I am a lover of notebooks. Everyone knows that. The very idea of gathering ideas on paper makes me giddy.

A Notebook’s Companion

Let’s face it, those ideas aren’t going to get into your notebook by osmosis. To make the most of the blank page, what you need is a really good pen.

Sometimes you come across a good one by accident. Other times, you seek them out. Still, everyone knows what it feels like to have one in hand. The ink flows with ease and if you’re lucky, the ideas flow too.

The Importance of Pens

Every profession has its tools. A carpenter uses a hammer, a chef a knife, a doctor a stethoscope, and a teacher a book. Likewise, a writer needs a pen.

While many writers turn to their computers these days, there are others who go low-tech and handwrite their first drafts. Look to George R. R. Martin, Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Tess Gerritsen, and even Stephen King as examples.

If that doesn’t inspire you to put pen to paper, what if I told you that studies show that handwriting might make you more creative? Handwriting literally fires off more neurons in the brain’s cerebral cortex than typing.  It improves focus and flow. While handwriting may take more effort than typing (unless you’re a two finger typist like me), it may be worth it.

Choosing a Good Pen

How do you go about finding a good pen? Everyone has their preferences, but here are some things to consider.

Types of Ink

Each type of ink has different properties. What characteristics are most important to you?

• Oil-based ink: This kind of ink is used in ballpoint pens. It is thick and that means it could get clumpy. Because it is heavier, it sits on the page and does not absorb deep into it. Because it dries fast, it may be less likely to smudge.
• Water-based ink: This kind of ink is used in roller ball pens. It is thinner than oil-based ink and flows more freely. Because it is looser, it may be more apt to smudge but it absorbs well into the page once it dries.
• Gel ink: This type of ink, you guessed it, is used in gel pens. It is looser than oil-based ink and flows more freely. Because it dries faster than water-based ink, it is less likely to smudge. It’s the best of both worlds!

Thickness

The point of your pen determines how fine or thick a line is when you write. What do you find aesthetically pleasing?

	Ballpoint Pen	Rollerball Pen	Gel Pen
Micro		0.5 mm	0.5 mm
Fine	0.8 mm	0.7 mm
Medium	1.0 mm – 1.2 mm		0.7 mm
Bold	1.4 mm	0.8 mm	1.0 mm

Pressure

Depending on the type you use, you will have to apply more or less pressure to the paper when you write. Generally speaking, more pressure is applied with a ballpoint pen. If you are going to be writing for long lengths of time, a roller ball or gel pen may be more comfortable.

Style

Do you prefer a cap pen? A click pen? A pen with a clip? With a fuzzy toy on top? Embedded jewels? Words on the side? Are you someone looking for functionality or fun?

Having the right pen makes all the difference. When you find a good one, hold onto it. Better yet, make sure you get more than one (in case you lose one).