Hi, I’m Joy and I’m a stationery addict.

I’ve been that way since I was about seven. My Nannan used to take me into town and would almost always buy me a nice pen or eraser. I’d revel in the choices, the colours; pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, sharpeners, note pads, stamps, correctors. But I’d almost always choose a pen. This is back when the fad was focused on characters, collecting or nicely scented products. I’d take my treasures into school and hoard them like gold, delaying using them to keep them intact for as long as possible.

These days my interest is a little more mature, I love a pen which glides smoothly, or with purple ink. If there’s a good quality and attractive notebook, I’ll look at it. Hanker for it, like Gollum “my precious”. If there are pens, I’ll try them. If there’s a shop that sells paper goods, I will, without fail, wander in “just for a minute”.
It’s never just a minute.

As a writer I feel I aways need a notebook. I usually have a good robust notebook for each project so all the details are captured in one place. And I like to have a nice pen to write with, ideally in black and purple ink. Blue seems so banal.

There’s something about good stationery that feels slightly disproportionate to what it actually is. Maybe it’s the aesthetic. Or the feel. Or the investment in the best tools for the job, although lets be clear, a nice notebook does not a writer make.

I have a particular weakness for Paperblanks. They are, objectively, quite extravagant; ornate, textured, occasionally bordering on theatrical. Entirely unnecessary for something that is going to be filled with lists, notes, half-thoughts and the occasional decent idea. Which is probably why I like them. They’re easy to identify, beautiful to look at and last and last.
I especially love the literary nod, like the Little Prince notebook. The Shadows Of Navarre (Fourth Wing) indulgence. Or this beauty which will be added to my wish list as an ardent Austen fanJane Austen Persuasion Embellished Manuscripts notebook. Or maybe you’d like the luxe image of this gold and peacock emblazoned delight Hafiz of Shiraz.
I’ve had the delicious Mary Shelley, Frankenstein Hardback notebook. And the Bram Stoker which is sadly out of stock and unlikely to return. There’s even a new one coming for Lord Of The Rings fans and it’s beautiful.
If you like leather you might appreciate the 288 pages in this Cagie leather journal with a beautiful compass cover design. I prefer it in black personally.
Or if you’re travelling a small Moleskine notebook can slip away in a pocket or handbag. Or the Tivoli Refillable Recycled Leather Bound Journal comes with a giftbox, if you’re looking for a gift.

I feel they make the act of writing feel like something slightly more considered. I don’t scribble quite as carelessly. Or at least, I feel like I shouldn’t.

I still keep a paper diary, also usually a Paperblanks beauty, but not exclusively. I have a preferred layout and I can’t always find the perfect product when I need it. I love this Pippi Longstocking dayplanner and the Shadows of Navarre 12 month planner, or this Harry Potter Legend of Hogwarts 12 month dayplanner but I prefer a week-to-view and this is in my basket already, awaiting the release date on 4th June – the Harry Potter Legends of Hogwarts 12 months week to view diary. I like to be able to see all my commitments for the week, with note pages for each month, many pages for notes at the end too.

Writing by hand is slower. It makes you stay with things for a fraction longer. Even if what you’re writing is fairly ordinary. Lists. Reminders. Fragments of ideas that may or may not become anything at all.
WQN W-320 pens are my current favourite for writing in my beloved notebooks. Ideally in purple ink – just because. Next on my list is Frixion Eraseable Rollerball Pens, and yes, they are eraseable. Its a nice easy glide without resistance and in a range of colours. Not as cool as purple but still pretty good.
I like fineliners for notes and drawing, ideal for details in illustrations and watercolour sometimes.

I have notebooks that are full, notebooks that are half-used, and notebooks I haven’t started because they’re too nice. I know it’s ridiculous. It’s a hangover from being seven and appreciating what I had.
I will, at some point, use them. Probably. I have a partner in shenanigans who, like me, launches ideas like a tennis ball machine. Those notebooks will fill in no time, I’m sure.

And it won’t stop me buying more.

Please note there are affiliate links here, I do have a genuine passion for Paperblanks and love to spread the word.