I spend a lot of time searching for the perfect writing implements, and subsequently dreaming up exactly what I’m looking for. I’ve actually found some of them. I’m in love with my wooden book holder from the easy shop Ideas In Wood, my MacBook Air is perfect, and I’m head over heels for Scrivener (more on that coming to this blog in the future).
I’ve also come very, very close when it comes to notebooks and bags – but I still dream of a few customizations.
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The Perfect Notebook
I’d start with a classic Moleskine notebook as a base. They’re my absolutely favorite notebooks, and they’re perfect for most of my notebook needs, and so I have a few in different sizes for different purposes. The paper is exquisite, especially the ruled paper. The lines are light and the rule is narrow, and it’s just pleasant and familar to me. I also love the cahier notebooks for my academic work.
But if I could make one that would be just perfect for everything, here’s what I’d do:
- I’d divide the pages up into 2/3rds ruled paper, 1/3 sketch paper. This is obviously great for writing fiction and adding illustrations, but it’s also great for taking notes on the ruled pages, and then using the sketch paper to draw diagrams.
- And the pages would be numbered. I currently write the numbers in myself, but I’d love to have it already done for me. I usually make an index for myself at the front or back of the notebook so I can find things easily.
- I’d choose a soft leather cover, in a grayish brown, possibly etched with something, or plain. I’d love to have a variety of decorative options to choose from – the solar system, a tree, a celtic border, etc. It would be the perfect happy medium between the classic hardcover and the paper cahier cover.
- On the cover, I’d put two loops: one for a pen, and one for a pencil.
- I’d definitely include the ribbon bookmark and the elastic to hold it closed that come with the classic model.
- It would come in two sizes: 5×8 and 7×10.
Moleskine, can you hear me?
The Perfect Tote Bag
For this, I’d start with this bag from Cuyana. It’s so close to perfect – it’s beautiful, a great size, perfect bucket shape for carrying a ton of books, great quality, lightweight, it’s got a zip pouch in the front of the bag to keep my phone, wallet, lip gloss, and swiss army knife (you know, girly things) – but again, there are couple of tweaks I’d love to make.
- At the bag of the bag, I’d add a neoprene sleeve for my computer.
- Along the size, I’d place a panel to segment off a small section for a water bottle and/or travel coffee mug, lined to protect everything else from spills or condensation.
- And I’d reinforce the bottom so that when I put it down, it wouldn’t tip over.
- The rest would be left as is for books, notebooks, and a sweater.
I’m sure it wouldn’t be lightweight and easy to carry anymore once I’ve done that, but hey, this is my dream bag, and I see no reason to hold back in my dreams.
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If you know of something that fits my specs, let me know!
Stories & Soliloquies 
6 thoughts on “Bespoke Writing Tools”
Brenton Dickieson
I hope Moleskin is listening!
I’m off the Moleskin trail I’m afraid. My wife bought me a leather journal (made from repurposed leather and crafted by a West-coast artisan). I use refills, but they are very particular in size. So I am stuck with blank pages. I’ve come to like it the best.
Michelle Joelle
I hope so too, and that notebook sounds lovely – but I need close ruled lines for writing (faint ink). I’m not neat enough for unlined paper!
Brenton Dickieson
And I’m too messy to use anything but unlined! I just write too big to fit. But really, I have adapted to what I have. I think the split page is a brilliant idea.
matthewamoser
I am a Moleskine user too, but I’ve recently found something a bit better: Leuchtturm 1917. The paper quality is a bit better (especially if you write with a fountain pen). The pages have very light numbering. There’s a table of contents page (a HUGE help), perforated pages in the back, and stickers for the spine so that you can label it for your shelves.
Michelle Joelle
That sounds almost too good to be true – I’ll have check those out, thank you for the recommendation!
James Pailly
I used to print computer paper lined 2/3 of the way across. It was pretty helpful, but printing the quantities I needed became something of a pain, so I stopped.