Kickstarter Alert: Hands-On with the Good Made Better Writewell

Because I sit at a desk in front of the computer for most of each workday, I try to mix things up “after hours” with my journaling and other personal writing by moving to a standing desk or a more comfortable club chair. I own several different standing, lap, and writing desks, making me something of a self-proclaimed connoisseur of this particular niche in the office supply world.

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The Good Made Better Writewell, shown pictured here atop my standing desk in “writing slop” mode, with two fountain pens installed in the Penwells.

And it really is a niche, because there aren’t that many options out there, which is why I was so excited to see that Good Made Better had brought a prototype writing desk, the Writewell, to the D.C. Pen Show in August. Given how busy the show was, I didn't have much time to talk to Dan, but I could see how excited he was about the prototype and he promised to send me one when it was ready for review, prior to the Kickstarter launch.

The underside of the Good Made Better Writewell. The wood grain on this product is beautiful, and the craftsmanship top notch. Not only is it going to make working on this surface every day a joy, but you’ll see the Writewell featured as a backdrop to a lot of TGS product reviews and photos.

The Writewell fills two roles for me. First, it’s a lap desk, which was the original idea behind the product. While the underside of the Writewell includes no padding, I haven’t had any issues with comfort, and the Writewell rests both comfortably and evenly on my lap regardless of whether I’m sitting with my legs crossed or uncrossed. (This is a personal observation, so YMMV.)

An antique writing slope from my personal collection, which I thought might be fun to post here.

Second, the Writewell functions as a desktop writing slope, allowing me to angle the paper slightly upwards when I’m working at my standing desk. I use the Levenger Sit-to-Stand Rolling workstation, which I like, but I also find the work surface slightly too low, even in standing mode. By adding the Writewell, it’s at a perfect height. I’ve always enjoyed portable writing desks and writing slopes, and have had several antique models in my collection over the years. (Pictured above). The Writewell is a modern take on this age-old concept.

The Writewell with a journal set up in the “Reader’s Kit” add-on. The Reader’s Kit is a two-piece adjustable book stand that features a brass book rest and an acrylic page holder. While the version I have is a prototype, I have had no issues getting most books and journals to fit.

In terms of accessories and add-ons, the Writewell sent to me for review features two integrated Penwells, which allows me to alternate between two different fountain pens while I’m journaling or taking notes. This solves a key problem with my previous go-to lap desk, an older Levenger model sort of like this one, which uses an elastic band/pen loop system. While the Levenger lap desk itself is comfortable and offers a large work surface, I vastly prefer the Writewell’s integrated Penwell system as it makes it much easier to cap/uncap pens by holding them securely. Even more convenient is the “Reader’s Kit” add-on, which can be used as a book, pad, or tablet holder that’s especially useful when transcribing passages into my commonplace book or cleaning up notes I’ve taken elsewhere. (I don’t necessarily use book-holders when I’m actively reading, as I rarely read at a desk.) Other customizations and add-ons are available, including brass and wood roll-stops and recessed niches, which hold pens and the Bookfellow book weight. You can even change the number and location of the Penwell - the standard Writewell comes with one, but you can add an extra and/or change the orientation from right to left.

My next challenge to Dan: A portable writing box!

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The Good Made Better Writewell is currently available on Kickstarter with 12 days remaining in the campaign. Pledges start at $179, with add-ons and modifications such as additional Penwells, a brass or walnut roll stop, recessed niche, and reading kit available at extra cost. The “as-reviewed” model shown here would cost approximately $275, which honestly, given the quality of construction and lack of any truly comparable product on the market, represents excellent value. A writing desk like this won’t fit a need in everyone’s workflow, but the versatility of the Writewell in allowing me to move from “lap mode” to “podium mode” makes it a must-back for me. I’ve ordered a second one, which I plan to pair with my second standing desk that I keep at the office.

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While of course there are no guarantees that any Kickstarter project will be successful, Good Made Better is an experienced maker with an excellent Kickstarter track record. I would encourage you to visit their website and check out their other products, including the Penwell pen holder, the Bookfellow book weight, and more. I’ve been proud to collaborate with Dan on our own T.G.S.-exclusive Penwell, which features an “Aged Red” finish that you currently can only get via the T.G.S. Curated Shop.

