A Pen For My Thoughts


For this slice of life story I didn't have to look any further than my left hand. I was holding the idea right there -and my deeper thoughts followed. In my current lockdown life, such thoughts are thankfully continuing to present themselves for consideration. Contemplation in isolation.


I am pen particular. My pen of choice is a Uniball Gel Impact pen with black ink. Always black ink. Must be black ink.  It is the pen I mostly choose when writing. It feels comfortable in my hand. When I am writing with this pen, words seem to flow more easily. They effortlessly spill across the page. I actually feel like I am speed writing. Being left handed, this continues to be my most glorious delusion. I also have a Lamy fountain pen which also uses black ink cartridges. I do like writing with this pen too. It has become accustomed to my left handedness. I would never a let a right hander use it. Call me fussy. It won’t change my thinking on pen sharing.


Not for me a pen of questionable origin, no generic biro with a chewed end. No novelty pen.  As with the choice of your writer’s notebook, your choice of pen is a critical consideration. I have found what works best for me and I am only prepared to entrust my word gathering to these particular pens.

      I don’t feel comfortable with fine point pens. They have a resistance my heavy hand finds disconcerting. I choose the 1 mm pen that glides and slides across the pages of my writer’s notebook. The page disappears under words rapidly emerging from my pen. I have a pen friend! I buy them in lots of four. I am fearful of running out of ink. They do not last long, and they cost more than conventional pens, but such is my pen obsession. It is not uncommon for me to have three or four lodged in my shirt pocket at any one time. ‘Got enough pens?’ fellow writers ask. ‘I hope so’ I reply.

I was not surprised to discover that a number of the young writers I meet in schools have already developed a definite views on pens. I feel much easier for knowing this.

I also carry a small pencil case with markers, coloured pencils, and highlighters. I use these to draw attention to words, to spark up my writing and to highlight words, phrases or ideas in my notebook. I can also use them to create a connection between particular entries.

All writers have their idiosyncrasies. I have no problem admitting I have a penchant for pens of a particular style and ink of a certain colour. Write on... 





Comments

  1. Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski8 September 2020 at 19:45

    Such a fun piece about a writer's preference. I love your first line so much! Thanks for sharing with us today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright9 September 2020 at 14:34

      Thank you for your kind response Kathleen. Glad you like the opening. I was trying to provide a clear indication of my pen preferences.

      Delete
  2. Fran Haley8 September 2020 at 20:15

    The right tools make all the difference, in practicality or suitability to purpose as well as in the layers of pleasure added to the task (no matter how much one loves writing, it's work!). I remain a pencil person myself and am just as particular about them - must erase "clean," must sharpen well (still prefer wood to mechanical), for a sharp point is non-negotiable. I will say that a Tul .7 is a new fabulous-flow favorite pen, however... and your pages... they're works of art. On many levels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright9 September 2020 at 14:37

      The right tools indeed Fran. We need them to work comfortably. Must look at the pen you mention, the Tul .7. Pencils are no less important and their condition certainly requires due consideration.

      Delete
  3. Fran Haley8 September 2020 at 20:25

    *Correction*: The Tul .7 is a pencil (a mechanical I do like; it travels so well) - the Tul medium point pen has the fabulous flow.

    ReplyDelete
  4. A. Shruti9 September 2020 at 01:39

    A lovely post, worth being 'pen'sive over!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Maureen9 September 2020 at 05:44

    "I am pen particular," too - love that phrasing! I have written for years and years with a Uniball ONYX micro. I've never been able to get comfortable with gel pens - love their flow, resent their smears (I think I may be sloppy with my hands as I write). Your post has convinced me to try the Uniball gel...love your handwriting on the page, love the dark print of the ink. Happy writing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright9 September 2020 at 14:43

      Maureen the smudges are something we must remain mindful of all the time. Although the gel pen dries relatively quickly. I agree with you about the contrast of the ink against the stark white page. It makes for easier reading and pops out! Hope you can find a working relationship with a Gel Pen. The flow is so good.

      Delete
  6. arjeha9 September 2020 at 22:48

    I think many writers have idiosyncrasies when it comes to their writing whether it be the tool they use or the place they write. I have my comfortable chair and that seems to be where my writing flows the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright12 September 2020 at 12:54

      You are absolutely correct Arjeha. To be comfortable is essential. So many contributing factors to the delivery of words it seems...

      Delete
  7. Karen14 September 2020 at 00:30

    I completely agree with you on being “pen particular.” I am, too — right down to the Lamy fountain pen and black ink!

    ReplyDelete

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