writer enjoys a good cup of tea while they write, then they’ll really love this unique gift. Carters of Suffolk makes this gorgeous teapot that looks like a vintage typewriter. While it may be better for decoration than day-to-day use (it is fully functional for tea), it looks gorgeous display on a kitchen shelf or even on the bookcase in their office. Include some literary teas and it will be a fantastic gift set.

8. Sweeney Typewriter Patent Print

This is a classy gift for a writer’s office. This framed print is of the patent image from 1941 for the Sweeney typewriter. Since it’s printed when you order, you can choose from five different sizes in 12 different colors to match any decor. This is a great gift for any writer, including journalists and copywriters.

9. Typewriter First Aid Kit

This is the perfect gift to include with a “new” vintage typewriter or for the collector who already has a collection. This Typewriter First Aid Kit includes everything you need for basic care and maintenance of typewriters. It has everything you need to clean a manual typewriter, including cleaning liquids, brushes, cleaning cloths, and a typewriter cleaning guide.

10. Typewriter Keyboard T-Shirt

Now they can wear their love of typewriters loud and proud. This t-shirt features a print of a vintage typewriter keyboard. Handprinted in the USA on a 100% cotton t-shirt, you can choose from 17 different colors and sizes small through 2X-Large.

11. Typewriter Bookmark

Writers are also readers, so a bookmark makes a fantastic gift, especially if you’re giving them some writing books as well. This bookmark features beautiful illustrations ofantique typewriters. This gift makes a great stocking stuffer or just a small motivational gift for your favorite writer.

Check out more awesome bookmarks for readers.

12. Inspirational Rough Drafts Typewriter Sign

This cute sign is a fantastic inspirational gift for anyone who loves typewriters. Carved into birch wood, the sign features a vintage typewriter and the quote, “We’re all rough drafts of the people that we’re still becoming.” This beautiful sign is perfect for a writer’s office and comes in a variety of color options to match any decor.

13. Typewriter Enamel Pin Set

This is a cute little gift for any typewriter fanatic. This enamel pin set features two pins representing things many writers love: a vintage typewriter and a mug of coffee. Perfect for a stocking stuffer or to put in a gift bag.

14. Vintage Typewriter Pouch

This gift is perfect for creative writing students and writers on the go. Handmade from 100% cotton, this pouch is 6.5″ x 11″ and perfect for pencils, pens, and any other writing supplies. Great for writing in a journal or making edits on a manuscript.

15. Typewriters: Iconic Machines from the Golden Age of Mechanical Writing Book

This gift is perfect for typewriter nerds that already collect a ton of vintage typewriters and can’t get enough of these machines. This book about the history of typewriters, from the invention of the QWERTY keyboard to now. Filled with tons of facts and history, this book also has gorgeous photos of vintage typewriters. This book is a historical trip that typewriter fanatics will really enjoy.

16. Typewriter Mug

I love the design on this mug. Handmade by Etsy Shop Mhuglife, this ceramic mug features a cute illustration of a vintage typewriter with the words “Story Teller.” These mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe and come in your choice of size: 11 oz. or 15 oz.

Including some of their favorite tea or coffee to make a gift bag they’ll really appreciate.

17. Typewriter Scarf

This scarf is a practical and fun gift for writers who love typewriters. This gorgeous cotton/silk blend features a colorful illustrated print of vintage typewriters. This lightweight scarf is the perfect accessory for any outfit and perfect for spring weather.

18. Underwood Typewriter Tie

This is a gorgeous gift for the guy (or gal!) in your life who can’t get enough of typewriters. This vegan, silk-like microfabric features a print of a vintage 1934 Underwood manual typewriter. Since these ties are handprinted by Cyberoptix when you order them, you can choose between 18 colors in standard, narrow, and extra-large sizes. This tie is fantastic for special occasions, like celebrating a new book deal.

19. Typewriter Keys Tote Bag

If the writer you’re shopping for often goes to a cafe or a library to do their writing, they’re going to need a great bag to transport all their stuff. This is that bag. This tote bag features a close-up of the keys of a vintage Underwood typewriter.

