Time to Retire the Traveller's Notebook?

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[@Richard_Barnes]

Hey Mike 😄 Good to see you busy with a new book contract and I wish you well 👍🏻I'm a big Paper Republic fan and have used their l'atelier service to get my own A5 Folio made up with my choice of leathers, etc. So their A6 folio is a fantastic little thing. The paper books are fantastic for FP inks and the watercolour paper speaks for itself. However, once you put the thicker notebooks in the A6 (or A5) and other things it does become chunky. I still like it though. They also fit the books well and keep things very nicely covered. The paper is excellent and I really enjoy writing in it. Enjoy your books and thx again 😄👍🏻

[@writerlywitterings]

Cheers, Richard, and thanks for the comments (good to see you again!). I'm interesting in Paper Republic, and hopefully they're going to send me a couple of samples of paper for me to scribble on. I'll put up a video when they arrive. All best!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I always enjoy your witterings, no matter the subject. I could listen to you go on all day. You've inspired me to pull my Midori Traveler's notebook out of the closet. I put it away for some reason that I don't quite remember. BTW, you have an extra "L" in your video title in the word "Traveler's". Something I've been guilty of myself... grin. Cheers, Steve

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Steve, it's good to know that my voice doesn't put off too many people - although one guy did consider me a bit upper class; the first time I've ever been accused of that! Um - when it comes to "Traveller's", there's a good reason for spelling it that way - it's the English spelling. I am guessing you're based in the USA? All I can say is, you've clearly been spelling it correctly without knowing!

[@grreeeeee]

just get yourself an A6 traveler's notebook, there are so many brands/types. Smaller than the regular sized TN, bigger than the passport. A6 refills are so easy to come by as well.

[@writerlywitterings]

I didn't even know there was such a thing! I'll go and look it up. Many thanks!

[@luigig6256]

I have had this internal monologue many times. A ‘grail’ notebook system is yet to be found.

[@Larry-t5p]

Everbook is worth checking out, I stopped buying new notebooks a few years ago since it works so well with just standard A4 paper

[@writerlywitterings]

Yeah ... Lochby are really close to perfect as EDC notebook systems; I think the William Hannah's are too. I love my Midori, but ... I'll just have to keep looking, I think. It doesn't quite work for me nowadays.

[@qiqerod]

Everbook is fantastic!!

[@qiqerod]

Definitely the new LOCHBY new A6 when it comes out is a definitely buy. That will work great. I’m currently using the plotter mini 6 with my own cut out paper inserts for to size.

[@samsowden]

you could cut down the front cover of any notebook refill that has to go in th william hanna cover. or cut a slot in it to allow for the stud.

[@writerlywitterings]

That's a really good idea - cutting a slot would work well. In the meantime, I've taken the simple approach of using an elastic band, like a Traveller's Notebook/Paper Republic system to hold two in there.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

You could cut the back cover of the notebook to fit in the William Hannah notebook.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, that's one option I've looked at. Just now I'm working on the principle of using elastic bands, pretending it's a Traveller's Notebook!

[@RobertMaguire67]

Any binder/book with rings is just a hard no for left handed people unless writing only on the back or page laying on the left side of the book. Stalogy 365 A5 and Galen Leather Everyday Notebooks that lay flat and have 200 or more pages of fountain pen tolerant paper. Insert them in my leather Bosca cover or my A5Galen leather zipper cover with 6 fountain pen/roller ball pen loops. For the every day carry maybe the A6 Hobonichi with a blank notebook.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for that - I'm currently looking at Paper Republic, but I also love the look of the Lochby A6 notebook cover.

[@markcotter2931]

As you know, I’m a WH and Paper Republic fan. The smaller size is A6, so same size as the WH but thinner or squashier without the rings. My preference is for the le portfolio as it has pockets front and back. Mine has Leuchtturn A6 notebooks in it.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Mark - yes, it is YOUR fault I started rethinking notebooks! I did look at the portfolio, but I have to admit, I had to gulp at the price! However, I do like the fact that it will take standard sized A6 notebooks, so I can vary the make, as well as really liking the fact that the they sell their thick notebook style with 80 pages. That is very appealing.

[@KonradNeuwirth]

The one that I lug along all the time is the Travellers Notebook Passport size. That works well for me, because I also am not such a friend of the format of the original Traveller's. (And I also bought them back when they were still Midori.)

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah, mine is also a Midori - Goodness knows how old mine is now - at least 25 years, I think. But the length of the pages makes it just a little bit impractical, I think. I like the idea of the Passport size, but I believe it's slightly smaller than A6, which would make it too small. After advice, I'm looking at Paper Republic, because of their thicker notebooks (ie more pages) and the way that I can use a sketching pad in it as well. But no decisions made yet - Lochby have their own small notebook now, and I am absolutely entranced by their waxed cotton journals and notebooks ...

