My Favourite Notebooks

Which notebooks are my favourites?
To support this channel, you can join my Patreon project at / mj150520 or use www.paypal.me/MichaelJecks
If you are interested in joining the pen-pals writing group, let me know at [e-mail]
To find out more about me and my books, look at: www.michaeljecks.co.uk
To email me with any comments, or if you want advice, go to www.michaeljecks.co.uk/contact...
Follow me on Twitter: / michaeljecks
On FaceBook: / michael.jecks.author
My blog at: writerlywitterings.com
For photos of Dartmoor and things going on, check Pinterest: / michaeljecks or Instagram: / michaeljecks
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/michael...
Disclaimer - I have not been paid for making this video.
Cheers for now!
Mike

[@eoghanf7526]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your smiling friend, thanks for the video!

[@writerlywitterings]

Much appreciated

[@endeavour1976]

RIP poor Spotty. Fantastic another video. Thank´s Mister Jeck.

[@writerlywitterings]

Glad you enjoyed it - and thanks for the message about Spotty.

[@aprils.]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful Dalmatian.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, April - she certainly was, and she's missed, but it was the only kind thing to do, sadly.

[@peggylove1]

So sorry about the loss of your lovely dog.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thank you, Peggy.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I’m so sorry to hear about your precious pup! I hope you get a new baby soon!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Tracie. Without wanting to sound callous, we have already put ourselves on the waiting list for a Bernese Mountain Dog. I've had three of them and they are a lovely, loyal, friendly companion, and good company for the Ridge. Now it's just a matter of waiting until she's born!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

@@writerlywitterings that’s not callous at all! It’s always best to get a new friend as soon as possible. We got a pup for my mom 7 years ago when we knew our precious Daizy would not be long for this world. I don’t know what my mom would have done if we didn’t have Gracie when we lost Daizy. Can’t wait to see the new pup!

[@writerlywitterings]

@@sistergoldenhair0727 I can happily promise that she will be adorable!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

LT1917 now has 120 GSM paper which is even more fountainpen friendly. Also they have grid paper too as well as the lined, dotted and plain.

[@writerlywitterings]

Don't start trying to persuade me to use grid paper, Tracie!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

@@writerlywitterings ha ha ha! I won’t try to turn you;) that’s just my favorite. All my William Hannah paper is grid also.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@sistergoldenhair0727 This boy is not for turning ...

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

@@writerlywitterings ha ha ha! Noted!

[@shane6242]

I hate graph paper too haha. I am currently using a PENCO b6 notebook and they are all gridded, I'll be glad to be through it when done!

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I know what you mean. Grids have uses for mathematicians and architects, I reckon. Since I'm a rebel, I like dot grid or plain paper!

[@delta85us2000]

Good one Michael. My condolences on you pup.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Paul

[@marcb6444]

Sorry for the loss 😔 Good review of the notebooks.

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks, Marc. Glad you liked the review.

[@aldrinpacheco918]

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend. My condolences, however late it may be. I am a fan of the Traveller's Notebook too, the MD paper they use is fountain pen friendly and they also have watercolor paper inserts. Thank you again for this upload.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Aldrin. I agree about the Traveller's Notebooks and their MD paper - it's lovely to write on.

[@brianexplores285]

I’m sorry for the loss of the spotty dog. I know the pain. Enjoyed the notebooks. This hobby continues to expand for me. Thanks for pointing me in good directions.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Brian

[@belselkel]

Condolences on the loss of your dalmatian. We have the same policy when we lose one, always get another to have 2 together. Always enjoy your videos, thankyou for making them.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Belslkel. Just now the Ridgeback is hugely enjoying being the only dog in the house, but that will change!

[@JBFire97]

Lovely photos and memories of your beloved dog. The Traveler’s note book is my favourite. I also have a lovely leather slip cover for my hard bound note books like the leuchtturm. Thanks as always

[@jamesaritchie1]

I have leather covers for every hardcover/casebound notebook I use. It's a great way to go.

[@writerlywitterings]

Cheers, Paul - and thanks for the comments on the old girl.

[@writerlywitterings]

I can understand the desire to have a uniform look to notebooks, but I have to admit, I would prefer to keep the things just plain so they don't end up too thick!

[@JBFire97]

@@writerlywitterings I just use the cover on my current note book I’m using at the time, so the others are as bought.

