Which Fountain Pen Does Neil Gaiman Use: A Look at His Preferred Writing Tool

Neil Gaiman, the acclaimed author of novels such as American Gods, Norse Mythology, and The Graveyard Book, is well-known not just for his storytelling prowess but also for his love of fountain pens. As an enthusiastic advocate for writing by hand, Gaiman has often discussed his passion for these elegant writing tools in interviews and on social media, captivating fellow fountain pen enthusiasts and inspiring a sense of nostalgia for the written word.

Among the many pens in his collection, the Pilot Custom 823 has become one of Gaiman’s favorites. Its smooth flow and comfortable design make it a go-to option for the author when penning his creative works. Additionally, Gaiman has expressed his appreciation for Visconti pens and the Leuchtturm German notebooks, which he considers superior to the more ubiquitous Moleskine notebooks. So, for fans and fountain pen connoisseurs alike, Neil Gaiman’s pen of choice offers a fascinating insight into the writing process of an esteemed author.

Neil Gaiman and His Love for Fountain Pens

Neil Gaiman, the award-winning author, is known for his deep love of fountain pens and the impact they have on his writing process. He uses a variety of fountain pens for different purposes, which showcases the depth of his passion for these writing instruments.

Influences on Writing

In an interview about his writing process, Gaiman discusses how fountain pens have influenced his work. He mentions that he enjoys using the Pilot 823 and Visconti pens, as well as visiting the New York Fountain Pen Hospital. For him, the tactile feel of writing with a fountain pen allows for a more immersive and engaging experience when crafting stories.

While working on his novels, Gaiman prefers writing by hand instead of typing, and he has shared that he typically uses a Lamy 2000 with a fine nib for this purpose. However, he does not use it for signing autographs, as it does not suit that purpose well.

In terms of notebooks, Gaiman has a preference for Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebooks over Moleskines, as he finds the paper quality to be better in the former. He made the switch when Moleskine’s paper quality deteriorated.

These preferences indicate that choosing the right tools and materials, such as high-quality fountain pens and notebooks, can significantly impact an author’s creative process and help them achieve their artistic vision. In this case, Neil Gaiman relies on these instruments to guide and inform his unique writing style, allowing him to produce captivating stories that resonate with readers across the globe.

The Lamy 2000: Neil Gaiman’s Choice

Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman has a preferred pen for writing his novels, and that pen is the Lamy 2000. Known for his works such as American Gods and Coraline, Gaiman often chooses to handwrite his drafts before typing them up, necessitating a reliable and enjoyable pen. Let’s explore just why the Lamy 2000 appeals to Gaiman so much.

Lamy 2000 Broad Nib

The Lamy 2000 is a German-engineered fountain pen with a classic design that has remained mostly unchanged since its creation in 1966. Gaiman is particular about his choice of nibs, stating that the broad nib suits his handwriting well. The broad nib on a Lamy 2000 offers smooth writing experience and fluid ink flow, making it perfect for long writing sessions.

Some key features of the Lamy 2000 with a broad nib include:

• Platinum plated 14k gold nib
• Piston filling mechanism
• Ink preview window
• Hooded nib design

These features, coupled with the pen’s stylish design and exceptional performance, make it an ideal choice for someone like Gaiman who spends countless hours handwriting his novels.

Flex Nib Options

Although the Lamy 2000 is Gaiman’s go-to pen, he has been known to dabble in flex nib pens as well. Flex nibs are alternative options for those who want to add a bit of flair and character to their writing. In a podcast with Tim Ferriss, Gaiman mentioned trying out a flex nib pen from Namiki, likely the Namiki Falcon. The Namiki Falcon is popular among calligraphy enthusiasts and offers a moderate flex at a reasonable price.

While it’s clear that Gaiman primarily uses the Lamy 2000 with a broad nib for his novel-writing, he isn’t opposed to branching out and experimenting with other nib options, including flex nibs, to enhance his penmanship. In conclusion, the Lamy 2000 stands out as Neil Gaiman’s top choice, and it’s easy to see why— the pen offers a timeless design, smooth writing experience, and versatile nib options for passionate writers.

