Wednesday, December 3, 2025

IWSG - Best Writing Gifts

 


Thank you, IWSG and all those who are helping this month!


One of the things I love most about IWSG is how generous all the writers are with their time and energy.

For me, the best gifts I've received as a writer haven’t always been physical—though I do love books—but relational and creative.

One of the greatest gifts has been conversation. Recently, I’ve had the joy of hosting thoughtful  conversations with fellow writers on my podcast, including recent interviews with Sean McLachlan, Tara Tyler, and Sherry Ellis. Each episode reminded me that writing isn’t meant to be done in isolation. Hearing how other authors approach craft, worldbuilding, and perseverance has been encouraging and fun.

👉 Link to the RSS Feeds podcast page. The Truth About Storytelling can also be found on Spotify and other platforms.

Another meaningful gift has been time to read purely for pleasure and inspiration. Last year, I received (and collected) a wonderful stack of books—some fiction, some nonfiction, all inspiring. 



These books were an invitation to slow down, to delight in story again, and to remember that feeding the creative well is part of the work.

Ultimately, the best gifts I receive as a writer are the ones that reconnect me to stories, to fellow creators, and to the simple joy of imagining something new.

I’m thankful for this community and for the reminder that none of us write alone.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!



10 comments:

cleemckenzie said...

You're very generous with your time, Tyrean. I know these authors appreciate being featured on your podcast. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a successful New Year!

Fundy Blue said...

It's lovely to hear that your stack of inviting books caused you to make time for reading for pleasure and inspiration, Tyrean! I read each night before I go to sleep, but unfortunately my stack of books to be read keeps growing. 😂 Here's to a Happy New Year of Reading in 2026! 🥂

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Yes on reading for pleasure! I still tend to read mostly physical books and that also gives my eyes a break from a screen.

Merry Christmas, Tyrean!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, it's great to talk to other writers. And I love reading for pleasure. It's something I do almost every day.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Slowing down is a gift for sure, books are a great way to do that!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Well said, Tyrean! We need each other.
Merry Christmas!

Sarah Foster said...

I definitely need to get back to reading more regularly. It usually helps fuel my creativity.

Tyrean Martinson said...

C. Lee - sometimes yes, and sometimes less so, but I enjoy hosting other authors. It's fun. Merry Christmas!

Fundy - I love reading so much I'm likely to burn dinner before I put a book down, but I still have a huge TBR. Someday, I'll get to them all. Happy New Year!

Madeline - I love reading from print books - it definitely helps with eye strain. Merry Christmas!

Natalie - I read every day, too. Merry Christmas!

H.R. - yes, slowing down is definitely a gift. Merry Christmas!

Alex - Thanks! Merry Christmas!


Tyrean Martinson said...

Sarah - reading is awesome fuel for fun and creativity. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you again for interviewing Sherry.

Been a couple weeks since I had time to crack a book so I am looking forward to getting back into one.