[@nicksg3002]

Oh my God! My doggy of 14 years also had to die because of kidneys failure this past October... Very hard to me. I am sorry for your lose and I admire your strength. Always respect your opinion on whatever you kindly share. Hope you get better of that flu quickly.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, thanks, and so sorry to hear of your loss too. I have to admit, fourteen was, I thought, a damn good age for a spotty dog. She lived much longer than any of my other dogs, but we do miss her. She was such a sweet-natured little girl. And thanks - your good wishes have helped drive away this blasted cough!

[@anitapaul7267]

Nice video comparison of notebooks. Sorry to hear about beloved dog. My favourite notebooks: Field Notes and Maruman.

[@writerlywitterings]

Interesting, Anita. I wouldn't rate Field Notes very highly myself, but Maruman, that's a different matter!

[@maijajunno443]

So sorry for the loss of your spoty friend. Thank you for the video. I love the travelers notebooks - having one with me right now.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Mail

[@nikopilibosyan8567]

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Spotty Dog. As for notebooks - I trust the Rhodia legal pads and the larger of the two Traveller's notebooks with diary and lined inserts. I love your videos and musings. Take care!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Niko. She is missed. And thanks for the comments on the videos. It's comments like yours that keep me making them!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

So sweet to see the pics and vid of your sweet beloved spotty! ❤️

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Tracie!

[@muchasgracias6976]

Another stonking video, Mr Jecks! Sorry to hear of the passing of your faithful spotty companion.

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks!

[@EastLancsJohn]

Sorry to hear of the death of your much loved friend, she was a lovely dog. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on your favourite notebooks. I agree with you - different notebooks for different jobs. I carry a tiny Moleskine in my wallet, I write my journal and book notes in my Traveller's Notebook and I take notes at work in a Dingbats. Horses for courses! Take care Michael 👍🏾

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, John!

[@randyselleck6703]

Mike, thanks for another interesting notebook video. I have notebooks, pads, separate sheets of paper, with notes everywhere. Time to get organized for 2022! So sorry to hear about your loss. R.I.P Spotty Dog.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Randy. Sounds like your office is rather like mine!

[@andrewbrindle5346]

Very sorry to hear the sad news about the spotty dog; I'm sure she's had a wonderful life with you Michael. For notebooks, Endless Recorder are hard to beat but I also like the Rhodia and Dingbats hardbound A5. Thanks for the video. Great work!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Andrew - and you're the second guy to mention the Dingbats. I haven't tried one of them ( yet ) !

[@jennieashmore]

You did the right thing for spotty dog! I'm sorry you had to go through that! Your other pup looked sad! I enjoyed the clips! Good review of notebooks!

[@writerlywitterings]

The little pup ( or, as my daughter described her, 'the velociraptor' ) was a little unsettled for a day or so, but she's come to really enjoy all the attention now. Her nose will be out of joint when we get a pup!

[@TonyaB005]

💌 Great video. I love all notebooks, pens, and pencils. Condolences for the loss of your dog.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Tonya

[@hemantkothari909]

Mike,Pls convey our condolences to your spoty hound to the family RIP

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Hemant

[@hemantkothari909]

Great Mike,sorry couldn't pulled up in a last meeting ,thanks for good review about Evernote and your feeling for india.....hats off

[@writerlywitterings]

No problem. You can tell how my brain was - the notebooks are Endless, not Evernote! I'll have to apologise in the next video!

[@julianobrien3710]

I use Platinum Carbon in several of my pens constantly. They often go unused for weeks at a time and I've never had issues. I think it's either an overstated problem or the manufacturers covering themselves.

[@writerlywitterings]

I think a little of both. Someone else has written to say it buggered up one of their pens, but I have to admit I've seen nothing bad with it yet.

[@julianobrien3710]

@@writerlywitterings and very sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. We have a 12yr old GWP who is on his last legs although still a happy boy so I know how big a hole they leave when they're gone.

[@KerstinMartin]

Thanks for another lovely shoutout to the Eule, Michael! Sorry about the paper, it's working well with my beloved Kaweco pens but I know it bleeds a bit with really thirsty fountain pens. I mostly use ballpoint pens and the paper is great with those. Have a lovely Christmas! 🎄xo

[@writerlywitterings]

Not a problem. I was hugely impressed with the layout and concept, and I really hope my videos help. As you say, it may well be caused by my fountain pens, which all tend to be gushers, but many of my viewers are keen Visconti and Conway Stewart writers, who would have the same issue. Best of luck and Merry Christmas!