Disclaimer: Good Made Better sent me the Writewell Writing Desk for review purposes, free of charge. I was not otherwise compensated for this review, and I do not receive any commissions or affiliate fees if you back the project via Kickstarter. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Thursday Drops: Journaling with Midori MD Multi-Year Diaries

Inspired by the recent release of this book publishing excerpts from nearly 25 years of short, daily journal entries, I picked back up my Midori MD 5-year Diary and started writing in it again. Even though the prior entries on several days went all the way back to 2019, it’s amazing how a few lines prompt fairly vivid recollections. In addition to the 5-Year Diary, Midori makes 10 and 3-year versions as well, all of which are now available.

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The Midori MD Five-Year Diary features five sections per calendar day, for five years of entries.

We have also restocked on Midori MD Paper, standard and cotton, as well as most other Midori stationery products. As featured below, we also offer the latest arrivals from TWSBI plus the 2022 Caran d’Ache limited editions.

A note on holiday shipping. In order to ensure the highest likelihood of delivery by Christmas, please try to get any gift orders in by Monday, December 19 at the absolute latest. This is still not guaranteed, and would strongly recommend that you place orders earlier if at all possible. The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

1. Midori Multi-Year Diaries. Available in five-year, ten-year, and three-year versions, these clothbound hardcover diaries feature five, ten, or three sections per calendar day, allowing you to review prior years’ entries as you journal.

2. Midori MD Cotton Notebooks. We have all three sizes of Midori MD Cotton Notebooks available once again, ranging from F0 to F2.

3. Midori MD A4 Notebooks and Covers. The largest of the Midori MD Notebooks offers a massive canvas for writing and/or drawing. We also have covers in stock, including the natural undyed leather version.

4. Midori MD Graphite Pencil Set. The team over at the Well-Appointed Desk recently reviewed the Midori MD Graphite Pencils! While the standard set contains six “B”-grade pencils, we also offer a gift set with different grades of graphite, pencil caps, and a sharpener.

5. Midori MD Colored Pencil Set. Following yet another Well-Appointed Desk review, the Colored Pencil Sets sold out in hours. We received a shipment yesterday and they are restocked.

6. Midori MD Fountain Pens and Limited Edition Fountain Pen Sets. The ever-popular Midori MD Fountain Pen is back, and we still have two remaining limited edition “70th Anniversary” pens with the Midori color-scheme ink.

7. TWSBI Swipe in Ice Blue. The latest TWSBI Swipe is available for sale, with retailers now allowed to accept orders. The pens will ship Friday or Monday, as deliveries have been somewhat delayed, presumably due to holiday craziness.

8. Caran d’Ache “Colour Treasure” 849 Ballpoints. This year’s holiday release features two different versions of a design inspired by Caran d’Ache’s iconic colored pencils: a “warm” tone finish containing orange, pink, and yellow; and a “cool” tone emphasizing blues and greens.

9. Caran d’Ache “Crayons de la Maison Caran d’Ache” Pencil Sets. Paired with a woodsy, patchouli fragrance from Swiss Parfumier Mizansir, this year’s luxury pencil set from Caran d’Ache features two beautiful natural finishes on these poplar-wood pencils, in addition to the typical greens and blues.

10. Caran d’Ache Swisswood Pencil Sets. Looking for the perfect gift for a luxury pencil enthusiast? Try one of these sets, featuring three different Swiss Wood pencils, plus a high-quality sharpener and eraser.

Check out the Holiday Gift Guide, “Gently Used” Page, and Our Sales!

If you’re shopping for gift ideas, be sure to check out the 2022 version of our annual Holiday Gift Guide. You might also find some excellent deals in our “Gently Used” section (due to be refreshed soon, with listed items cycled out), as well as our Sales section of the store that features recent markdowns on items from brands such as Nahvalur and Caran d’Ache.

On So-Called "Hot Takes" and Exploding Myths About Pens

I spend a fair bit of time reading pen blogs, participating in pen forums, and listening to pen podcasts. (Call it “professional research.”) As I was catching up on back podcast episodes over the holiday break, I listed to Pen Addict Episode No. 538, “Lukewarm Takes”, in which Brad and Myke discuss the prevalence of so-called “hot takes” in the pen community and elsewhere on the Internet. Needless to say, it got me thinking.

The best definition of “hot take” that I found comes from the Cambridge English Dictionary, which defines a “hot take” as “a piece of writing or speech, especially on the internet, giving someone's personal opinions about a topic, usually strong opinions that have not been carefully thought about and that many people are likely to disagree with.” As a general matter, hot takes annoy me. Not necessarily because they’re wrong - most at least start with a grain of truth - but rather because they nearly always take someone’s personal observation, experience or preference and extrapolate it into a broad pronouncement or judgment supposedly applicable to everyone else.