Fountain Pen Brands and Collections

Waterman

Waterman is a prestigious brand of fountain pens, dating back to 1884. Known for their elegance, craftsmanship, and reliable performance, Waterman pens have been cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Some popular models from this brand include the Waterman Expert and the Waterman Carene.

The Waterman 52, produced between 1915 and 1930s, is a highly respected vintage pen. Featuring a lightweight design and elegant finish options, it gracefully carries on the Waterman legacy of producing high-quality writing instruments. Collectors of vintage pens are often drawn to this particular model due to its timeless appeal and impressive writing experience.

Visconti

Visconti is another remarkable fountain pen brand, renowned for their unique designs and innovative materials. Established in Italy, it has captured the interests of collectors and admirers from around the world. A notable model from Visconti is the Visconti Homo Sapiens, which utilizes a material known as “Lava” made from volcanic rock for its distinctive barrel construction.

Apart from their signature materials, Visconti pens also showcase intricate craftsmanship that reflects their Italian heritage, such as the detailed artwork and vibrant colors found on the Visconti Van Gogh collection. These features make each Visconti pen a one-of-a-kind, functional piece of art.

Whether it’s a Waterman or Visconti fountain pen, collectors find great satisfaction in discovering the unique qualities of these brands and the writing instruments they offer.

Fountain Pen Inks and Writing Tools

Quality Paper: Moleskine vs Leuchtturm

When it comes down to quality paper for writing with a fountain pen, both Moleskine and Leuchtturm are popular choices. However, renowned author Neil Gaiman has expressed his preference for Leuchtturm notebooks over Moleskines. This may be due to Leuchtturm’s paper being more fountain pen friendly, offering a smoother writing experience and less ink feathering or bleed-through.

Moleskine:

• Classic and well-known brand
• Often available in various sizes and formats
• Can experience ink bleed-through or feathering with certain fountain pen inks

Leuchtturm:

• Gaining popularity among fountain pen users
• Offers numbered pages, table of contents, and labels
• Better paper quality for fountain pens, with minimal bleed-through or feathering

Top Fountain Pen Inks

Using the right ink can elevate the fountain pen writing experience. While there is a vast selection of fountain pen inks, here are a few top choices that go well with the fountain pens Neil Gaiman has used, such as the Pilot 823 and TWSBI 540.

1. Pilot Iroshizuku: This line of inks offers stunning colors and excellent flow properties, perfect for any fountain pen. The inks are known for their shading and smooth writing experience.

2. Diamine: A British ink brand with a vast selection of colors, Diamine inks are praised for their performance and affordability. Their shimmering or sheening inks can add a touch of magic to the written word.

3. J. Herbin: This French brand is famous for its beautiful, nuanced colors and quality performance. Their “1670” and “Heritage” lines give a touch of class to any writing with their unique sheening and shimmering properties.

Choosing the right paper and ink will greatly improve your fountain pen writing experience, making it that much more enjoyable. These recommendations have served Neil Gaiman well in his creative endeavors, so they’re sure to be a hit with other fountain pen enthusiasts as well.

Neil Gaiman’s Writing Process

Neil Gaiman is known for his unique and creative storytelling. His writing process involves handwritten drafts created with his favorite fountain pens.

First Drafts

Gaiman writes in a casual tone and believes in the power of hand-writing his first drafts. He feels that writing by hand allows for a better connection between the words and the ideas behind them. Gaiman has mentioned his fondness for the Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen, as well as the Namiki Falcon.

Notebooks

As for notebooks, Neil Gaiman is particular about the ones he uses for his writing endeavors. He prefers Leuchtturm German notebooks over Moleskines, as he finds their quality to be superior. A dedicated notebook is not only a great way to keep track of notes and ideas but also serves as a physical manifestation of the creative process.

