I recently bought a cover from Amazon to hold my notepads and other stationery items. This unknown brand cover holds a couple of 3.5” x 5.5” notepads. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit my small collection of A6 notepads. So, looking in my cubby there were a couple blank paper Moleskine Cahiers with previous writings that I wanted to finish before buying new notepads.

But writing on blank pages is unsettling. My sentences drift off center, the sizing is inconsistent, and my paragraphs smush together like a sat-on sandwich. This chaos makes my thinking just as jumbled as if I was typing them on screen. Ever wonder why you always have trouble writing on a blank screen? It’s the same with blank pages. There’s no structure.

Lines on a paper give order in the chaotic world of writing. It tells you can write as long as you don’t overstep your bounds. You don’t need a ruler. Lines are your companions helping you make those first few steps before they let go.

So the next time I’m given a blank notepad, I’ll just sketch random stuff. Like stick figures shooting at other stick figures, tanks, ships, helicopters, and fighter jets.

#writing #blankpage #notepad

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I view myself mostly introvert. The comfort of home and being alone in nature recharges my batteries. My wife is also an introvert and more so than me. She often jokes as being a fungus.

As an introvert, I do a lot of writing at home: at the dining table, on the toilet, and under the covers while everyone is asleep. At first, this seems like a good thing. Less distractions and less likely to spend money on coffee and such.

But there comes a time when even the quiet starts to be the main distraction. Instead of your thoughts telling you what to write, it’s telling you that “all work and no play makes [your name] a dull boy/girl.” Writing is not just about writing your feelings and thoughts, it’s also about your experiences.

And you can’t write about your experiences if you’re stuck inside the house all the time. There’s a reason why “touching grass” is a thing. Otherwise, you’ll go crazy.

So take your writing wherever and whenever with you go. Your pencil/pen and notebook are your constant companions. Treasure the adventure.

#writing #adventure #cabinfever #nightmare

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In my previous post, My Red Phone, Notepad, and Pencil, I talk about my three main writing tools always in my pocket. But I never identified them. Now that I started another red Blackwing notepad and this is my first post about it, I’ll give you my thoughts about it.

Note: I’m not affiliated with any products or services I use. No links will be provided.

At first glance, the red glossy cover with the etched image of the Golden Gate Bridge feels smooth but doesn’t slip out of my hands. The stitching is durable and I never had trouble bending the spine. Nor I had problems with pages breaking or falling off.

Inside of the front and back cover is blank which is good so I can write anything on it. I put my contact information and a table of contents. One of my pet peeves on some notepads (Moleskine Cahiers) is having perforations on the last few pages. I hate those! And I shouldn’t have to tear them off or tape them together.

Since I only write in wooden pencil I do see graphite transfer and smearing just like any other notepad. But it writes well. The pages are cream colored so it’s easy on my eyes. I can’t say how it handles pen. I’m sure you can find another reviewer who writes in pen.

Finally, it fits well in my back pocket and it’s durable even while sitting on it everyday. It’s always ready for me to jot down my blog drafts. Now, as for the price.

It costs $18 before tax for a pack of three. $9 each notebook and with 48 pages each you pay about $0.19 a page. It’s pricey, but at least they’re durable. Would I buy this again? No, there are more cheaper options. If you ever get them, they don’t disappoint for whatever your writing needs.

Let me know your thoughts if you used them.

#writing #746 #Blackwing #notepad

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I’ve reached the end of my first red notebook, all 48 pages. Finally, a notebook I actually finished and it’s a great feeling. Does this mean I’ve written everything I needed for my blog?

Not a chance. I never run out of ideas. Got plenty up the wazoo. But ideas are a dime a dozen and there are two problems with it. The first one is trying to write them on paper. Plenty of people have that problem right before it disappears from their memories.

The second problem is implementing the ideas to see if they work. Another variant of the second problem is wanting to maintain the implementation even when it’s not working. People put in so much time, money, and effort into an idea it’s easy to stick with it rather than being wrong and trying something else.

When it comes to this website I don’t have a problem with generating ideas, writing them down, and implementing them. My primary goal with this blog is an online space I can talk about anything. It’s written on paper first, then gets typed up, edited, and published.

Finding readers and subscribers, or getting compensated for my work isn’t my first, second, or third priority. This blog was an idea that took a life of its own. And so far it’s been a success. So I will continue to have ideas, big or small, and write until I can’t do so anymore.

As I retire this first notebook, transfer to another red one, and prepare to retire my first and only red pencil, I look forward to more writing opportunities and blog posts. To everyone keeping up with me, thank you for your support.

#writing #blog #ideas #notebook

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Your writing is priceless and a work of art. It should be treated with the highest care and respect. However, there’s the belief that mistakes and blemishes ruin the enjoyment of writing.

When you write in wooden pencil on paper, the older pages smear and fade. And when you write on the left page of a notebook or journal, the graphite transfers to the previous left page. It makes your paper look dirty and unsophisticated.

It’s understandable. After all, would you write in charcoal, chalk, or ink pads? Of course not. So you write in pen like a respectable adult, not a kid trying to learn their ABCs. But I don’t like the pressure of no-mistakes writing and bleed through from a pen. Nothing loses my interest more.

