The ballpoint’s universal success has changed how most people experience ink. Its thicker ink was less likely to leak than that of its predecessors. For most purposes, this was a win—no more ink-stained shirts, no need for those stereotypically geeky pocket protectors. However, thicker ink also changes the physical experience of writing, not necessarily all for the better.
While I disagree with the premise, that cursive was killed by the ballpoint pen, I agree with some of the points made to support the argument such as the one above.
Your morning pages should be like this. Just writing, seeing where it takes you and never worrying about that writing coming back. It’s an exercise to clear your mind and nothing more.
Yep. Though I too find it very hard to do. It’s hard to let go and just write everything that pops into the mind. It’s a practice that, like meditation, one just has to keep at and stop beating themselves up over how bad they are. And that takes letting go of one’s ego and pride. And, if there’s anything that most writers are full of it’s ego and pride.
Whenever I come across something I like in a book or online, I copy it down onto a card. I don’t just make cards for overtly inspirational stuff; I also have sections in the box for funny things, good descriptions, dialogue, and research. I’ve been keeping the cards since the start of the year and have managed to build up a nice collection with very little effort on my part (which is the main criterion for any self-improvement project I’m actually going to stick with).
A wonderful example of the importance of the fundamental skill of drawing to the complex art of moviemaking: this image is a comic strip-like storyboard produced by visionary director George Miller as the first draft of what would become “Mad Max: Fury Road” (at least according to this tweet from user Will McCrabb).
My daily log is more than just a place to take note of what I did that day, it also sometimes serves as a scrap book. So, I use a couple of swipes of this glue to keep things contained and prevent their sliding out. For instance, if I have a meeting and someone give me their business card, I’ll stick that in there on that day. If I see a movie or a play, the tickets might find their way in as well. Of course, if a drawing or doodle is gifted to me from my daughter, those earn a place as well. I just lay down a couple of swipes on the back of the item, wait 90 seconds, then stick it down. Like a Post-It note, it makes the items easy to peel off and stick back down without damaging the paper or writing underneath.
Of course, it is not limited to a notebook, you could use this to make photos restickable to tack up on the fridge of office cubicle. Or, make a list of errands restickable for your car dashboard. The possibilities are many.
I’ve been using this stuff for a while now and recommend it. It’s only $3.99 on Amazon for a pack of 3 with free Prime shipping as an add on item. Pretty good price and it will last you for a good long while.
