I used to buy notebooks and never use them as well. I have a bunch of Moleskines and a couple of the Baron Fig Confidants. I spent waaaay too much money on a Hobonichi Techo that I never used. What finally worked for me is Day One. Have you considered it?
I feel so called out in this post :) I use all my Moleskins pretty religiously, but that hasn't stopped me from buying Leuchtturms and so many others that I see other creatives using, which immediately activates that primeval "I could be brilliant with YOU......" In bookstores I browse pretending I don't want to RUN to the journal and notebook section first. There is a deadly old timey stationary store near Harvard U (Bob Slate Stationer, I mean clock that name!) that I have contemplated robbing on more than one occasion such are the beautiful and diverse notebook and writing book products they stock. And yeah, you should have bought a case of those Star Wars moleskins. Amateur :) That's what eBay's for.....
I own and have at least partly used many notebooks, but only one has been a Moleskine. I'm still trying to get some use of the branded ones I was using in college I never used then.
This was a great read. I’m a Xennial too, but I stopped carrying and using notebooks some time ago, I can’t even remember when. I think the iPhone Notes app had a lot to do with it, so it was probably around 2012 when I got my first iPhone. Of course, taking notes on your phone isn’t the same as using pen and paper. I’m sure the mind works differently when you write by hand. I actually read once that this has been scientifically proven.
Notebooks are something I collect and use a lot. You got me. My notebooks, a mix of old and new, are using up space I could use for something else. I maintain journals dedicated to gratitude, writing, and reflection. I suppose it is my economical therapy.
I'm jealous that writing in your notebook is an ingrained practice! Trying to create a habit too. Even if it's just listing stuff I want to write someday. 😆
I loved this. You captured a writer's love of notebooks perfectly. I also wish for such a den/slash library in the movie, and, of course, one must have the rolling ladder.
I love my notebooks, not Moleskines though--too expensive. I have many knockoff versions, still great quality, with the elastic band. For me, they must be a certain size. Not too big, not too small.
I love feeling the pages heavy with my ink, seeing how and where I developed plots and characters and then changed everything. Plus, after my death, when my historical fiction saga finally publishes and I become posthumously famous, the notebooks will be worth a fortune--the real inside dope.
But I use my notebooks. Constantly. Religiously. My roll-top desk has a drawer filled with them, along with yellow legal pads, which I also love —but only the yellow ones.
Notebooks are my only specific Christmas gift request.
I used to buy notebooks and never use them as well. I have a bunch of Moleskines and a couple of the Baron Fig Confidants. I spent waaaay too much money on a Hobonichi Techo that I never used. What finally worked for me is Day One. Have you considered it?
I looked at Day One but I didn't want to do the digital thing. Part of what I love about notebooks is that they're analog.
I haven’t done it yet, but I’m going to take the digital Day One entries and create a hard cover book.
I feel so called out in this post :) I use all my Moleskins pretty religiously, but that hasn't stopped me from buying Leuchtturms and so many others that I see other creatives using, which immediately activates that primeval "I could be brilliant with YOU......" In bookstores I browse pretending I don't want to RUN to the journal and notebook section first. There is a deadly old timey stationary store near Harvard U (Bob Slate Stationer, I mean clock that name!) that I have contemplated robbing on more than one occasion such are the beautiful and diverse notebook and writing book products they stock. And yeah, you should have bought a case of those Star Wars moleskins. Amateur :) That's what eBay's for.....
I'm so glad it's not just me! I'm so vulnerable to paper bound in fun and interesting ways. 😅😅😅
That stationary store would clear out my savings. Glad it's so far away!
It’s…….a real problem. Like a diabetic with an apartment above Wonka’s factory 😉
I own and have at least partly used many notebooks, but only one has been a Moleskine. I'm still trying to get some use of the branded ones I was using in college I never used then.
Dude those moleskins are legit!
I watched the first episode of this. Liked it and am banking it to binge this winter.
Zero Day was good, definitely worth watching.
The limited edition Moleskines are so nice. Freaking kryptonite. lol
This was a great read. I’m a Xennial too, but I stopped carrying and using notebooks some time ago, I can’t even remember when. I think the iPhone Notes app had a lot to do with it, so it was probably around 2012 when I got my first iPhone. Of course, taking notes on your phone isn’t the same as using pen and paper. I’m sure the mind works differently when you write by hand. I actually read once that this has been scientifically proven.
The notes app is great, I love using it. But there’s just something romantic about pen and paper.
I have many, but they are all filled, so I read all of them and took what I liked to make another one. Sort of a notebook of notebooks. :)
Notebook-ception!
I always have to be different, don't I? But that makes me exceptional, doesn't it?
LOLLIPOP
holy mole-y. scribblin’ through two notebooks made from mole skin(e) a year since i started on substack. may the mole be with you.
😂
Notebooks are something I collect and use a lot. You got me. My notebooks, a mix of old and new, are using up space I could use for something else. I maintain journals dedicated to gratitude, writing, and reflection. I suppose it is my economical therapy.
I'm jealous that writing in your notebook is an ingrained practice! Trying to create a habit too. Even if it's just listing stuff I want to write someday. 😆
'Every time I pass the notebook aisle at Target, I rubberneck for a fleeting glimpse'
Same! 🤣
I loved this. You captured a writer's love of notebooks perfectly. I also wish for such a den/slash library in the movie, and, of course, one must have the rolling ladder.
I love my notebooks, not Moleskines though--too expensive. I have many knockoff versions, still great quality, with the elastic band. For me, they must be a certain size. Not too big, not too small.
I love feeling the pages heavy with my ink, seeing how and where I developed plots and characters and then changed everything. Plus, after my death, when my historical fiction saga finally publishes and I become posthumously famous, the notebooks will be worth a fortune--the real inside dope.
But I use my notebooks. Constantly. Religiously. My roll-top desk has a drawer filled with them, along with yellow legal pads, which I also love —but only the yellow ones.
Notebooks are my only specific Christmas gift request.
Also loved the humour in your piece. Great stuff!
The quip, “I hate writing. I love having wriiten,” is actually from Dorothy Parker originally.