Greetings from western Massacusetss

March 22, 2021

I have been a lurker for many years and finally decided to sign up. I have always loved the feel of fine pens. Decades ago I had a Parker (long lost) and an ST DuPont (still). In 2007 I wrote a book and just before it went on sale I was struck with the idea that I should get a special pen to autograph copies. I was in New York and I went to the Montblanc store where there was a huge variety to choose from. I bought a pen and the very next day I put it to work signing books. I quickly learned that fountain pens are harder to use for this purpose than roller balls, and I got one if then in matching style. Yet I realized some people really appreciate having a book signed in fountain pen and I persisted in mastering their use. Over time I found different editions and paperback versus hardcover all used different paper and the fountain pen would write differently and sometimes quite poorly. Back to the store and the realization that a nib that is optimum for porous paperback paper will lay down too much ink when signing a hardcover with better paper.

From that beginning I was drawn in and I’ve treated myself to a new pen or set with every major new thing to be signed. Sort of like “lucky pens” I guess.

Since the pandemic I’ve rediscovered longhand writing in a journal

Ive learned a lot reading the forums and hope to have something to contribute.