20. Typewriter Key Bracelet

You may wonder what happens to all those antique typewriters that can’t be repaired. Well, some of them end up recycled into gorgeous jewelry pieces like this bracelet. JustWearThis takes those keys, polishes and cleans them, then turns them into lovely vintage jewelry. This bracelet features 6 keys that spell out “Adorbz” though they offer a variety of different bracelets.

JustWearThis also sells typewriter key earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry in their shop. Click the button to check them out. Their jewelry is perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and anniversaries.

Looking for more fun gifts for writers? Check out our gifts for writers megalist, these tools to destroy writer’s block, and these super fun scrabble gifts.

If you have a songwriter or aspiring lyricist in your life, then you know how their whole world revolves around music. When it comes time to buy them a present, there’s plenty of music-themed gifts available to delight them. From gifts to inspire their creativity to practical gifts to further their career, there’s plenty of ideas on this list. These gifts for songwriters are perfect for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and any other holiday. Many of these gifts are also great for musicians and music lovers. Check them out:

Gifts for Songwriters

Leather Music Journal

This is a luxurious gift for anyone who writes music. Bespoke Bindery makes a variety of artisan books, including this leather music journal. This is A5 landscape journal which is bound in Spanish leather that can be personalized for the giftee. The Yapp binding is beautiful and secure.

Since these journals are handmade items you can choose the page types (all music stave, alternating blank and music stave pages, optional title page) and the color of the leather from 8 different options. If this leather journal is outside of your budget, keep reading for a low budget option.

Piano Patent Art Prints

Art makes a fantastic gift and this set of prints is perfect for anyone who writes music or plays the piano. These vintage prints feature the diagrams from various piano patents. They have a gorgeous antique appearance perfect for any home.

The prints come unframed, but at an 8×10 size, it’s easy to buy the perfect frames.

Song Sound Wave Art

If you want thoughtful and unique gifts for songwriters, check this out. Voice and Sound makes art pieces of the soundwaves of any sound. This includes a variety of popular songs, including the song “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge. You can select from over 700 song prints or request your own custom song sound art. This is the perfect custom gift, either pick your songwriter’s favorite song or have a piece of art created based off a song they’ve written.

Musical Notes Infinity Scarf

This is a fashionable gift for any songwriter or musician. This tasteful infinity scarf features a print of musical notes. Great for casual day-to-day wear or for a concert.

Available in black, dark grey, navy blue, and white.

Musical Notes Shea Butter Soap

Artisan soap makes a fantastic gift for birthdays or as a stocking stuffer and this set is perfect for musically minded people. These handmade soaps come in a set of 14 musical notes made from moisturizing shea butter. Each set is made to order so you can choose from 18 different colors and even get the set in a mix of colors.

Guitar Ball Point Pens

If you’re searching for fun gifts for songwriters, this is a blast. This pen is shaped like an electric guitar. This ballpoint pen is perfect for writing lyrics or musical notes or playing air guitar while listening to their favorite rock songs.

Check more cool and unusual pens for writers.

Essential Songwriter’s Rhyming Dictionary

If you’re looking for a practical gift that will help your favorite songwriter in their creative endeavors, this book is perfect.This pocket-sized dictionary is perfect for those moments of writer’s block where you can’t quite find the right words. With 15,000 words, this is a must have reference for all songwriters.

Vinyl Vintage Record Coasters

Songwriters and audiophiles alike have a soft spot in their hearts for records. These are fun and useful gifts for songwriters. This set of 6 vinyl coasters look like vintage records that are perfect to prevent your tables from damage. Use these coasters in the recording studio or around the house.

Writing Better Lyrics

If you’re shopping for an aspiring songwriter, this book makes a great gift. Written by Pat Pattison (professor at Berklee College of Music), this book captures the knowledge he imparts in his poetry and lyrics writing classes. Using examples from 20 chart-topping songs, this covers basic and advanced lyric writing techniques.

Piano Calculator

This is another handy gift that’s perfect for songwriters and musicians. This perfectly sized pocket calculator looks like a keyboard, with the numbers on the white keys and the functions on the black keys. Great for a Secret Santa gift and perfect as a stocking stuffer.

