Chapter 1: The Essentials of Fountain Pens

When it comes to selecting a fountain pen, the nib is a crucial factor. Some enthusiasts swear by a 14k gold nib, believing it offers the best writing experience, while others are perfectly satisfied with an iridium nib. Interestingly, certain iridium nibs can perform nearly as well as their gold counterparts, creating a lively debate among pen aficionados that is likely to persist indefinitely.

Personally, my limited edition Pelikan, which features a gold-plated iridium nib, rivals the performance of my 14k gold Aurora. Ultimately, it’s about discovering what suits your style best, and you'll know when you find the right fit.

My writing routine typically begins with getting ink on the page. I draft my thoughts, then set the piece aside—much like letting a brisket rest—before revisiting it a few days later for another round of edits. The goal is to refine by trimming about ten percent of the content, which means eliminating unnecessary phrases. While writing processes vary by individual, this method has proven effective for me.

Section 1.1: The Importance of Paper

The choice of writing surface also plays a pivotal role in the quality of your work. I've long been an advocate for Moleskine notebooks, as I believe they offer unparalleled quality. Are they pricey? Absolutely. Is it a luxury? I don't mind—it's worth the investment in the long run.

Do you absolutely need a Moleskine to write effectively? Not at all! I don’t use one every day; after all, I'm not a Rockefeller. I treat them as a special indulgence, akin to enjoying a giant banana split on a sunny Sunday afternoon. If you haven’t experienced writing in a Moleskine yet, I encourage you to treat yourself and share your thoughts afterward.

Subsection 1.1.1: Choosing the Right Ink

For fountain pen users, quality paper is essential, but so is the ink. The type of ink you choose dramatically affects your writing experience. There are brands I won't name, but I can share my favorites from my time in Boston, where I frequented the now-closed Bromfield Pen Shop—a paradise for pen lovers.

Through experimentation, I've discovered my go-to ink: Iroshizuku by Pilot, which offers a stunning array of colors and smooth flow. Other favorites include Noodler's, Pelikan, and J. Herbin. Good ink is crucial because if the flow stops, so does your writing, leading to frustration.

I’m curious about what others in the Medium community use for their writing endeavors. Feel free to drop a comment with your favorites or any questions about pens or inks—I’m here to help!

Chapter 2: Insights on Writing and Journaling

In this video, "Introduction to my Ink Journal * Writing Samples * Chromatography," the creator shares an overview of their ink journal, showcasing writing samples and discussing the chromatography process to reveal ink properties.

The second video, "Dot Grid Journal Pen Test Process," details the method used to test various pens on dot grid paper, highlighting the advantages of different writing instruments.