[@CarlManiglia]

So sorry about Little Spotty Dog. It's never easy to say goodbye but they give so much love and joy when they're with us.

[@writerlywitterings]

She certainly did, Carl. Thanks, mate.

I am sorry about Spotty lady dog. I am still missing my lovely dog, Kiro. Thanks for explaining the characteristics of all of those useful notebooks.

[@writerlywitterings]

You are very welcome - sorry about your Kiro. It's so horrible to lose a dog. They aren't "just pets", they're members of the family, aren't they?

[@ybach64]

The endless look great. Very sorry to hear about your dog.

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks. And Endless are very good indeed!

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Sad news Mike, the Ridgeback will probably get some extra treats for a while, haven’t had a dog for over 30 years, All my Fountain Pens need a good flushing , for some reason my 3 Kaweco Sports using Diamine are fine but my other more expensive pens all dry out, Notebooks, well just bought my A5 2022 diary and other inserts from William Hannah , don’t bother with the diary for the A6, after watching your video I realised I should have bought the Leuchturm Journalling notebook not the ruled one but the dot grid one, never mind, decided to use my latest Leuchturm a a Ham Radio Journal, keeping notes of what we all discuss on-air, after three nights entries seems to be working well, the WH A6 is used for radio, computer settings etc and other miscellaneous items, good update on similar earlier notebook reviews, good for your new subscribers, take care, Mike,

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Michael. Glad it was interesting! Take care!

[@zenandink3531]

So sorry about Spotty dog😞…always so hard to lose our beloved companions…me?…i use a travelers notebook now for my health and personal planner, a Hobonichi A5 for my monthly, weekly and daily planning and art journal…and a passport size travelers notebook with 4 small inserts-tomoe river-for my “currently inked” pen tracker and for my catalogs of inks (swatches)…😜

[@writerlywitterings]

Really interesting, Zen. It's fascinating how many of us use a variety of different notebooks for different tasks!

[@debsmith7050]

Midori Traveler's Company brown cover notebook for me :) Glad to see you still appreciate it too. I really like Tomoe River paper too. It is being discontinued - you better stock up on more than one of those notebooks when you reorder !!! Sorry to hear you lost your spotted dog... fond memories 💙

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Deb. I think the big thing with Tomoe is that they've retired one of their presses that used to make the 52gsm paper, but they're still making it - just with a new machine. Some people reckon that will change the texture and writing experience, but the 68gsm is just about identical. Endless themselves only used the 68gsm variant, and now are looking to source their own paper in India ( I believe ). It'll be interesting to see how these pan out! Thanks for the comment on Spotty.

[@debsmith7050]

@@writerlywitterings Yes, I have been keeping up with Endless and the Tomoe River saga....I appreciate the 68gsm too and hope it continues. Keep us informed :)

[@writerlywitterings]

@@debsmith7050 Will do!

[@kinslowrainer3982]

Midori, FTW!!! And I love my Traveler's Notebook, too.

[@writerlywitterings]

You are not alone in that choice!

[@williamcrane1]

Delightful video of Spotty and Ridgie (sp) at play. Lately I’ve been using GLP Creations The Author notebooks - numbered pages, index, Tomoe River paper.

[@writerlywitterings]

Another brand I'm going to have to look for (dammit)! Thanks for that, William!

[@thuntz29]

I’m so sorry about your pup :( I am currently using a Leuchtturm 1917 pocket size for my journaling and a hobonichi weeks for my diary.

[@writerlywitterings]

I'll have to have a look at the Hobonichi Weeks. I haven't played with one yet.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

You can get the cafe notebook with lined paper. I’ve had several and was even able to get them on Amazon.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hah - as a writer I try to avoid that firm!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

@@writerlywitterings well noted! Nanami also sells them with lined paper…when you can get them in stock;)

[@writerlywitterings]

@@sistergoldenhair0727 Not so easy to find Nanami paper in the UK, sadly.

[@Richard_Barnes]

Sorry I’m being pedantic Mike, but I’m sure you meant ‘Endless’ when you were saying ‘Evernote’ for the notebook. That logo gives the name away 🙂👍🏻 I’m so sorry for your loss my friend, however you’ll be giving another ‘hound’ an incredible life soon. I’m glad you shared the clips. 🙏🏻 I really enjoy the Nanamipaper Café as well (can get lined versions). Tomoe River paper makes these so good and with that sleeve, perfect. I like the ‘Writer’ but think I preferred the B6 size of the ‘Café’ overall. I haven’t bought any for ages cus of the shipping and import costs, not forgetting they were out of stock for ages. Take care Mike 🙂👍🏻 P.S. really agree with your favourites as well.