Some of my personal favorite pens are among those disparaged by online pen snobs, such as the Waterman Expert ballpoint and fountain pens shown here. The Parker Sonnet is another one of my “unpopular” preferences.

While many hot takes are not intended to be taken seriously, and are made solely for entertainment value, some are more pernicious. What I mean is that there are a series of “myths” out there about pens and stationery - particularly fountain pens - that I am asked about frequently, and which have a negative effect on the community. Most of these started as uninformed “hot takes” and have somehow become so ingrained that they’re accepted as “truth” by new users. I’ll address a few of them here.

1. Pens over [insert dollar amount] are never worth the money because you can find a good pen for $20 or less. Of all the ill-informed hot takes and pronouncements, this one annoys me the most, probably because it’s nearly always presented as an arrogant, condescending attempt to impose someone’s personal preferences on others and judge the choices of others. Sure, this statement can be true, if all you’re looking for is a pen that puts words on the paper in a satisfactory manner, with nothing more. However, this particular “hot take” ignores the myriad reasons that people buy pens that may cost more, including the different writing experiences offered by different nibs, the artistry involved in handmade or custom pens, and the flat-out fun of using an intricately engineered filling system. Everybody is in this hobby for different reasons, and if you’re buying a specific pen because it makes you happy, go for it.

2. True pen enthusiasts/connoisseurs only use fountain pens. Similarly, this one imposes a personal preference/snobbishness on others and I particularly dislike it because it’s often used to exclude others from the pen community. Not everyone can use fountain pens, and to be honest, many people prefer to use ballpoints or rollerballs exclusively. I know from personal experience running this blog and a small shop that there is a large number of people out there who are “into pens” but don’t show up at pen shows and other community events because they are perceived as “fountain pen exclusive.” There is nothing wrong with using what works for you, and outside of the loud voices on the pen internets and social media, most people who actually write a lot “in real life” use a wide array of fountain pens, ballpoints, pencils, and other writing instruments.

3. Cartridge/converter fountain pens are cheaply made and for beginners. You can substitute “steel nib” for “cartridge/converter” and get the same result: another “hot take” that’s essentially the inverse of No. 1. As I’ve written before, this hot take is nonsense, as I firmly believe cartridge/converter filling systems are often the best option for many people, including experienced fountain pen users such as myself. It’s about convenience and practicality and what works for your own writing needs, not your level of purported “sophistication” as a fountain pen user.

4. Vintage pens are better because you get “more” for your money. If what you’re looking for is a gold nib (particularly a flexible one), or vintage materials such as celluloid that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a modern pen, then this take has some truth to it. That said, many people pass on vintage due to the need for periodic repairs, the lack of a warranty, often finicky filling systems, and a retail network that can be less than friendly to new users. Vintage pens are neither “better” nor “worse” than modern ones. Rather, they implicate so many different factors that I don’t think any comparison is fair.

5. You have to spend a lot of money to get interesting materials. In recent years, pen companies have taken to releasing an endless litany of “special” and “limited”, mainly standard-model pens in different finishes and materials, whether acrylic, ebonite, or celluloid. The markup on these editions can range from nothing to thousands of dollars, depending on factors such as scarcity of materials, artistry, and demand. In short, shop around. Companies such as TWSBI, Nahvalur, Opus 88, and PenBBS release runs of pens in fun materials without any markup at all, and you can often find independent pen makers who will make you a pen in that coveted Brooks material for hundreds of dollars less than what you would pay at retail.

All of the pens pictured here feature relatively uncommon materials, and each cost less than $130 from an independent maker.

So what’s the purpose of this post? To encourage people to slow down, explore their options, exercise their own judgment, and make their own decisions. Don’t buy pens based solely off of someone else’s opinions on what’s “acceptable” or “the best”, especially internet opinions that tend to be amplified according to who shouts the loudest. Try everything. Experiment and discover what you enjoy. We absolutely live in a time that many are calling a second “golden age” of fine writing, with many different options for pens, ink, and paper. Start with pens that don’t cost a lot of money and work your way up once you're comfortable (if you want). Try different types of pens. Or stop when you find something that works for you. It’s about your enjoyment, after all!

This post does not contain third-party advertising or affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

New Arrivals: The TWSBI Swipe Fountain Pen in "Ice Blue"

TWSBI has just released a seasonal “Ice Blue” version of its Swipe fountain pen just in time for Winter. The translucent, frosty blue color adds a nice pop of brightness to the Swipe lineup, along with the current Prussian Blue, Smoke, Salmon, and Pear options. Available for purchase now, and will ship this week!

