Any aficionado of writing instruments has to admit that writing with them is an experience in the truest sense of the word – and for many, even a ritual woven into daily life. From choosing the paper, which must meet a few important criteria for fountain pen use, to the ink in the reservoir, which may vary from one writing session to the next, one question still remains – one I will try to answer in the following lines: what makes a writing session truly memorable.
As someone deeply passionate about writing instruments and, I like to believe, an avid user, I have observed my own habits around writing sessions over the years and realised that many of the most memorable ones required careful preparation, while others became memorable through their spontaneity, the places I happened to find myself in, and the mood of the moment.
Beyond that, each time it was the writing instruments I used that truly mattered – and, by extension, the nib, the paper (or the size of the notebook page), and the ink. I like to think of these elements as a writer’s holy trinity, and in the following lines I’ll share my thoughts on each, and why the absence of even one can completely ruin the writing experience.
The Writing Instrument
For me, the instrument is the starting point of a truly memorable writing experience – especially as someone drawn to aesthetics, details, and the stories behind objects. The design of a writing instrument is something I simply can’t compromise on, nor would I want to. That’s why I believe choosing one should be a deliberate, unpressured process, because the pen becomes an extension of the writer, reflected in every line laid on paper.
This is precisely why I encourage you to take the time to visit fine stationery boutiques in person, explore different models, and test a variety of nibs. In doing so, you’ll begin to appreciate each writing session more deeply – and find yourself looking forward to the next one.
The Paper
An equally essential element – without which even the most refined nib cannot express itself with grace – is the paper. Fountain pen–friendly is the key, yet I’ve had pleasant surprises from papers that didn’t necessarily meet this criterion, but impressed me with their texture, papers I chose to give a chance.
Starting with Tomoe River, often considered the benchmark for fountain pen writing, I encourage you to explore different manufacturers and discover what best suits your style. Personally, I’ve had particularly rewarding experiences with Graphilo and Tsubame, while in Europe, names like Montblanc, Smythson, Pineider, and Original Crown Mill have consistently delivered excellent results.
The Ink
With thousands of options and an endless range of shades available, it’s hard to go wrong with ink – and yet, certain makers truly stand out when it comes to the ideal formula. Here we’re talking about saturation, lubrication, the nuances that emerge with broader nibs, drying time, and more.
I’ve long been a devoted admirer of the Pilot Iroshizuku range, which, in my view, offers some of the most beautiful colours available today, alongside other outstanding producers such as Sailor, Montblanc, and Scribo. Here as well, whenever possible, I strongly recommend testing the ink before making a purchase.
The Setting
Beyond these three components, a memorable writing session is shaped just as much by its context. I’ve filled pages with everything from fleeting ideas to more introspective thoughts in countless places, yet few settings compare to a café or teahouse, a seaside terrace, a hotel lounge, a blanket on the beach, or a quiet hilltop after a hike. That said, I’ve also found genuine pleasure in writing during a train commute or mid-flight – moments that, in their own way, invite a different kind of focus.
And I shouldn’t overlook the most accessible of all: one’s own desk. It remains a perfect setting for writing sessions – away from noise, in a familiar atmosphere, perhaps accompanied by a good whisky or a cigar.
Now… I’m wondering, what, in your view, makes a writing session truly memorable?