Notebook Tart

I am a notebook tart. I admit it. I confess. Here and now. I cannot walk into a stationery shop and walk past the notebooks section, hell, I can't even walk past a stationery shop.

Recently I have seen writers referring to something called a moleskine notebook which is by all accounts a must-have item. I'm sorry, but I draw the line at using a notebook made from the skin of a sweet little - hold on, someone is whispering in my ear. Ahem. Where was I?

I don't think I've ever seen one. I don't think they can sell them in the shops I frequent. So I looked them up on Amazon. Ah, I see. Imitation leather (I am reading a review as I write), a joy to write on, etc. etc. And quite pricey - which means I probably have seen them, but they've been out of my price range.

Well if I am looking for a journal, something I will keep, then I don't mind treating myself a bit, but my notebooks are hard-working little creatures. I used to buy shorthand notebooks in packs of six and occasionally I'd splash out on a legal pad. They end up smothered in scribbled notes and crossings out and by the time they are full, they are ready for their final journey to the shredder.

But I've always been a sucker for a pretty cover and lately I have been drawn to Pukka pads. They come in lots of different colours and sizes. I have a rainbow one which I'm saving for something special and a gold one which I use to make notes for the children's book. And there are others in my little cupboard waiting patiently for the day when they are chosen . . .

There are also the black and red notebooks with soft covers and the bit of elastic that holds them shut. Love those too I do.

Another newish discovery for me - the gel pen! Oh how I love them. Don't get me started on gel pens.

When I was a legal secretary, I used to be responsible for buying stationery. Mwahaha - that place was beautifully stocked when I left. I bet they didn't have to buy a pen or a notebook for years after I'd gone. I couldn't even stick to buying ordinary yellow flimsy, but would buy reams of it in all different colours. Flimsy for anyone under the age of about 40 is the thin paper used as a carbon copy, which brings us to carbon paper - the last I bought for the office was beautiful, shiny and purple and extremely expensive.

The stationery reps loved me!

And just one little thing that bugs me. When you see a writer on telly or in a film about to type their great masterpiece (this of course would be an OLD pre computer film) they always insert just one sheet into the typewriter. Where is their carbon copy?