What I found beyond the pen: friendship, creative practice, and a love for the art of writing.
I’m guilty of having too many hobbies. Maybe it’s not my worst trait, but it does make time management and prioritizing my already scarce free time a bit more challenging. The worst part is that when I get really into something, I go all in. I’ll be the one stuck in that endless black hole called the internet late every night, overanalyzing and over-researching anything related to my latest interest. So it was no surprise when I encountered the world of fountain pens by way of journaling. I soon discovered there was a whole lot more than just fancy pen purchases that came out of my newfound love for fountain pens.
It all started with a search for a special writing instrument worthy of the beautiful (and pricey) journals I’d started to document life’s daily moments in. Beyond that first fountain pen purchase, I wanted to revel in the joys and obstacles of everything I had unlocked: silky, smooth creative writing sessions, discovering different nib types and nib sizes, the ability to refill and choose any possible color ink at any time.
It was a natural next step in my journey to encounter the fountain pen community and uncover an expansive universe of peers, experts, and friends all contributing to this shared love and promotion of the art of writing through fountain pens.
Common Ground
The fountain pen community helped me feel inspired and energized through everything I was learning and experiencing. I was also able to find a local community of people I now call friends who shared the same interest and excitement in stationery, fountain pens, journaling, and beyond.
Making friends as an adult is difficult enough! Having a shared interest creates a simple common ground to start discussions and friendships (either virtual or in person!) especially with people you may have never connected with otherwise.
Connecting With Makers and History
Discovering and engaging with modern fountain pen makers, small businesses, and their unique stories provides a continuous kinship and meaningful connection to the community and to the stationery in my collection. I’m always in awe of the great diversity of creators and makers within this community, with everyone pushing the craft forward.
Learning about the history of fountain pens as well as modern-day use and artistry continues to serve as an exciting aspect of this hobby for me. As someone with an unending love for learning, I’m fascinated with digging into the mechanics of fountain pens, the historical origins and legacies of certain brands, and, given my professional work, observing fountain pen marketing campaigns and collaborations past and present.
A Slower, Analog Ritual
Though I was initially seeking something that would further enhance my journaling practice, discovering fountain pens naturally expanded it into a beneficial, analog activity affecting my daily mindset, creativity, and well-being. In a screen-heavy life, my pocket of analog escape through journaling only deepened with the thoughtful, tactile experience using fountain pens.
With every stroke of my fountain pen on paper, I feel more deeply connected to the reflections I am drawing out and releasing from my mind.
Even the necessary act of cleaning, filling, and maintaining fountain pens provides an additional meditative aspect and personal connection to the art of writing. The whole process asks me to take a step back from the busyness of life, slow down, and be present, even if just for a moment.
Worth Diving Into
I may still have too many hobbies, but this one I’m grateful I went all in on. What started as a search for a suitable pen became so much more: a community of friends, a daily creative ritual, continuous learning, and a way to slow down.
If you’ve been curious about fountain pens, you don’t need to overthink it. Pick up a starter pen and an ink you’ll love, and just dive in. You never know where it might lead.
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During Fountain Pen Day and beyond, the team at Fahrney’s continues to celebrate the art of writing and the spirit of connection among the fountain pen community.
Whether you are penning everyday notes or writing history, our goal at Fahrney’s continues to center on guiding all writers towards appreciating the joy and craft of writing in all aspects of their lives.
Fountain Pen Day is a global celebration held annually on the first Friday of November. Beyond a festive event of connection across the fountain pen community, it’s a time to embrace the art of writing, promote the use of fountain pens, and share this interest and hobby with others.
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About the Author: Kasey C. is a marketing specialist at Fahrney's, who helps write and promote the store's creative content. She's a fountain pen and stationery enthusiast who is also quite particular about journaling, starting new crafting projects (and maybe never finishing them), and exploring the great outdoors.
From the Fahrney’s Team
We’re passionate about the art of writing and sharing the tools, traditions, and stories behind it. Check back for more insights, tips, and featured collections.