[@writerlywitterings]

That's not pedantic, that's pointing out where I went totally wrong! Thanks, Richard, I'll get an apology in the next video. I love the Nanami paper notebooks, although for the smaller size, that Midori is superb. I think you can get them in London Graphic Studio ...

[@Paulus_Von_Schneider]

I write daily in a beautiful handmade diary produced by the Stamford Notebook Company (in Lincolnshire) just up the road from where I live (near Huntingdon). This way I get to use my Stewart Conway 'Winston' pen every day. I wonder, Michael, if you have ever used any of their products out of interest? A. bit pricey but fabulous quality. Love your channel by the way. Your videos help me unwind at the end of the busy week...... So sorry to hear about the loss of your hound - sad time but I'm sure you have many happy memories. Best, Paul

[@writerlywitterings]

I admit, I had heard of Stamford, and assumed it came from across the water, so never looked into them. I'll have to see if I can have a word with them and get a sample of their paper. Thanks! And thanks for the comment on old Spotty. She was a lovely girl.

[@Paulus_Von_Schneider]

@@writerlywitterings Well I thought of you as I know you are particularly fond of your travelling leather notebooks and they do a nice selection and dye their own leathers at home apparently! (Be assured - I'm not on any commission!)

[@writerlywitterings]

@@Paulus_Von_Schneider Neither am I, but we know what we like, eh?!

[@honeybee4423]

Dear Mr Jecks & family so so sorry about your recent loss of the dear spotty dog.....hope her fond memories & antics will comfort you all. I know I am late but I have the 'note & wish' diary for journaling and I also like the Midori A5 Journal I think that's the size for 2022. This year I used the GLP Creations The Author notebook (loved it) and the Fabriano notebook which was surprisingly very good too. Ooh I am Indian...what is behind your deep affection for India? Thanks for your thoughts...love all your videos. Mand X

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi there - and thanks. I haven't seen a "note and wish", but do love Midori paper. GLP The Author is gorgeous paper too, isn't it? Haven't tried a Fabriano ... that could be another one to try. I've always had a fascination with your country. Not because of colonial history, but because everything I've seen about India is full of colour and vibrancy. My parents visited once (my brother used to live in NZ, and they'd travel by different routes to visit him every couple of years so that they could see the world) and loved it. My last agent was also a very enthusiastic visitor, and used to go to India every couple of years. With my interest in sketching and painting I've always felt I'd love the country because of the buildings and flowers - the colours would be ideal for watercolours, I reckon. Plus, of course, I know quite a few of your countrymen on the internet and here in the UK. And I can't deny a fascination with the religions ... so it's a bit of everything, really! Hope that makes sense!

[@honeybee4423]

@@writerlywitterings Dear Mr Jecks...that makes perfect sense indeed. I actually moved out to the Punjab in India ( I am a British born Sikh) and it was every bit the fascinating and colourful life that you have imagined. I am not very well so after a year of fun I had to come back for more gruelling treatment. I am not plugging myself at all as I have long since stopped making videos but I did make a few if you' re ever bored or want a birds eye view of Northern India. There are even some of my husband milking a cow and riding an Enfield! Much Love Mand X

[@writerlywitterings]

@@honeybee4423 Sorry to hear you've been unwell, and I hope you're soon better. Ah, the Punjab. I've heard so much about that from my histories. I understand the first British to see it thought it was heaven on earth - a real garden of Eden. Perhaps not so much with an Enfield roaring up and down the roads! I'll look up your videos, thanks. And keep safe!

[@markcohen5094]

Absolutely love your videos and religiously watch.. Because of you i've purchased 3 William Hannah books (2 in A5 1 in A6) :) As an aside, I think that paper for fountain pens isn't producing the books any longer and haven't for a couple of years.. I have a few and they are treasures but since the Tomoe River Paper isn't made any longer (with the older machine that made the 52gsm that is Fountain Pen Friendly) they might not come back. :(

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for letting me know, Mark

[@neilthornton-allen2684]

Sorry for the loss of your dog. I have been using Fabriano A4 Dot Grid for the last 4 or 5 months (bulk ordered by mistake from Cult Pens in a sale some time ago and still trying to get through them!)

