The Watson-Guptill Fickle Writer
May 4, 2008 · Print This Article
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These days, writers use computers for writing. But most will admit there’s still something about good old-fashioned pen and paper that just gets creativity flowing. It’s difficult to brainstorm on a computer, or jot down notes and random thoughts, and it’s almost impossible to doodle in the margins.
Over the years, I’ve collected hordes of journals and notebooks. Some of them are pretty and whimsical. Others are simple and functional. I always go through lots of spiral notebooks for business but when it comes to creative writing, I have learned (the hard way) that I have pretty basic but specific needs that my journal must fulfill.
It has to be hardbound so it can withstand lots of use. It can’t be too big or too small. Something in the 5×8 inch range is just right. The paper must be archival quality because there’s less yellowing and tearing with higher quality paper.
Most importantly, the pages have to be unlined. I like to doodle and draw when the mood strikes. Occasionally, I write sideways, upside down, or even in circles (a technique for breaking through writer’s block). Sure, I can brainstorm and mind-map right over a line-ruled page, but why should I? Those lines are inhibiting and I need creative freedom. So there is only one journal for me: the Watson-Guptill Sketchbook
The best thing about the Watson-Guptill is that if you are an artist and a writer, or someone who likes to paste photos or clippings into your journals, these are perfect because the pages thick and unlined.
The Watson-Guptill Sketchbooks
I know that writers love to rave about Moleskines. My confession for today is that I’ve never owned one. I’m not even sure I’ve seen one in a store. One of these days, I’ll get one and do a little comparative analysis but for now, I’m sticking with Watson-Guptill because I’m just a fickle writer like that.
What’s your favorite journal or notebook?
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This was a fun one so feel free to try it. Oh and try dancing on a bar sometimes too....
My handwriting is atrocious and I can’t draw for beans, so while I love the idea of writing by hand (and have a few journals to show for it), it’s more laborious than freeing. Not to mention being rather tricky to go back and read later on…. (grin). Love yours, though!
I hate to be cliche’ but I do swear by the Moleskines. My favorite right now is the cahier with unlined pages. I prefer a soft cover because it’s easy to throw in my purse or stash inside the book I’m reading. Though I have a couple hardcover as well and they are lovely. They all have a nice pocket at the back for stashing little bits.
http://www.moleskineus.com/moleskine-cahier-notebooks.html
Somewhat unrelated, but I love the Moleskine City Journals too.
http://www.moleskineus.com/moleskine-city-european.html
The paper in the Moleskine may not be as thick as you like though. I’ll have to check out the Watson… I don’t think I’ve ever seen one.
@Deb, You are right. Going back through handwritten notes can be a huge pain! Every so often I flip through my old journals looking for forgotten ideas and it’s pretty time consuming but sort of enjoyable, sometimes fruitful
@Greer, I do want to check out the moleskines because the reviews on them are so positive. One of these days I’ll order one and give it a shot.
I believe these Watson-Guptill sketchbooks are marketed more toward artists but you can find them on Amazon and in art stores. I actually discovered them in a college bookstore of all places! At least I think that’s where I got my first one.
The paper isn’t super thick but it’s far more resilient than the paper in a regular spiral notebook. The only downside to these hardbound journals is that it’s not easy to lay them flat (which spiral-bounds do quite well).
The Moleskine hardbound journals do open flat, which is nice. The cahiers open flat as well, and the cover can also be bent all the way back like you might with a spiral notebook if you just want to see the one side. Not sure I’m describing that very well, hopefully you know what I mean.
I’m glad you brought this up because I love discovering new paper products! I will try to sneak a Watson-Guptilll onto a future Amazon order.
@Greer, I looked at some pics of the Moleskine and didn’t think the cover could fold back. That makes it more tempting because that’s what I love about spiral-bound notebooks. I’ll have to get one with my next Amazon order and put it to the test
Thanks!
Melissa, I must confess I have never owned a moleskin either! They don’t seem readily available in the US as they are in Europe. I too prefer 5 x 8 hardcover journals. I like the lined ones but have tried unlined too. The cover must speak to me in some way either by the color, texture or beautiful artwork. However, I want the inside to be free of adornment with nothing more than space to write. I also favor the ones with the built in elastic page divider (like Dayrunner). I am going to have to order a moleskin to give it a shot. I did see a version that folds entirely flat on their website.
@Karen, Oh, I love a pretty journal cover. I actually have a whole bunch of journals and notebooks that I use for different things but my main one is the Watson-Guptill. I have others for large projects and my business. It’s fun to discover what other writers prefer!
Melissa,
Those look like pretty nice books, I agree. I’ve never seen them, but I’ve been using Moleskines for a while and they are pretty neat.
For anyone who likes unique notebooks, check out these folks:
http://www.renaissance-art.com/default.aspx
Very nice stuff. As I currently have a *stack* of unopened Moleskines on my desk, I might just get one of the leather bindings Renaissance makes for the Moleskine.
This one here http://www.renaissance-art.com/Prod132/Product.aspx
has a pen loop inside, which is handy - and I think I’d be able to keep my hipster PDA inside it as well. I’ll let everyone know once I have a chance to check one out.
@Brett, those are quite beautiful. I have a few notebooks I picked up at Target. They have plain brown covers with a colored stripe down one side and are spiral-bound. They are about 5×5 inches and include a loop for a pen, which is included. I love them and they’re only about $3 apiece. Problem is, they fill up fast.
Seems like we writers are always searching for The Next Great Notebook!