The pen thing

I have for a long while enjoyed a serious case of pen lust. I am known to spend  too much time searching pen sites for the next pen, and then make extensive wish lists as I drool on the computer keyboard. So not pretty.

Contrary to what some folks say: a pen is a pen is a pen–not all pens are created equal. And not every hand responds well to the cheap disposable widgets most people will call a pen.

When you write longhand, something I strongly recommend you do when journal writing, doing writing exercises or writing your first draft, you need a proper pen for your hand and writing style.

Nothing is as frustrating as the wrong tool for the task. What may be my idea of a great pen may feel clunky and awkward to you. The wrong pen, a nasty pen, a pen that feels like you are scraping paint off the walls with it will stop your writing cold. A pen that works well for a right handed person may be horrid for the left hander.

So, do yourself a favour, find the right pen for your hand and preferred writing style (and paper!). Your perfect pen is out there somewhere, and the quest for it is great fun. Here’s my favourite on-line pen emporium, Boutique du Stylo.