The Chord Wheel

This is another fantastic gift for aspiring musicians and songwriters. Whether they prefer working with piano or guitar, the Chord Wheel is a helpful visual aid to understand the relationships between chord progressions. This is a great resource for deconstructing musical pieces to learn from the masters or to write their own music.

Piano USB Flash Drive

This is an extremely practical gift that any aspiring songwriter will appreciate. This USB flash drive features a piano keys print that will inspire musical genius. This portable flash drive is perfect for backing up digital sheet music and song recordings. It’s great to attach to a keychain or toss in a purse or backpack.

Music Mug

This mug is harmonically awesome. The side says “What part of *music* don’t you understand?” It’s a white ceramic mug with a black handle and interior. This 11 oz. size mug is microwave safe, but should only be hand washed to avoid any fading of the print.

Include some of their favorite tea or coffee to create a gift bag they’ll really enjoy.

Guitar Chord Stamp

This is a useful pocket sized gift for guitarists and songwriters. This guitar chord stamp makes it easy to record chords anywhere. Add hard to remember chords to sheet music or write out songs for other musicians. Include an ink pad and they’ll be ready to go.

The compact size makes this a perfect stocking stuffer. Include some of their favorite guitar picks to create a nice gift set.

Music Journal

This music journal is a no frills way to write new songs. This 8 x 10 inch notebook features lined pages on one side and sheet music on the owner, perfect for songwriters who are penning lyrics and music. Perfect for brainstorming or recording finalized songs.

Include a pack of their favorite pens or pencils so they’re ready to start composing.

Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone

This microphone is must have for any independent songwriters and recording artists. Snowball iCE is a plug and play USB microphone that can be used to record music to any laptop or desktop computer with any recording software. It’s perfect for recording instruments or vocals, as well as any other recordings you may need. Plenty of podcasters use it, too. The built-in desktop microphone makes it ready to go out of the box or it can also fit on any standard mic stand.

This is a great gift to help any songwriter record their music.

Zoom H4N PRO Digital Multitrack Recorder

If your songwriter doesn’t want to be confined to their computer when they record their songs, this Zoom is the perfect recorder for musicians on the go. With four-channel recording and built-in stereo microphones, this compact unit has everything you need to record music or vocals. The Zoom H4N is also perfect for recording live performances.

Guitar Pick Holder Leather Key Chain

This gift is perfect for the songwriter who is always misplacing their guitar picks or needs to have them easily on hand for performances. This leather keychain handmade by Hide & Drink is handsome and practical. They can attach it to their keys or their guitar case and always have them on hand.

Treble Clef Sterling Silver Necklace

If you’re looking for romantic gifts for songwriters, check out this necklace. Hand cast in sterling silver, this classic necklace features a treble clef pendant. Perfect for casual wear or special occasions, this necklace can become a meaningful good luck charm for the songwriter in your life.

Songwriters On Songwriting

This is the fourth edition of this classic book on songwriting. Interviews with 62 of the greatest songwriters, there are thoughts on creativity, writing lyrics, working in the music business, and much more. In addition to covering much of the history of modern songwriting, this book provides great insight into the creative process of many master lyricists.

Want to see fun and creative gifts for writers and book lovers? Try our megalists of gifts for writers and gifts for readers.

Copywriting is a common career for aspiring authors, grammar nerds, and anyone else who loves the written word. And like any other writing job, it kind of takes over their lives. So if you have a copywriter in your life, you know some of the best gifts are those that pay tribute to their jobs or even help them. To make your gift shopping a little bit easier, we’ve compiled this list of gifts for copywriters. These include cool and original gifts that are a lot of fun as well as practical presents they’ll appreciate. All of these gifts are great options for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and any other gift-giving occasion. Check them out below.

Gifts for Copywriters

Copywriter T-Shirt

This cool t-shirt is a great gift to celebrate your favorite copywriter. “If you think it’s expensive to hire a good copywriter, try hiring a cheap one” is what is printed on this soft t-shirt. Great for lounging around the house on Saturday or perfect for work wear if their job is at a casual start-up.

