Notebooks for writers - How to get it right

People write for a number of different reasons. It could be for work, pleasure or just to keep organized. Whatever the reason, a writer needs a great notebook. When out and about, a notebook can be an absolute lifesaver; a place to capture your best ideas or polish off your most recent project. So, lets take a look at some of the things to consider and try to nail down the best notebooks for writers.

Brands

It seems that for every reason you could need to write, there is a brand out there vying for your business. Every keen notebook user has a favourite brand. It might be the features, the look or perhaps just the simplicity of the design. Whatever the reason, people get fiercely protective of ‘their brand’. For our part, we like Moleskine and Leuchtturm 1917 and think both offer great notebooks for writers. Both brands have been around the block a few times and have stood the test of time, and for good reason. Each offers variety in terms of sizing, layout and styling. With bold colours, hard-wearing covers and functional additions honed by years of user feedback.

Layouts

Once you’ve overcome the brand dilemma, there’s the layout question. Most brands will offer several page layouts, with plain and lined being near-universal staples. Now, lined is the obvious choice for most writers. It offers neat, clean line breaks and (with both brands we stock) page numbers to keep track of your progress. Squared is an out-there selection but may work for some. The additional vertical lines allow for precise spacing between characters and words. If you’re a touch OCD, squared could be the rigidly organised answer to your prayers. Or, if you like to think outside the box, dotted could be the way to go. In lieu of lines or boxes, dotted offers an altogether different means of arranging your text. Dotted notebooks have grown in popularity recently, following the rise of the bullet journal. So now for my pick, plain paper. As my output has increased over the past year, I’ve taken to using plain books. Now I can't go back. With no lines, boxes or dots to constrict me, I’m free to write without boundaries. A lot of my writing depends on snappy, succinct sentences. A plain book gives me the freedom to let loose and get creative. I’ve found it’s key to not be precious about my notebook. This is not a scrapbook, it’s a working environment on paper. It’s filled with messy handwriting, vague ideas and crude doodles. My notebook is a no-judgment zone, an idea free-for-all. Plain pages allow for the most mess and for me, the best results. What do you think makes the best notebooks for writers?