C. L. Clark’s Amazing Gift Guide

Howdy, everyone!

Sliding in in my socks because I was too tired last week and trying to finish a novella, so I forgot that I wanted to make a list of the things I loved this year and over the past several years, and so even though I promised I would not send you anymore emails this year, forgive me, I lied.

I am also too late for the black cyber fridamonweek sales that have taken over capitalism for the entire month of November and half of December, so you can’t even take advantage of them. I’m sorry.

That said, I think my curatorial skills are excellent, so without further ado! Some things your loved ones might like, or that you might like to ask your loved ones for.

For the organized, the deep thoughts, the stationary hungry, the ink-pilled

I have grown very attached to my bullet journals over the last couple years. The way I use them continues to change with every iteration, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I use it for a bit of journaling, daily logging, capturing thoughts from different movies, books, interviews, research, experiences. I’ve even ordered some mini bujos for when I’m traveling, which was a lot this year. I’m not a bujo decorator; you’ll find no elaborate spreads with watercolor paint. If you’re bujo curious, there’re plenty of videos on youtube.

does it need to be branded? no. but it is my personal preference after having done it with and without.

I write in the bujos with a mix of pens but here are a couple of my favorite pens. The TWSBIs tend to have cheaper varieties, more budget-friendly. My Pelikan is still my favorite, and a gift my partner got me for selling my first book. (I got myself the Galen journal cover to go with it. 😉)

i don’t have this one, but it’s a cool color.

i have one of these. it’s monogrammed and beautiful.

For the writers - when it’s time to step away from the notebooks

Maybe it’s time to step into the screen and actually get your words in the blank document—you’re going to need a good keyboard to be comfy for 100k words or more. Plus, that sweet, sweet click-clack of a mechanical keyboard. (Or, if you prefer, get it with silent keyswitches.)

Or maybe it’s time to retreat even further into your craft for study. Here are some craft books—loads of them that I’ve used and enjoyed or at least found helpful.

Maybe it’s to go back to the meaning of play and brainstorming your adventures. This one goes a bit with the next category, as well, and I would definitely recommend it for the Game Masters in your life, but as I use it primarily in my capacity as a writer, it’s here.

the lore master’s deck is just one of many options, but it’s pretty all encompassing. don’t forget the expansion packs!

For the gamers who do it on the tables, alone and with friends—and enemies

Doing it solo? No shame in that. It’s a good way to get to know yourself. I am still reccing the Ironsworn series, and the hardbacks make a good gift, but the digital print-and-play are what I use. I have the whole set, though I’ve only used the base Ironsworn and Delve so far. I’ve also picked up a few more things to try out that caught my eye, so I’ll share them here. Deify (US/UK) and Artefact are both solo journaling RPGs. Artefact, in particular, where you journal through the life of a magical weapon, shield, or instrument, has a cool (already funded) kickstarter up for pre-orders right now, but the old version comes with a gorgeous soundtrack.

tell the story of a god from their first believer to the last believer’s death

But maybe you have friends! AND maybe it’s not that hard to get them all in a room at once. (NB: the Artefact card game has been adapted to be multiplayer-able and Ironsworn can also be played with friends). I’m very fond of For the Queen, where you get to weave a story around a fire—I mean coffee table—with nothing but the sound of your increasingly defensive love for your queen in the beautiful reissue by Darrington Press. There’s also the new party game coming from the Story Engine crew that I playtested earlier this year, Dungeon Tryouts!

And of course, everyone needs dice. More dice. I used to think that having more than one set of dice was just weird, excessive, what’s the point—well! I stand corrected and so I’ll correct you—those in possession of one dice set are probably in need of more. Here are a couple makers of hand-hewn throwing stones. Soulforged is my usual provider, and has even made some themed off of my books! Their selection rotates monthly and they do custom orders as well. Noekleardice got on my radar when I was a guest at Dutch Comic Con and the shop has some nice wares.

For the digitally minded and the distant

Distance isn’t always a barrier to giving physical gifts these days, but there are also plenty of intangibles to give, and no, I don’t mean love, kindness, generosity, etc. Oh, no. I mean subscriptions! Subscriptions to their favorite artistic newsletter, the premium radio show, the bonus content of their heart aka their favorite Actual Play. I don’t subscribe to much premium newsletter stuff, but I do enjoy Austin Kleon’s Tuesday letter. I also have enjoyed my Locus subscription and my Beneath Ceaseless Skies sub for second-world fantasy short stories. It’s important to support the independent publications in an industry that I love.

For the jocks and the physically inclined and everyone who wants a sword

First off, for those who want to get a bit buff. I’ve talked about it at length already, so I’ll put the link here for you to peruse items that might work best for your P.E.-type friends. Generally, I prefer Bulldog Gear for my ‘bells and ‘bags, but you can use whatever gets it done. If you can afford it, though, I recommend cast iron or competition style ‘bells over plastic.

a guide for how to make your own fitness space and what equipment you might need

swords. Oh, is that not enough? Well, this is where I get some of my fencing swords from. Depending on where you live, they may have retailers closer to you that have warehouse stock, but if you go to the source, you can get something custom. I have a stock longsword feder, but I have ordered a custom Sigi Queen that will arrive in several months time. (Oh yeah, these aren’t a gift to order at the last minute. 😅)

OR you can get them a race entry—or several. It’s a great way to coerce your friends into doing something with you, especially if you have any running/strength goals—misery loves company. I’m sharing my favorite UK trail race organizer, but you know where you live. Races are just a google away. Or try a destination race! Explore a new city and enjoy the vibes.

You will notice, perhaps, the conspicuous absence of books on this list.

That’s because I am always always recommending you books to read! Just know that I think all books would be a great and cool thing to get your loved ones. I recommend Robin Hobb, but you’re more than welcome to get them a complete set of the Magic of the Lost trilogy.

Try getting them an audiobook subscription or credit bundle to libro.fm, a great alternative to Amazon’s audible.com because the money goes to the indie bookshop of your choice instead of the billionaires ruining the world. You can also buy your books at bookshop.org with my 20% off referral link (if you’re a new US customer). Bookshop.org is great because they allow authors as well as bookstores to sign up as affiliates and get kickbacks when you buy books through them. (When I share book links, I’m sharing bookshop.org affiliate links; I don’t have an amazon affiliate program. If you’re buying books through my links, you’re doing me a solid! Thanks!)

Stay warm, be well, have fun. Try as much as possible to embrace humanity’s better nature.

C. L.