Available in sizes Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large & 3X-Large, in 5 color options.

Internet Grammar is Ruining Everything Mug

Copywriters spend more time online than other types of writers since they’re often writing copy for social media and websites. As a result, they often find themselves frustrated by all the memes and weird things that people write that aren’t grammatically correct. This mug celebrates that frustration by proclaiming: Internet Grammar is Ruining Everything!

This white ceramic mug is dishwasher and microwave safe. Add some of your copywriter’s favorite coffee or tea to create a gift bag they’ll really appreciate.

The Copywriter’s Handbook

If you’re looking for gifts for a newer or aspiring copywriter, this book is a great practical present. The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert W. Ply is a classic guide to copywriting perfect for everyone involved in the copy process, not just writers themselves, but creative directors, entrepreneurs, and marketers. It covers topics like writing headlines that work, ensuring people open your marketing emails, and how to make your copy more readable.

If you’re searching for a practical gift for copywriters, this book is a great choice.

Melodic Newspaper Bracelet

If you’re looking for a copywriter’s gift that’s a little outside the box, check this out. Papermelon makes these gorgeous bracelets, completely out of recycled material. This boho style bangle features strips from magazine and newspapers, creating a cool design in a lovely shade of blue. Each bracelet is handmade and completely unique. This is a great statement piece to wear to the office. There are also a variety of other colors available in their shop.

Vivo Height Adjustable Standing Desk

This is the kind of practical gift that can really make a positive difference in a writer’s life. Writing is a sedentary activity, with many hours each day spent sitting at a desk. One way to help alleviate the health problems from a sedentary lifestyle is to use a standing desk. Even better is an adjustable desk that can be used sitting or standing. These desks are often quite expensive, but an adjustable desk topper like this one from Vivo is an affordable compromise.

With an ergonomic design to promote a comfortable working posture, this adjustable standing desk sits on top of your existing desk. It easily adjusts up and down between sitting or standing positions. This great to add variety to a long work day and is essential for copywriters who work from home.

Grammar Pencils

This is a cute little gift, perfect for stocking stuffers or adding to a gift bag. Newton and the Apple makes geeky sets of pencils in several different themes. This is their grammar set with helpful reminders of commonly confused words like their/there/they’re and to/two/too. Available in a set of green colors, the pencils come unsharpened to display on a desk or be used by the giftee.

Moleskine Cahier Pocket Journals

Writers get ideas at any moment–in fact, creativity seems to strike at the most inconvenient times. That’s why it’s always great to have a notebook on hand. Moleskine makes these fantastic “pocket-sized” notebooks that are perfect to carry in a purse or briefcase. Whenever the perfect phrase or idea comes to mind, they can easily jot it down.

Typewriter T-shirt

They probably don’t write their copy on a vintage typewriter, but I bet the copywriter in your life dreams of working on the next great American novel on an old typewriter. Nice printed shirt comes in neutral color options.

Available in men, women, and youth sizes in olive, gray, white, brown, and asphalt.

Check out more typewriter gifts.

Grammar Police Keychain

Writers tend to be sticklers about writing and grammar, and correcting anyone who screws it up! Now you can give them a “badge” to officially recognize their membership in the Grammar Police. This cute keychain is handmade by Love Tan Co and is available in silver like a badge. This is a great stocking stuffer and a totally unique gift you can’t find in stores.

Bamboo Fountain Pen

Computers and ballpoint pens reign supreme in the office, but this fountain pen is perfect for home use, whether they’re writing a novel, a journal, or the weekly grocery list. This fountain pen is made from gorgeous, sustainable bamboo and comes in a matching case–making it perfect for gift giving.

One thing to note: the pen does not come with ink cartridges, so you have to order those separately.

Want to see fun and creative gifts for writers and book lovers? Try our megalists of gifts for writers and gifts for readers.

