Joining the Conversation

...or...A Pen Addict's Gonna Post*

In the Fall of 2014, I had a major health crisis that sidelined me from work and activities for several months. While recovering at home, I stumbled on an article about pens on the exceptional review site The Wirecutter. I clicked each link and researched every contributor in the article. I had no idea such a rich and diverse community of people existed who share a similar interest in a tool I treasure for its historical and utilitarian value. Finding this community bolstered my mood and outlook during the time of healing. The pen community appeared genuine, intelligent, friendly, benevolent and welcoming. After following many of these pen people over time, through conversations, podcasts, interviews, and reading some of their very personal work, I can say that their appearances are authentic.

I have always enjoyed a well-made pen and the tactile qualities of beautiful paper. Prior to finding this vibrant pen community, however, I only used varieties of pens and papers available through the major office supply stores. I did not use fountain pens and had no idea there were small businesses devoted to crafting writing products with a story and a personality. I did not listen to podcasts or know that Kickstarter was a thing. My wife can attest to the many instances I said I would never write with a fountain pen because "it was too much trouble" and a rollerball could "put ink on paper just as well without all the mess!" She could remind me that I said I would never (ever!) listen to a podcast about pens! But she doesn't because she knows how important this hobby and community have become for me.

Since finding and devouring the work of the major pen reviewers, from Brad Dowdy, AnaReinhardt, Mike Dudek, Ed Jelley, Tessa Sowry, and many others, I had the desire to join in the fun and start a blog of my own. This desire was aided by the many purchases I made and the growing collection of pens, notebooks, and inks taking over my office. I blamed these wonderful people for enabling these purchases and for claiming more and more of my time. I went from just reading about pens to researching, photographing, and even listening to podcasts about pens.

The pen community has filled my time with well-crafted writing and gorgeous photography, and also broadened my horizons for media and art. What I appreciate most about the pen community are the people I've been introduced to: amazing craftsmen and makers, dedicated and passionate writers, and thoughtful, generous creators and entrepreneurs focused on all facets of life. From handkerchiefs to focused living, CrankyHankyCo to Shawn Blanc, I have found a community that values diversity and helping others experience the best quality in the things they find to be important, from the material to the immaterial: pen cases to productivity, titanium nibs to time with family.

The decision to start a blog is an easy one. Deciding what to write about is difficult. When I open my news app each day or listen to NPR, I'm inundated with things that are truly important and deserve attention: millions of starving children in Yemen, suffering in Syria, hundreds of murders in Chicago, and the ongoing struggles for racial justice in America. How can I take time and space to write about pens and paper when the world has so many needs that are worthy of attention and thought? I've also earned my Master of Divinity degree and was a youth pastor many years ago. God's Word and discipleship are very close to my heart. Writing about the Bible and the Church is a wise use of time that might even have an eternal impact. But, there are all these pens sitting on my desk, and there are all these unique and interesting people in the pen community. I want to contribute to the pen community because it is open to and supportive of new voices. Yes, there are many pen blogs out there now. There's an established group of people consistently creating great material. Those leaders seem to encourage active participation, and that could be a major reason why so many of us try our hand at adding to the conversation. The diversity embraced in the community means I can build this space in a way that is unique to me: I don't have to shelve my thoughts and concerns about world issues or my passion for God's Word. Several writers have already led in the area of diversifying their content in ways that reveal their unique personalities and interests.

 

So, I feel excited and reassured to take this step in my involvement with my fellow pen addicts. Now, I must answer another hard question: what pen do I write about first?

*I do prefer to post my pens.