I have been curious about some of the trends I’m seeing in the pen community and in the world in general. Folks are going back to their starter pens, diving into their notebooks and paperlife with renewed fervor and everyone seems to be embracing the vibes of October with cozy sweaters, blankets and pumpkin spice everything.
Even with our media consumption, I am noticing a continuing trend towards “comfort reads” and cozy mysteries and general inclination for joyous escapism. I think this is all in direct contrast to the ongoing stress and turmoil in the world. Our news cycle has become even more ferocious and more scary and escaping for an evening with a British mystery series or reading a cozy fantasy is a great way to find joy and wonder in the world again. So, go ahead, rewatch all your favorite Ghibli films, fire up your favorite tv series from childhood or re-read a favorite book.
If you’re looking for some good escapes, I recommend the Impossible Creatures series by Katherine Rundell. I just finished reading the second book, The Poisoned King and I think I enjoyed it more than the first. These are listed as middle grade books the same way The Chronicles of Narnia are often listed as children’s books so don’t let that throw you. Instead, enjoy the wonderful illustrations in the book and let yourself be transported to another world — a rift between our mundane world and a magical world. You deserve a comfort read.
Link of the Week:
- In Praise of Comfort Films (via Kottke.org)
Pens:
- The Pilot Iro-Utsushi Dip Pen (and in General, Simple vs. Fancy Dip Pens) (via The Gentleman Stationer)
- Changing Seasons, Reliable Pens — Laura’s Fall Favorites (via Pen Boutique Blog)
- 2025 Top 10 Halloween Pens & Inks List: The Best Halloween Pens and Inks (via Pen Chalet Blog)
- The Lonesome Death of the Pilot Petit (via Crónicas Estilográficas)
- Writech Sprinkles Gel Pen Review (via The Pen Addict)
- The Liliput and The Black Cat (via Dime Novel Raven)
Ink:
- Ink Review #2849: De Atramentis Bordeaux Red (via Mountain of Ink)
- Grateful for Octobers Ink Palettes (via Mountain of Ink)
- Ink Review #2847: Diamine 160th Anniversary Wax Seal (via Mountain of Ink)
- Ask TGS: Do I Have to Use Fountain Pen Ink from the Same Manufacturer as My Pen? (via The Gentleman Stationer)
- October Currently Inked (via Wonder Pens)
Planners, Notebooks & Paper:
- I Deleted My Second Brain (via Bullet Journal)
- Full Reveal of the 2026 Dated Planners and Everyday Restocks (via Archer and Olive)
- 5 Simple Planner Hacks to Make Your Day Easier (via Planner Fun)
- Let your intention be as light as a feather and trust your intuition (via Baum-kuchen)
Art & Creativity:
- Hold Me Closer, Tiny Blanket (via Modern Daily Knitting)
- 13 days of Halloween Ornaments Day 1 | Miniature Trick-or-Treat Bag (via Va-Voom Vintage)
- The Creativepreneur Starter Pack for 2026: How to make money from your talent (via Creative Boom)
- From the Creator of Typeknitting, ‘Knit Hello’ Is a Font and a Knitting Pattern in One (via Colossal)
- Apple-Pine: Drawing Bikes with Kids! (via Apple-Pine)
- On My Table: Beginning of October 2025 (via Apple-Pine)
- BOOK REVIEW: “Watercolor Dreamscapes” by Christopher Maxwell (via Doodlewash)
Pen Shows:
- 2025 Commonwealth Pen Show Notes (via Line Variation)
- Recap of MIPS2025 (via Inkcredible Colours)
- 2025 Dallas Pen Show Recap (via The Pen Addict)
- Guide: how to stay in budget at a pen show – by Ricardo (via Extra Fine Writing)
Other Interesting Things:
- Inktober 2025 Skirmishes, Pride & Prejudice (via Rachel’s Reflections)
- Gourmet Pens Club – Episode 69 – Our Third Anniversary! (via Gourmet Pens)
- Stationery Favourites – September 2025 (via Inky Imaginings)
- Pens, Paper, and Ink (via Dime Novel Raven)
- Indy Type Shop (via The Typewriter Revolution blog)
- How to Write in Cuneiform, the Oldest Writing System in the… (via Kottke.org)
- No Fun! (a mixtape) (via Austin Kleon)
- Man Earns Guinness World Record For Typing One to One Million (via My Modern Met)
- Student Explores Funny Global Differences Through Infographics (via My Modern Met)
- Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole by Cecilia Heikkilä (via The Casual Optimist)
- The first new edition of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictio… (via Kottke.org)
A big thank you and shout-out to our Patrons this week. Can’t thank you enough for your on-going support. If you’d like to join our Patreon, and get our exclusive podcast, free printables and more, I’d be honored to have you join. Without the support or our Patrons, we would not be able to continue to do what we do here. Y’all are the best!
Katleem Rundell also wrote the excellent Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne, about the poet and his work. It was the best book I read in 2022.
always appreciate these link posts!