Unruled.
(This might be useless or extremely life-changing)
I think I’ve figured the most compatible paper characteristics for my writing- the kind that inspires me to put pen on paper without fail.
The paper’s got to be unruled.
There’s something about unruled paper that allows me to explore the dimension of my writing. Sometimes, my writing looks like vulnerable young boy, sometimes it looks like a headstrong old woman. The absence of a guide and a path laid out, allows words to travel its own path. Atleast that’s my reason for unruled. Besides writing, as an act of writing in itself, is an art, don’t you think? I often am surprised by how telling the shape of words is of the shape of my thought. If the lines are not straight, does that mean the writer’s thought is crooked or does it mean I’m just a little too hyped about something? or if they’re straight does that mean I’m too proper? Unruled paper allows me to think through the fingers.
The paper’s got to be 110GSM.
The weight of the paper is important. Its should be able to bear the weight of words and make enough of an impression as well. I’m not a fan of words seeping through. I like it contained (on most days atleast).
A5 is the perfect size of paper.
I tried an A4 journal. Frankly, felt like a psychopath. It just feels abnormal to carry around.
The book’s got to be 80 pages. (roughly, not compulsive about this; more or less is fine)
That number just happens to be the sweet spot before I get bored of writing in the same book.
Oh this too-
Silky white paper blinds my brain.
Yeah can’t get words on the paper. the paper’s got to be a little dull. The words must do work of brightening up the page. Also, in silky whites, the lack of resistance to the pen feels wrong.
Heavens know how- the spiral of my spiral notebooks eventually turn out to be a malformed mess. No more spiral- bound notebooks. Besides, that would be more sustainable.
Also, my journal has bits and pieces that I tend to write at the back of newspapers and receipts.
A satin band that contains all my stuff would be preferable. Its like a perfect bow on a dirty shoe. It makes it more acceptable.
Unruled. 110GSM. 80 Pages A5. No spirals or silky whites. Preferably with a satin band. - That, I would argue is the perfect ratio of elements for a journal.