These free printable cards for writers are perfect for your literary loved ones–check out all the printable cards for writers below!

Do you ever have one of those days where you feel down and even your favorite things–the things that always work–don’t stir even a single spark of joy?

I had a very bad, grumpy day yesterday where nothing seemed to go right.

The only shining spot in the day was a few kind, thoughtful words I heard that helped align me back to my softer, less harsh side.

I bet you know someone who could use some re-centering words, too. Maybe someone in the throes of rejection? Someone in the trenches of self-doubt? Someone too paralyzed by fear to take the first step?

I never seem to know just what to say when I want to cheer someone up, which is why I often rely on our old stand-by of paper and ink–the two best materials on the planet–to say it a little less confusingly.

That’s why I created these pep talk cards. These free printable cards for writers make the perfect gift for the writer in your life who’s down in the dumps and could use a scrap of kindness.

And of course, they’d make the perfect sweet little gift for your Valentine, your Galentine, or your Pupentine. (See what I did there? Dad jokes are no match for dog mom jokes.)

These greeting cards are perfect for any writer, blogger, or creative in your life who’s feeling down-and-out about their work. You can print them out on nicely textured paper (this Classic White Laid Card Stock #100 is my favorite, but any paper you have lying around will work well, too), cut them out, and fold them into little greeting cards.

You can use them two ways:

To use these printable cards for writers for yourself:

When you’re feeling inspired, motivated, high on life, just all around on top-of-the-world, write yourself a note about how it feels and why it’s worth it. Scribble down why you have so much to be proud of and how very good those triumphs feel.

Then tuck it away until that rainy day when rejection comes calling. (But tuck it away someplace you’ll remember, because I know I would lose it in a flat second.) When you have that day where you feel defeated, depressed, and very, very done with it all, pull out your card and sit with it awhile. Remind yourself that this feeling will pass, and you don’t have to be so hard on yourself until it does.

You can print 10 pep talk cards and sprinkle them around your house, or do just one at a time when the mood strikes you. As long as your little card makes you feel a bit less alone and sad, it’s doing its job in the world.

To give these printable cards for writers to a friend:

Know a friend going through a rough patch or creative drought? Sending her a cheer-up card will probably mean more to her than you can imagine.

Just last week I was curled up on the couch after work, moaning to Jarrett about how overwhelmed I am (the oldest and most boring story ever told). Then he handed me a package that had just come in the mail. It was a gift! For me! From an author! (My actual reaction had many, many more exclamation points than this.)

But that small little gift and the thoughtfulness that went into it cheered me right up. You have the power to do that for someone else, too.

So go right ahead, print these bad boys out, and go cheer up someone who’s having a rough day. They’ll love ya for it.

Click here to access The Library and download these free printable cards!

5 quick reads for the week:

1. This exercise is an important way to focus on what makes you happy in your daily life, plus it makes a great writing prompt.
2. My fellow blogger and friend Kristen Kieffer is creating her first book on writing, and I love her model of letting readers sponsor her work! Now we all get to feel like mini Medicis.
3. If you haven’t seen this yet…get ready for the ultimate cheer-up.
4. The phrase “warmest and bubbliest baked pasta dishes” will always get a click from me. No matter how over pasta I might be.
5. Yikes.

What we’re eating this week

Remember last week when I quit cooking forever and forever aka the whole week?

I’ve been in a drought of inspiration, which I’ll admit, was caused by eating pasta eleven nights in a row due to an ill-conceived Pasta Diet. Noodles and I need some time apart.

Thank God that my authors are much more talented and level-headed than I am, and that I can bum off of their fabulous dinner ideas. So this week I’m letting my friend and client Chungah Rhee tell me what to cook through her new book, Damn Delicious Meal Prep: 115 Easy Recipes for Low-Calorie, High-Energy Living.

It is SO GOOD. It is giving me life again. I want to cook every last recipe, as you can see:

Sunday: I got to eat waffles for dinner, and it was the most fun I’ve had all year! That may be a slight exaggeration, but the Protein Power Waffles brought me back to my happiest Eggo childhood moments. I added chocolate chips to mine, because I have unilaterally decided that chocolate is a protein.

Monday: The Ham, Egg, and Cheese Quesadillas from the breakfast chapter, which are so wildly easy yet delicious that I might need to make them every night for the rest of my life. Quesadilla Diet, here I come.

Tuesday: Chef’s night off, so we’ll eat…??????

Wednesday: Asian Garlic-Chicken Lettuce Wraps, which are so good and just the right amount of healthy and contain zero noodles. Check, check, check.

Thursday: It’s Valentine’s Day! Prix fixe menus are the scourge of the earth, so we’re staying home and Jarrett is cooking me something fancy.

Friday: The Thai Basil Chicken Bowls Chungah demoed on the Today show, which let me tell you, were the perfect amount of heat. (Watch the clip to see what I mean…)

Happy Valentine’s Day, all!