How I Write

Recommended

Fountain Pens

A pen is a very personal item. How it feels in the hand, how it puts ink on the paper, or how it flows. Its weight and length are also important factors. When signing books I find I need something that is quick to use, writes beautifully, and looks good on the page. Over time, I have found a fountain pen to be the pen of choice. I use dark blue ink and a fine nib.

Although I own many fountain pens, my pen of choice for journaling and signature writing is the Lamy Safari fountain pen. This pen is inexpensive, has a beautiful flow and the shape of the front half makes for perfect handling. The hand rests nicely and moves easily. I can grab the pen and be writing in a second because of its design. The Lamy Safari is available in many colours and I love the louder colours because it is easier to find on a busy desk.

Recommended

Journals

When taking notes, I like to use a small, pocketable journal and a fountain pen. We often see the journal as a simple notepad, but for me, it has to be quick to retrieve from the pocket, has multiple pages, and holds its shape well. For me, it is as much about the act of writing the note as it is the note itself. I use a black notebook that has a feature to hold a pen, so I may need a pen fast and do not want to be searching my pockets for one at the time I take the note.

Recommended

Music to My Ears

I struggle with tinnitus. This ailment has been a part of my life for over twenty years. To reduce its impact, I use additional sounds to cover the high-pitched whistle that rings in my ears 24 hours a day. When writing, I use headphones playing non-descript music. I play music I do not know or that reflects the scene I am writing. It is important to me I do not know the words, or I will sing along and this challenges my ability to write.

Over the years, I have tried many headphones and headsets. Without a doubt, the most efficient and best I have tried is the Bose Quiet Comfort range. The over-ear models I can wear for hours at a time and not be disturbed. This is also excellent for working on a plane or in a busy coffee shop or hotel lounge.

Recommended

Writing Book

We all believe we can write, and at a fundamental level, we can. If you are writing for yourself or a friend, then your writing can be as you please. If you are writing for a broader audience, then they will demand a higher level of writing, prose, and story. You can learn a great deal from books on the subject. I have found this book of particular use when writing Fantasy.