[@KonradNeuwirth]

@@writerlywitterings Have you ever tried using the Traveller's pages sideways? Then they're not so overly long, then they are just broad :-)

[@paulmchugh1430]

The Postal Service here works the same way. They drop a card in your mailbox that they have a package that is too large or too heavy to deliver. Of course the large package is usually left on the doorstep (mailboxes have to be located next to the street or road, so they do not have to get out of their truck to deliver the mail). For large packages they will get out, well most of them. Some are not so inclined and you have to retrieve it at the actual post office. As for duties and other fees, I have had only one package that I had to pay a fee. When I send out a package for international shipment, usually there is a spot on the customs form to send it as a gift. It saves a lot of duty fees. As for your journal cover, I do not use one. Everything has its own cover which is fine with me.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for that, Paul. Over here the postie is supposed to deliver only to your hands; parcels generally get scanned and often the delivery man will take a photo to show it's been passed to the recipient. Amazon deliveries are ... let's just say a little more flexible! Thefts from doorsteps are increasingly common!

[@johnstrickland3394]

Fun video, as always! The post office email is almost certainly a scam. I get them all the time here in Canada.

[@writerlywitterings]

It sure is - but as usual, being a suspicious old fart by nature, I wasn't taken in - and the mailer is reported to the government service!

[@alyssiareid8190]

I get those scam emails and phone calls at least a few times a month, very annoying!

[@writerlywitterings]

I get several every day! I'm just glad that Apple's spam filters really do work. Sad, of course that so many very friendly young ladies who apparently find me incredibly attractive are viewed as scammers by Apple, but into every life a little rain must fall. And they all get deleted sight unseen!

[@VanessaHamshere]

I make my own - very easy to make a leather book cover/holder. That said, I use the A5 & pocket Lochbys, William Hannahs, TNs, Filofaxes, Elrohir Leather TNs, Meadowgate leather TNs, Filofax notebooks & clipbooks. A number of my bibles have leather covers I've made myself.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have made my own in the past, but I have to admit, the quality of the leather with firms like Traveller's Notebook and Paper Republic is hard to beat!

[@jessicasblack]

From what I have seen about the William Hannah disc system in different videos and blogs, you can buy a mushroom hole punch and it fits. If that's true I would just cut down and punch my own watercolor paper in the A6 disc book and you can always have several sheets on hand in a book you enjoy.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I have an Atoma hole punch, which I do love to use with special papers - but I can't possibly use watercolours in the WH - I'd make a mess of the leather, and that would make me feel SO guilty!

[@dagbruck]

Berlin Notebook have a minimalistic, handmade cover. Even sports a few pockets. Very portable.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks - I'll take a look!

[@davidhunden120]

Michael, this suggestion might be counter productive. Anyway, particularly for cooler weather where you wear a coat jacket, or sweater, you might consider approching Lochby or a leather smith and see if they can make a couple of bespoke shoulder type carriers (like a shoulder holsters for firearms). One righside and one leftside. Each notebook/ sketchbook would be very accessible and provide for hands free walking. Also, you wouldn't have to worry about the books fitting in the pockets of jackets.

[@writerlywitterings]

David, that is a very interesting idea - I may well have to consider that as another option! Many thanks!

[@Philhellene1]

When I have emails like that, in Outlook on my phone I can hold my finger down on the address, and it will reveal the sender's actual email address, as opposed to the text title e.g. Royal Mail. I have spotted a number of phishing emails that way

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, on my Apple mail system it does the same thing. However, this one came up with "[e-mail]" even with that. It has been very carefully constructed as a scam!

[@149jimbo]

Paper Republic is takes the same sized notebooks as the William Hannah / Field Notes. Travelers passport is a bit smaller. Paper Republic paper quality is excellent. I have 4 notebooks in my Paper Republic. There are also thicker books with more pages if thats what you prefer. Happy to send comparison pics if it helps.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for the offer - yes, if you have some pictures, that would be really interesting!

[@TheBalconyPiper]

For the pocket William Hana cover, instead of inserting a second notebook on the left side you can combine two notebooks on the right side connected with an elastic, like in the Midori. I second the paper republic option. Great company and beautiful covers, inserts and accessories. Always love your content! Take care and carry on

[@writerlywitterings]

That's a great idea - many thanks ... and why didn't I think of that?

[@tonybinns-er4xi]

Did you know that there is a new journal cover fromLochby? Just released in the USA It's a mini version of the A5 cover, probably A6. It has a handle down the spine like the A5, and takes the smaller size Tomoe river cahiers

[@tylerbailey85]

Where can that be found? I don't see it on their website.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I'm on their mailing list, and it does look rather wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing one - that may be the ideal size/combo for me.

[@writerlywitterings]

I think all you can see is photos on Instagram just now. Look up Lochby there, and you should find it - they sent out the pics yesterday, I think.

[@lisapt6702]

Don’t know if I dare suggest going down the rabbit hole I did, but it isn’t that difficult to make inserts of any size with any paper you want. Do a search for three or five hole pamphlet stitch.

[@writerlywitterings]

Haha, you and me both! I've made my own sketch books with rough paper, using the - I think - "Coptic" book binding stitch? Works very well, and that may well be a good alternative for me. Thanks!

[@nicksg3002]

Have you tried B6 notebooks? Leather covers aren't many for this size but I like Etsy Oribushop customizes, not expensive.