If the pencil transfers bother me that much I can erase them or use archival spray. Not so much with pen. But why do I like graphite smears and transfers from a wooden pencil more than pen?

Not only do I love the scratches of pencil to paper, I love the way it leaves a mark when you smear the graphite with your hands. And how it transfers to the other side of the page. It’s like a shadow. It’s there but doesn’t intrude on you as much as the loops and dots from pen. You might as well be writing in your own blood.

You may think the graphite makes the paper dirty and unsophisticated, but I see a beautiful legacy. It reminds you of your pencil’s lifespan. How it starts off new and whittles down until its usefulness ends. You come back to your notebooks and can see all that hard work with the help of your pencil’s essence. Just one of the more beautiful things in this life.

#writing #graphite #pencil #smear #transfer

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There are two cardinal rules of writing. First, you never say I’m trying to write a book, novel, short story, etc. Second, you never talk about what you’re writing in detail. Break these rules and you’ll never get anything done.

I don’t like talking about my upcoming projects because I always jinx myself. However, eventually I’m going to have to talk about them. And since I’ve been mostly consistent on posting on this blog, the momentum helped me bring back unfinished short stories out of the back burner.

I’ve stopped writing short stories for several years because I’ve been so busy. Now, I’m back in the game. I have a chance to finish my short story trilogy before the year is done.

Why now? I hate leaving anything unfinished. At this point in my life I don’t care if my works succeed or not. It’s all about just finishing. Best to be last in the finish line than to drop out completely. At least I can say to myself in the mirror that I did it.

Do you have any writing projects in your back burner? Do you want to finish them regardless if you succeed or not? Take advantage of 2026 before 2027 creeps up on you.

#writing #project #shortstory

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When it comes to my writing schedule I have it set in stone (for the most part). One week I’ll post on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The next week I’ll post on Tuesday and Thursday. The weeks will cycle.

Sometimes, I’ll post a prayer related article on a Sunday. If a holiday falls on a posting day or if I’m sick, I’ll take the day off. Finally, I’ll let you know if I need a hiatus.

Thanks for your support and patience.

#writing #rest #schedule

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Thought I change things up a little bit. Why not? For a couple of months, my wife and I have been feeding our younger son baby food. It’s been a challenge.

Normally, I would write about this on my other blog, but it’s down for maintenance and revamping. Truthfully, I don’t know when I’ll bring it online again. All I know is that it will be used again in the unforeseen future in the off chance I go back to the workplace.

I discussed this new blog with family and friends so updating them isn’t a problem. But since my other blog is offline I’m wondering if I should write about being a stay-at-home dad, private investigator, and other topics. I don’t want to limit myself, but I don’t want to do the extra work of copying an article on this blog and pasting it to my other blog.

My best solution is to let the topics come out naturally on paper, type them on the WriteFreely app, and decide whether to publish or not. We’ll see.

Finally, my red Blackwing 746 pencil is about two more inches useable before I throw it into my tiny pencil collection. It’s been a great pencil, but I don’t plan on buying another one soon. And buying a box is out of the question. So what pencil should I use next?

Maybe I’ll use a Blackwing 602 from a box I bought at a discount. More on that later.

#writing #article #babyfood #pencil #privateinvestigator #stayathomedad

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This is not recommended. Sleep is more important, but many of you (including me) will ignore this advice. So might as well tell you how to do it right. When you have to sleep in your older son’s bedroom to make sure he doesn’t toss and turn and go waking up mommy and his brother whenever I go to the bathroom, you don’t have many options to write before going to sleep.

Can’t write in the bathroom because of the reasons above. Not the kitchen, living room, or dining room. Everyone can see the lights from under the doors. The balcony and outside my front door is out of the question. And in my car? Forget it.

The best solution for now is to use my SOG Dark Energy tactical flashlight on the lowest setting, hide under the covers, and write. Yes, this sounds pathetic, but that’s the price of being a writer.

So, what’s the weirdest place or technique you’ve done just so you can write?

#writing #dark #night

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When I blogged on my other website, I had to put a feature image to entice readers and improve my SEO ranking. Yuck! I didn’t want to use free stock photos so I had to take the pictures with my phone instead. Many content writers are told that audio recordings, multiple pictures, and videos will make your articles stand out more. Make it more digestible because apparently our attention spans are worse than a goldfish.

While photos and videos can help bring out your main topic, too much media can overwhelm the reader and make them lose interest. Worse, make them spend hours watching content from YouTube and TikTok. Many people are like watching junk cause it looks and tastes good. But you end up with a sour stomach or in this case brainrot.

However, there are plenty who are hungry and thirsty for authenticity and substance. If you think this blog is one of many examples of what people want, then thank you. I really appreciate it.

Readers want writers who aren’t afraid to write more than 280 characters or write less than a long-winded expose of the corruption of politicians. It’s words that ultimately carry weight when pictures and videos nowadays can be more easily manipulated to suit someone’s narrative. I know words can be just as manipulated, but it’s all we have left.

This is why Write.as is the best blogging platform to date. I want my words to carry weight without the distractions of photos and videos. Therefore, I won’t add any unless they’re necessary, like how-to or review articles. And definitely none of my family, relatives, or friends.

Focus on the words. All of us need to do this.

#writing #blogging #picture #video

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