I remember my school would not let us use a ballpoint pen until we had learned to write well enough with a fountain pen. I did enjoy using them, but they could be quite messy. I was fascinated by the process of refilling them (or changing the cartridge). It seemed so exciting. And I know what you mean about the smell. Once I switched to ballpoint pens, my writing did not look as good; I don't think I put in as much effort, and the stroke width was another factor.
I'm the dead opposite. Fountain pens were the bane of my life at school - I couldn't wait until we were allowed to use biro's.
My problem was, I'm heavy handed and I used to make holes in the paper, because I pressed too hard, which also caused far more ink to escape and I'd end up with blobs of ink everywhere And, I hated having to change the ink cartridge, or refill the pen, as I ended up with ink all over my hands.
I'm not a neat writer at all, and I've got worse over the years. Now, because I type and I touch type, I lose the will half-way through a word when I write by hand, so often can't read my own writing...
I didn’t know this about the fountain pen. I tend to type a lot but several years back, I took up hand lettering. It’s like cursive with more expensive pens. I practiced a lot. Then I kind of dropped it. I felt like my writing wasn’t very good. I’m a lefty so maybe that played into it. But then I picked it back up and used it on my iPad. It’s really just drawing letters when you think about it. But I actually liked my style (everyone has their own) and started doing it again. I don’t buy all the pens anymore.
But I have colored pens all over my office. I just like to write in color. So I buy a lot of gel pens (most of them don’t last very long). I also have a really nice black pen, it must be a gel one too because it glides. I just love the look. I end up stealing my husband’s pens. 🤣
And even though I’m left handed, I get compliments on my writing. So I think learning cursive in my younger years made me better at handwriting, and exploring hand lettering helped too.
I remember my school would not let us use a ballpoint pen until we had learned to write well enough with a fountain pen. I did enjoy using them, but they could be quite messy. I was fascinated by the process of refilling them (or changing the cartridge). It seemed so exciting. And I know what you mean about the smell. Once I switched to ballpoint pens, my writing did not look as good; I don't think I put in as much effort, and the stroke width was another factor.
The problem was often that we had cheap pens, for obvious reasons, but as an adult we can choose something better, but not necessarily expensive.
Maybe you will try again? I will be reviewing pens in the future, so look out for those articles.
I am tempted for the nostalgia alone.
I'm the dead opposite. Fountain pens were the bane of my life at school - I couldn't wait until we were allowed to use biro's.
My problem was, I'm heavy handed and I used to make holes in the paper, because I pressed too hard, which also caused far more ink to escape and I'd end up with blobs of ink everywhere And, I hated having to change the ink cartridge, or refill the pen, as I ended up with ink all over my hands.
I'm not a neat writer at all, and I've got worse over the years. Now, because I type and I touch type, I lose the will half-way through a word when I write by hand, so often can't read my own writing...
I'm glad someone loves them though. :)
It’s great to hear from you, Lis.
I think the problem could well be that you didn’t have a decent pen and then help to use it.
Fountain pens certainly improve my handwriting and when I switched to ballpoint at senior school it was detrimental.
At least it hasn’t prevented you from becoming an excellent writer and poet.
Aww thank you Roland. Its good to know a few people enjoy my writing.
I didn’t know this about the fountain pen. I tend to type a lot but several years back, I took up hand lettering. It’s like cursive with more expensive pens. I practiced a lot. Then I kind of dropped it. I felt like my writing wasn’t very good. I’m a lefty so maybe that played into it. But then I picked it back up and used it on my iPad. It’s really just drawing letters when you think about it. But I actually liked my style (everyone has their own) and started doing it again. I don’t buy all the pens anymore.
But I have colored pens all over my office. I just like to write in color. So I buy a lot of gel pens (most of them don’t last very long). I also have a really nice black pen, it must be a gel one too because it glides. I just love the look. I end up stealing my husband’s pens. 🤣
And even though I’m left handed, I get compliments on my writing. So I think learning cursive in my younger years made me better at handwriting, and exploring hand lettering helped too.
Thank you, Michelle, for your comment. There are so many pens to choose from. In fact, fountain pens can be bought for left handers!
A good pen certainly helps improve handwriting.