[@writerlywitterings]

No, I have to admit I haven't looked at them. I'll have a look, and thanks!

[@MarchMeadow]

Why not make your own custom holder?

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah, I have done in the past, but there is a lot of fun trying out other people's - the new Lochby looks rather fabulous, for example.

[@hemantkothari909]

Talking to you after a long time

[@writerlywitterings]

Been far too long, my friend. Sadly, time moves on past us, eh?

[@lauraholck5913]

The Traveller's Company does offer a smaller size. Have you ever looked at the Passport size?

[@writerlywitterings]

I did, but I think it's just a little too small for my taste, being that bit shorter in length. I have to admit, I also like to standardise where possible - A6 is not perfect, but it does mean there's a wide range of alternatives. Plus I really like the look of Paper Republic's thick notebooks in that size. So much choice!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I need a system for holding loose leaf pages without poking holes. Any suggestions?

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi there - I have seen occasional leather note wallets that hold paper in a pocket in one side, and has cut-outs at the top two corners and a slot in the bottom. You pull out a couple of sheets, poke the bottom into the slot and the two top corners, and then write. I actually have one - I bought it back in 1982 or so - and it works really well. No holes, and you could make one at any size to suit you. If you want more info, I'll try to get a short video made of it for you.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Why not a passport size travelers notebook?

[@writerlywitterings]

I believe - probably wrongly, but hey ho - that it's a bit smaller than the Paper Republic, say? I really want something smaller than the length of the Traveller's Notebook, but which can take really good-sized notebooks (ie multiple pages). Paper Republic look like theirs is a good A6 size, 14x9cm, whereas the TN version is that bit smaller at 12.5x9cm. It's a tough one, but the slightly larger size makes a bit more sense to me, I think.

[@Roger_Stenning]

Item the first sounds like a classic scam. Check the email address used, and be VERY suspicious of any linkage in the email.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I did. Somehow they had used "[e-mail]", which I did find convincing, but the other elements, the amount demanded, the limited period to pay, and the lack of confirmatory details like a consignment number, were all enough to convince me it was just a scammer.

[@hemantkothari909]

I was busy with making Field Note book

[@writerlywitterings]

How did it go?

[@Richard_Barnes]

The email = scam. It's a grey card from Royal Mail with custom charges on, never an email Sir.

[@writerlywitterings]

You're quite right there. When my Pineider arrived last week, though, I had an email which I immediately thought was a scam ... except it wasn't! £15 paid to get my new Pineider!

[@Richard_Barnes]

@@writerlywitterings I was looking at Pineider as well this week. What did you get?

[@writerlywitterings]

@@Richard_Barnes To my delight I managed to get a bright yellow Pineider Avatar Ultra Resin with personalisation. That last is a bit of a gimmick (I'm going to have a video up about it this week so won't bother to go into detail here) but makes the pen (I think) more balanced and shorter, which means it fits my shirt pocket well. I love the EF nib. I've had a few EFs, and never liked them. One I tried from Pelikan was like writing with a nail, it was so hard. This is wet, and gives good feedback. Not flexible, certainly, but I wanted this pen for sketching and daily notes while walking the dogs, and for that it is absolutely perfect. On the other hand, I also have a Pineider Avatar with Dante's Ultra Flex nib - and that is a stunner!

[@hemantkothari909]

Hello mick

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Hemant

[@hemantkothari909]

I have baby pigeons to take care..it is challenging

[@writerlywitterings]

Not the easiest size pet to deal with!

[@KennethEveleigh-t1t]

Of course, it's a scam. The post office doesn't know what your email address is. I get these all the time here in Colorado USA. Ignore it.

[@pamelaboxall7015]

Some firms you order from link your e-mail address in the Royal Mail tracking information. I don't buy a lot online, but when I have I get legitimate e-mails from Royal Mail letting me know the day they intend to deliver, and even an e-mail confirming that they have just made the delivery. Which is not to suggest that there aren't scam e-mails from "Royal Mail", because there are a whole lot of them.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, there were two things that got me with this one: first the demand for such a large sum (£58); second the fact that they gave 24 hours to pay (Royal Mail is 21 or 30 days); and the third was, the consignment number was mostly blanked out with hash symbols. I think an authentic email would give the full, correct number. It's not a bank account number that needs to be kept secret!

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah, here in the UK the Royal Mail will often have your email and will use it to warn you that a parcel is on its way, so you can track it; they'll also write to let you know when it's due to be delivered, and then confirm delivery after the event (to make sure a stranger didn't happen to be at your door). However there were indicators: too much money demanded; only one day to pay (Royal Mail would give up to 30 days); no consignment number. Apart from those three, it was very convincing. However, I've been on this planet for 64 years, and 13 were spent in computer companies. It takes more than that to convince me to send someone my money!

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

My email address is registered with Royal Mail at their Local Delivery Office which I can see from my Living Room Window and whenever they are delivering a parcel to me or any other reason they email me to et me know when I can expect a visit from them

[@writerlywitterings]

They can be very good. I live out in a small village, and here we know all three postmen/women who deliver. We're known as the sub-post office, because so many locals ask for their deliveries to be sent to us, since we're always here!