[@writerlywitterings]

I've not tried one of the Fabriano pads. How is it for fountain pens?

[@neilthornton-allen2684]

@@writerlywitterings For what I use it for (note taking in meetings) its fine. Faint bleed through to the back of the page your writing on, but does not stop you being able to write on both sides of the paper.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@neilthornton-allen2684 I may have to try some, dammit!

[@Meirion658]

So sorry to hear the sad news of the dog. Wonder if you can help me with two things. 1. What size was the Madori lined notebook? 2. In the William Hannah you have a Tabbed bookmark. Where did you get that from?

[@writerlywitterings]

1. The Midori has two sizes - passport size and full size - this is the full size version. 2. Ah, the bookmark (which is brilliant) is made by Hobonichi. I can't say where it was bought - it was one of those lovely things that someone sent to me as a gift to review!

[@stargazer1359]

Very sorry for the loss of your pup, Michael. Recently lost my Carly. 🐾🐾

[@stargazer1359]

Very sweet to watch them romp through the grass.

[@writerlywitterings]

So sorry to hear that, Star. Always hard to lose a close companion.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have many more videos of Spotty playing with various other dogs. She was very playful indeed when she was younger.

[@stargazer1359]

Oh, my sister passed away in her sleep at home during last night. Lynn turned 60 on November 8th. Expected, but also not. Heavy smoker, Diagnosed with Laryngeal cancer nearly 10 years ago. Just recently Lung cancer. 💔. I'm thinking it was a blood clot.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@stargazer1359 Really sorry. As you probably know, I lost my oldest brother a year ago on 27th. It's never easy to lose a sibling. Please accept my sincere condolences.

[@JoshuaChandler]

I would love to know now that you've had more time with the Endless Explorer, whether it is something you have been preferring over the Traveler's Notebook or not! I'm trying to decide between the two for my next notebook myself.

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah ... just recently I haven't had to travel much, so I've not been using either. Instead I've been carrying the small William Hannah and/or the Paperchase notebook. I think the TN wins marginally for me. It will fit inside a jacket pocket, and I have a couple of inserts to hold business cards and other items - glue dots, spare elastic etc. It is enormously flexible. The Endless is lovely too, but being that little bit larger, it's not so easy to carry unless I'm wearing cargo trousers or taking a bag of some sort. Ideal for a rucksack, but again, the TN just makes a lot of sense.

[@jameswall5758]

Is the WH A6 Agave and Orange? Love that combination

[@writerlywitterings]

Er ... I've had it a while, so to my shame I'm not absolutely sure. I think it may be either agave or petrol and orange? I love the contrast, whatever it is!

[@dr.d723]

Mike, so sorry to hear about little Spotty Dog. Someone said that our pets are our spiritual friends, sometimes closer than family. I know that is the case with my three pups. One quick comment, the Bond notebooks are no longer made, which is sad. And with the demise of Tomoe River paper, likely NanamiPaper and PaperforFountainPens will have to find something else equally good. Perhaps the company that purchased the Tomoe River paper rights will be able to produce a paper that is as good or better.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for that. So sorry to hear Bond aren't making them any more because this one is excellent. I'm not sure about Tomoe River - as I understand it now, they have merely retired an older machine, and are still making the 52 and 68 gsm variants, but some people say that the 52 doesn't work as well as the old version. I'll have to get some to see. Thanks for the comments

[@wanderingbluehighways443]

Would you please give a link to the evernote journal? Thanks

[@writerlywitterings]

Apologies - incompetence on my part: I did keep mentioning Evernote when I meant to say Endless - they are here: www.madebyendless.com/collections/all?

[@stevenweiss7129]

Didn’t you do a review of a paper tablet like a Remarkable 2? Or maybe it WAS the Remarkable 2? I can’t find it and I’d like to view it.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I did - it was here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6C2gmSba7iXf9E

[@ShaifN]

My heart is broken, i was offline and just see the video. One of the worst thing in life is to lose man's best friend. I will cry like a little child when my dog will go to dog heaven. And take my word, i am a hard ass but dog's that is my weak spot. Rip spotty.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks so much, Shaif. It was very sad to lose her, and I still have her photos as my screen saver. However, I am glad that she had a good innings, and that she gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people. Take care, and hug your dog!

[@ShaifN]

@@writerlywitterings for sure too much emotions. But you will see her on the other side. Note my dog loved the hug. Also a hug for your dog. And greetings from the Netherlands.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@ShaifN Thanks, and greetings from deepest Dartmoor!