Writing is a tricky thing to translate to the silver screen. The act of writing itself is not exciting to watch. It’s usually just the writer with a pad of paper or a computer, typing away or just staring off into space. There isn’t much to watch. So often good movies about writers are hard to find. But they exist and they can often be an inspiration for struggling writers. These movies about writing make great gifts for writers or just a fun movie to watch at home on a Friday night. Check out our recommendations below.

Movies About Writers & Writing

The Hours

This classic film from 2002 is well known for Nicole Kidman’s Academy Award Winning protrayal of the famous British writer Virginia Woolf. But The Hours is more than just a bio-pic. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Michael Cunningham, the movie follows three different women in different times connected by Woolfe’s book Mrs. Dalloway. It depicts a single day in the life of Virgina Woolfe in 1923 as she writes her novel, house wife Laura Brown reading the novel in 1951, and Clarissa Vaughn preparing for a party in 2001 New York. The resulting moving is an emotional and moving experience that highlights how literature can connect lives. Every performer gives a knock out performance, especially Kidman as Virginia Woolf.

For writers, there is plenty to enjoy. The peek into day-to-day life as Woolf struggles through writing and her mental illnesses are incredibly relatable to many artists. It’s a well-crafted story that blends reality (Laura Brown is based on Cunningham’s own mother) with fiction. Overall, it’s a powerful rumination on loss, personal struggles, fear, and suicide. Check out the trailer:

Orange County

If you’re looking for a movie about writing on the opposite side of the spectrum, this might be something you enjoy. Orange County is a comedy about a high schooler named
Shaun Brumder (played by Collin Hanks) lives the typical carefree SoCal lifestyle. This all changes when he discovers a novel on the beach that changes his life and makes him want to become a writer. Through a series of unfortunate events, he is rejected from his choice school of Standford, where he wanted to study under his favorite author. What follows is a hilarious adventure as Shaun and his brother (played by Black Jack) attempt to get him into his dream school.

This movie is great for aspiring writers and experienced ones alike. They’ll easily relate to Shaun’s enthusiasm and his desire to get away from home and achieve his literary dreams. John Lithgow has a brief and hilarious role as Shaun’s father who can’t understand why his son wants to be a writer. You may think this is just a goofy teen comedy, but when it was released, Roger Ebert described it saying: “It will sound like the kind of movie that, if you are over 17, you don’t usually go to see. But it isn’t. It’s one of those movies where the description can’t do justice to the experience.” Check out the trailer.

Misery

Most of Stephen King’s books end up with silver screen or television adaptations and because his characters are so frequently writers, there are plenty of Stephen King movies about authors. We’ve limited ourselves to just one for this list and we think this is the best of the bunch. Misery is the ultimate horror story for any published writer. This psychological thriller stars James Caan as famous romance novelist Paul Sheldon. While driving in a blizzard, his car wrecks knocking him unconscious. In what seems like a lucky turn he is resuced by Annie Wilkes (played by Kathy Bates), a nurse who happens to be his biggest fan. A precarious situation turns even more scary when Wilkes buys a copy of Sheldon’s latest book and discovers her favorite character has been killed.

The movie is as tense and frightening as the novel it’s based on. Kathy Bates is absolutely marvelous as the deranged, obsessed superfan–she was awarded an Academy Award and a Golde Glove for her performance. Misery is a must see for writers who are horror fans. Check out the trailer:

Capote

If you’re looking for movies about writers that are closer to biographies, then Capote is a must see. Starring the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as the well know writer Truman Capote, the movie follows the events that transpired while he wrote the book In Cold Blood. Hoffman is tremendous in the role of the writer, for which he won 17 awards, including the Oscar for Best Actor.

When it was written, In Cold Blood was one of the books that helped establish the non-fiction novel genre. As detailed in the film, Capote and his friend Harper Lee (played by Catherine Keener) traveled to Kansas to learn more about the tragic murders of the Clutter family in 1959. The movie gives great insight into the writer’s process (great for non-fiction writers and journalists) and also explores what happens when a writer becomes entangled with the story he’s following. This critical darling is an amazing movie for writers and readers alike to enjoy. Check out the trailer here.