Authors Who Also Use Fountain Pens

You might be wondering who else, like Neil Gaiman, the author of American Gods, Stardust, and Good Omens, enjoys using fountain pens. Let’s take a casual stroll through the world of famous authors who share this passion. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it brief!

Stephen King, the master of horror, is also known to be a fountain pen enthusiast. He even used a Waterman pen to write his novel, Dreamcatcher. Imagine those chilling tales pouring out onto paper through a beautiful fountain pen.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the ever-popular detective, Sherlock Holmes, also had an affinity for fountain pens. He once endorsed the Parker Duofold, though it’s unclear if he used one himself. Either way, it’s pretty cool that he and his character share this love for fine writing instruments.

On a more cosmic scale, Neil deGrasse Tyson, renowned astrophysicist, and author, is a well-known fountain pen collector and user. It kind of makes you wonder if he uses pens inspired by astronomy, like the Visconti Starry Night, in his day-to-day writings.

In short, there are plenty of noteworthy authors who appreciate the elegance and charm of fountain pens. Seems like great minds really do think alike, huh?

Fountain Pen Community and Resources

The fountain pen community is a diverse and welcoming group of enthusiasts, ranging from novices just discovering the joy of using these writing instruments to seasoned collectors and experts. This casual and open nature of the community makes it an ideal place to learn, share, and grow in the world of fountain pens.

One popular platform where fountain pen enthusiasts gather is the ever-active Reddit. There, countless discussions revolve around new releases, troubleshooting, pen recommendations, and more. The r/fountainpens subreddit is especially useful for beginners, as many people share their knowledge and insights. Due to the Reddit API changes, more interactive features and streamlined discussion threads have become available, enhancing user experience.

Another valuable source for connecting with the community is through Discord servers. These chat rooms foster real-time conversations, enabling quick responses, and allowing users to share pictures and even video calls. Numerous exists solely for fountain pen discussions where people from all over the world can gather and connect.

Though most interactions in the community occur online, the passion for fountain pens also translates to real-world events. The Pendemic gatherings, for instance, initially started as a pun and quickly grew into an in-person celebration of all things fountain pen-related. These occasions provide a chance for enthusiasts to come together, share their collections, and learn from one another.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the fountain pen community isn’t just about the pens themselves, but also the art and creativity they inspire. In some instances, these instruments have been used to create impactful works, such as during times of protest, where written words can send a powerful message. In this sense, the community serves as a haven for artistic expression and a reminder of the lasting impact that a simple tool like a pen can have.

In conclusion, the fountain pen community offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Whether it’s through Reddit, Discord, or in-person gatherings, there is always a place for new and seasoned fans alike to share their passion.

How to Start Your Own Fountain Pen Journey

Embarking on a fountain pen journey can be both fun and rewarding, especially when you’re following in the footsteps of renowned writers such as Neil Gaiman. If you’re considering starting your own fountain pen adventure, here are some tips and resources to help get you started.

Apps and Online Resources

• Twitter: Social media can be a great place to gain insights, share experiences, and discover new fountain pens. Follow leading fountain pen enthusiasts, manufacturers, and retailers, like Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself), to keep up-to-date with the latest news and trends in the world of fountain pens.

• Online articles: There’s no shortage of informative articles and blogs about fountain pens on the internet. For example, Tim Ferris wrote an excellent piece discussing the benefits of using high-quality pens and how they can improve your writing experience. Search for articles that delve into the various aspects of fountain pens, such as their types, filling mechanisms, and care instructions.

• Apps: Your smartphone can be a valuable tool in your fountain pen journey. Various apps are available for cataloging your pen collection, tracking writing sessions, and even finding the perfect ink color to complement your pen. Explore app stores for options that suit your needs and preferences.

• Forums and social media groups: Becoming part of a community of fellow fountain pen enthusiasts can be incredibly helpful. Online forums and social media groups provide opportunities to ask questions, share reviews and recommendations, and learn from more experienced users. Search for groups aligned with your interests and don’t hesitate to join the conversation.

By making use of these resources and maintaining a casual and curious attitude, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a fulfilling fountain pen journey.