An Ode to Notebooks

Writers are funny about a lot of things. I know, I know, ideally we should be able to write anytime, anywhere, on anything, and many of us do. Certainly, if I found myself trapped on a deserted island, I would still write on tree bark with charcoal… or just become a better oral storyteller.

However, there’s no denying that writers like their “stuff.” A book-lined home office (we should all be so lucky…). Nice pens. And of course: pretty notebooks.

So beautiful....

I can examine notebooks at stationary stores for hours. Naturally, I usually find one I adore with rabid intensity, and I can always think of a novel or short story the notebook could be used for, and surely I’ve used up the last one I bought….

Yeah, right. Besmirching that first virgin page is harder than you think (one reason a friend of mine adamantly refuses to write on the first page of her notebooks; she starts on the second).

Although the number of empty notebooks lining my shelves is a little embarassing, I notice I’m consistent in the type of notebook I buy. Hardcover, definitely, I can’t stand to have the covers flopping all over the place. I figure your notebook of all things should be stable. Dark lines, widely spaced to accomodate my large, childish scrawl. Honestly, I prefer margins, but I’m starting to become more flexible. I just leave space (creating my own margin) to jot things down later. I love when notebooks have a pocket inside one of the covers: perfect for storing the inevitable stray pages and napkins associated with your project.

A classic, yes, but too small for me.

Notebooks have come a long way. Now they’re practically works of art in their own right, with leather-bound covers, covers with reproductions of famous manuscripts, reproductions of Celtic crosses, archival-quality gilded, ornate bookmarks tucked into the spine… Your choice is no longer just spiral-bound or not, but which of the seemingly thousands of unique-yet-dazzling books do you want to carry around with you for the next few months (in theory, anyway)?

Personally, I use notebooks purely for planning and notes. For the actual writing, computers are without a doubt my tool of choice, for speed, ease of editing, and the fact that typed manuscripts are kind of expected nowadays… That being said, my attachment to notebooks is unshaken. Unlike the official-looking black and white of a computer screen, my atrocious handwriting reminds me that this is all rough. I don’t have to have anything too solid just yet, I mean, it’s not even typed! Having space to scribble over old notes, write inside jokes to myself, or add little sketches and maps is another added bonus.

I love the notebook I used for my novel. I received it as a gift, which is always dicey, because what if the person doesn’t know you like your notebooks hardcover, non-spiral bound, widely spaced, inside cover pocket, attractive yet subtle cover, about 15x22cm, bookmark optional? (It’s worse than an order at Starbucks!)

Fortunately, the notebook I recieved met my preferences exactly. Even if that had not been the case, I would’ve still used it… but come on. Notebooks are important.

Anyone else have specific notebooks they love? Needs that must be met?

Cheers!

Arvik