Priced at only $26.99, the TWSBI Swipe is an excellent option for those looking for a versatile fountain pen in an “all-in-one” package. The pen accepts cartridges and converters, and ships with one of each, including two different types of converters: a classic twist/piston converter, as well as a pump-style converter that makes it very easy to change inks and clean the pen. Read more on the TWSBI Swipe here.

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of TWSBI products. Be sure to check out our full range of TWSBI fountain pens and inks.

Sunday Reading for November 27, 2022

1. Still So Much To Be Grateful For (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). As a community, we do indeed have so much to be grateful for! And while I don’t spend a lot of time on Twitch, this list resonates with me.

2. Pelikan Hubs 2022 - Philadelphia: A Recap (via Pelikan’s Perch). I had a blast hosting this year’s Nashville-area Pelikan Hub, and have enjoyed reading about the different Hubs around the world. I will echo that finding a suitable location has become difficult as the event grows in size and popularity.

3. Slowing the Shopping (via Rachel’s Reflections). While this one may come too late for many of us (myself included), it’s still the holiday shopping season, with the temptation to overindulge.

4. A Case Against Black Friday (via Caroline Finds It - Caroline Weaver). If you’re not subscribed to Caroline’s newsletter, and are interested in reading about not just thoughtfully curated products in various categories but small business in general, you should subscribe ASAP.

5. Cosmo Air Light B6 Slim Notebook (via Well-Appointed Desk). I never got much into Cosmo Air Light as a paper, though I did enjoy the samples I used. If its properties interest you, get the notebooks while you can!

6. Kakimori B6 Bank Paper Planner Review (via Blake’s Broadcast). With changes to Tomoe River and, at least for now, the impending demise of Cosmo Air Light, people are looking for alternatives. Bank Paper has emerged as a favorite for many.

7. Heavy Duty: A5 Rhodia Notepad (via A Fleeting Ripple). I’ve been reading a lot in the pen community about how Rhodia is overrated. While there is definitely inconsistency among the different products, as a general matter I still consider it very good for the price point, especially for paper you plan to use in higher volume, such as at work.

8. Curating Towards Custom (via mnmlscholar). My own collection as a whole is starting to curate towards custom, and I’m very happy with that!

9. Meet Your Maker - Meg Blackburn, Black Robin Pens (via Pen Addict - Caroline). I always love reading about new (to me at least) makers, and I have a running list of makers whose pens I want to try. Add Black Robin Pens to the list!

In Case You Missed It…

Since this week was a holiday week here in the States, and one that traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping craziness, the focus was on a lot of sales. While there didn’t seem to be as many insane 30-50% off promotions (which hopefully signals a healthier approach to these types of things on the part of both businesses and consumers), it’s still a good time to pick up items you’ve had your eye on at a slight discount. That said, remember to support your independent shops and makers, who due to economics may not be able to offer the same type of discounting as big box or major online outlets. I published this “Indie Gift Guide” to complement my own annual shop Holiday Gift Guide (discussed below), focusing on those independent makers I have supported over the past year. I did also write a piece on my pencil “mini-collection,” which I’ve trimmed down over the years but still brings me a lot of joy.

Don’t Miss the T.G.S. Curated Shop Cyber-Week Sale - Use “GIVETHANKS” for 10% Off Most Items

Through Monday, use the coupon code “GIVETHANKS” at checkout to take an extra 10% off most items in the Curated Shop (excluding TWSBI). It’s our way of thanking readers and repeat customers, and hopefully gives you a little help with a head start on your holiday shopping. This week we had a major restock on most Caran d’Ache items, including the arrival of the “Colour Treasure” limited editions and the 10th release of the Crayons de la Maison Caran d’Ache.

Caran d'Ache

Field Notes

Opus 88

Desk Accessories

Consider T.G.S. Patreon - New “Gently Used” Items in the Patreon Shop!

For those who want to support T.G.S. without necessarily adding to their accumulation via shop purchases, the Patreon Program offers two options for tiers of support: $3 and $5 (with a discounted annual option) and plan on making monthly meetups, pen show events, and periodic exclusive content the primary benefits. Of course, Patreon members will continue to get first access to periodic sample sales, with right of first refusal on gently used pens. (Reminder that those items which made it through Patreon become available to the general readership, and this week you can get an extra 10% off Gently Used items with the coupon code referenced above!) Many thanks to all of you who already decided to back via Patreon. Your support means the world to me!