Adult World

Chances are you’ve never heard of this movie, but if you’re a writer you have to watch it. This smart, indie dark comedy is the perfect encapsulation of the post-college millenial experience for writers. Emma Roberts plays Amy, a recent college grad who is convinced she is destined to be a famous poet. Entering the real world she realizes no only is success harder to find that she expected, but making money is a challenge as well. Her parents push her to get a job and she ends up working at a sex shop (hence the title). She also meets her favorite poet (played by John Cussack) and tries to convince him to mentor her, which teaches her more than she expected.

Throughout the movie, the somewhat naive Amy meets her fair share of adult challenges as she tries to figure out her place in the world and how to be successful in her writing career. Aspiring writers and old pros alike will enjoy this funny and even moving film. Check out the trailer below:

Stranger Than Fiction

Stranger than Fiction is a unique film that follows a writer (played by Emma Thompson) who has writer’s block as she tried to figure out how to kill the main character of her novel. At the same time, the movie is following the story of Harold Crick (played by Will Ferrell) who one day hears a woman narrating his life. It turns out that Harold is the character in the novel and he must figure out how to keep the author from killing him. At the same time, Crick is an IRS agent auditing a baker named Ana (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal). The film follows all of the ways these characters interact with each other resulting in a quirky and moving film that explores the creative process.

This movie is a departure for Ferrell, often known for comedic parts playing a subtle and nuanced character in Crick. This drama has many funny moments, but it really comes alive through the performances of the actors and the innovative story. Check out the trailer.

Adaptation

As we’ve said before, some of the best movies about writers are biographies or autobiographies. Adaptation is an interesting movie to describe to people who haven’t seen it as it is an autobiography, sort of. This metafilm is a great movie for writers as it actually explores the writer’s block experienced by Charlie Kaufman when he tried to adapt a non-fiction book by Susan Orleans. Nicholas Cage stars as Kaufman (and his fictitious twin brother Donald Kaufman) and Meryl Streep plays author Orlean. The story is marvelous to watch as a writer because of the creative blending of fiction and fact and the deep exploration of the creative process.

This original and outrageous comedy can be a great inspiration for writers. This is definitely a must watch for screenwriters and writers of non-fiction.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

If you’ve never seen Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, it is essential viewing–especially for writers. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Hunter S. Thompson. The book is based heavily in autobiographical experiences blended with fictional elements (known as his trademark gonzo journalism). The film follows the story of Raoul Duke (played by Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo (played by Benecio del Toro) as they go on a drug fueled trip to Las Vegas to write an article about the Mint 400 motorcycle race.

In addition to amazing performances by the whole cast, this cult film is a great rumination on the 1960s counterculture movement and the American dream. Even though it’s billed as fictional, it’s a great peek into the life and adventures of Hunter S. Thompson as he worked as a magazine journalist in the early 1970s. This is a great movie for writers, especially those interested in non-fiction, essays, and magazine writing. Watch the trailer.

American Splendor

American Splendor is a bigraphical movie based on the auto-biographical comic book series by Harvey Pekar. Paul Giamatti stars as Pekar in this inventive comedy that blends the fictional portrayals of Pekar and his wife Joyce Brabner with appearances of the actual couple. Illustrations and other comic methods make appearances in this film as well.

In addition to the splendor of the creative storytelling modes, this is an excellent presentation of a writer struggling through miserable jobs and unfulfilling everyday life while trying to create art and find meaning. This is a great movie for writers at the beginning of their careers and those interested in comics and graphic novels. Check out the trailer below:

Dead Poets Society

The Dead Poets Soctiey is a movie loved by Robin Williams fans. In it, Williams plays an English teacher at a conservative Vermont boarding school who changes the lives of his students by teaching them poetry. A group of boys restart an unsanctioned club called the Dead Poets Society where they get together to read poetry and write their own poems.

This fantastic film features one of William’s best performances in an inspiring story. It’s great for poets and young writers, plus makes a nice nostalgic trip for older writers as well.

Check out the trailer.

Looking for more ideas of movies to watch? Check out the 10 funniest documentaries of all time and spellbinding mystery documentaries.

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