My sympathies on your sad loss.

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks

[@lizdelisle1912]

Sorry to hear about Spotty Dog. RIP😿

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Liz. Appreciate the comment.

[@davyj5216]

Can you provide a link to the Ever Note notebook please?

[@writerlywitterings]

Sorry, Davy, that was me having an off-day. It was the Endless notebook, not Ever Note, as I kept saying. You can find them here: www.madebyendless.com/products/explorer-refillable-leather-journal-canyon but they're also on sale from firms like Nero's Notes.

[@davyj5216]

@@writerlywitterings Many thanks!

[@carolwelcome3348]

I am so sorry for the loss of your Spotty Dog.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Carol. She is missed, but it was the right decision, horrible though it was.

[@carolwelcome3348]

@@writerlywitterings it's never an easy decision, they are family. I may be more excited than I should be about your future puppy. Meanwhile spoil the current furbabie and give belly rubs on my behalf. My arms can't reach from here in Australia.

[@JerryBearry]

So sorry to hear about your very beautiful, black spotted friend.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, John.

[@marka.200]

I love Carbon, absolutely my favorite black ink. However, I have to say it is definitely finicky in certain pens I've tried it in. I've had the best luck in my "vintage" (1950's era) low-dollar Eversharp pen. I tried it in a brand new Pilot Metro and it would go from gushing to crusting over in random fashion (same pen flows Noodlers Black just fine, even letting it sit a long time). Regardless of the pen, Carbon seems to ghost/bleed through Leuchtturm1917 paper almost as badly as Baystate Blue. To be fair, some other inks also have problems with their paper. It's a shame because I love everything else about that paper (I've obsessively tested almost every kind of paper out there). Not saying there's a "best" paper, they all have pros and cons. I just seem to enjoy the color and feel of Leuchtturm best, but I have to be wary of which ink and pen I use with it. I've also noticed Carbon feathers on any paper that's not specifically fountain pen friendly. Some of this is probably due to the Eversharp flowing so well (not too much, but a healthy amount as most flexy vintage nibs will). I'm going to try Carbon in a fine point steel nib pen next to see if I can stop the feathering problem. Why go to all that trouble when Noodlers Black is perfectly fine? Because Carbon really is in a class by itself, the end result on the paper is comparable only to ink made for Manga artists (which isn't fountain pen friendly, but very good for dip pens and brushes).

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Mark - interesting comments on the ink. I do love the Carbon, especially for sketching with my Fude pen, but I have to ask, have you tried the Diamine Onyx Black, which I personally love compared with most other blacks (although I don't think it's waterproof, so I don't sketch with it).

[@marka.200]

@@writerlywitterings Thanks for the reply, no I haven't tried Onyx, though I have more Diamine inks than any other single label. My adventure in black inks started with Noodlers Heart of Darkness which was a very high bar, and I find it to still be the best all-around "reliable" blacker-than-black, but Carbon is a different enough ink to get my favorite pick. Something about the way it flows and dries on the paper (when it's not feathering or ghosting) is really unique to me. I will have to try Onyx, as Diamine definitely has a pretty flawless track record with me - most of my favorites are from Diamine (many I learned about from your videos by the way). I wouldn't be surprised if they also make "the best" black. (quotes to signify the rather ironic and sarcastic idea of "the best" ink being possible.) Thank you for the recommendation.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@marka.200 I hope you won't live to regret running down the Diamine Black rabbit hole ...

[@marka.200]

@@writerlywitterings I've left my regrets behind and surrendered to the inky addiction anyway, so there's that.

[@sophiebellais2378]

very sorry for your dog

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks so much, Sophie.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Feel free to send ME your squared notebook!

[@writerlywitterings]

OK. I'll have a think about whether I may need it, but you may well get it.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

@@writerlywitterings ha ha ha! Hey if you do end up sending it I’m happy to reimburse you via PayPal or whatever😄

[@murielf7416]

So sorry about your dog. Did I catch the name "Alistair Crowley" in one of your notebooks ...?

[@writerlywitterings]

Oh, no, I'm being watched! Yes, Crowley is one of a series of ideas I've been mulling for a new series based in the present day. Crime, but with a nasty twist - the agent's already sold on the idea. Thanks for the comment on Spotty. She's missed, but she had a good life.

[@lware1]

Sorry about your dog. I know how hard that is.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks. Never easy to lose a good friend.