This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Like many (all?) authors, I’m more than a little obsessed by writing implements. Despite mainly using a computer, I still need the right pens and pencils for scribbling in notebooks, keeping my journal, doodling, brainstorming and making endless lists. This selection ranges from the cheap and cheerful to outright luxury.
1. I adore writing with a very sharp pencil and the best way
to enjoy this without having to repeatedly sharpen is to use a propelling pencil. The Faber-Castell 1345 mechanical pencil has a rubber grip, a 0.5 refillable lead, and comes in a choice of four bright colours. Also, at £4.14 each from CultPens it will be annoying rather than catastrophic if you lose one.
2. Apparently the ‘finest pencil ever made’ and a favourite of Steinbeck, the Blackwing
was discontinued in 1998 but is back by popular demand. I don’t know about you, but I want one just for the cool
name… Blackwing pencils are available from Pedlars at £2.50 for one or £24.95 for a case
of twelve.
3. Just as I love a well-sharpened pencil, pen nibs have to
be fine (0.5 maximum, please). These fine-tipped gel pens from Muji come in
lovely colours and are affordable at £1 each (refills are 75p).
4. I used to use a fountain pen at school but somewhere along
the line I got out of the habit. However, I still like to gaze at them as the beautiful objects they are. This Caran D’Ache
Caelograph pen is firmly in the ‘admire from afar’ category as it costs £3,500.
It has a night-blue Chinese lacquer barrel decorated with silver particles and
a solid-gold, platinum plated nib. It also features a mechanism that allows you to see the position of the stars
and constellations at any given time, on any date. Essential, I'm sure you'll agree. Available from Websters Pen Shop.
5. Highlighers are incredily useful but, even if they
weren’t, I’d be recommending you buy a pack of these Panda highlighters anyway.
I mean, they’re adorable, and they only cost £3 for the set.
You’re welcome. Panda pens from Paperchase.