Let Your Notebooks Choose You: Embracing Intuition in Writing
What if the notebook you chose to write in wasn’t about practicality or organization, but about what simply feels right?
This approach is something I’ve recently come to appreciate—without even thinking about it.
I’m quite a big fan of notebooks and writing tools. My fountain pens are collecting dust because I have too many to use regularly, and I bought two glass dip pens on a whim just a few days ago. My love for notebooks is just as strong: serious ones, themed ones, handcrafted ones… even those from Tiger!
At the same time, I’m not a regular journaler. While I enjoy jotting down notes and ideas, I often end up with far more notebooks than I actually need. There was a time when I wrote every day and filled notebook after notebook, but now, perhaps due to increased workloads or life’s demands, I write less frequently.
A question eventually came to mind: should I stick to one notebook until I finish it, or should I let my gut decide which notebook to use?
My rational side started digging deeper: is there an effective, recognized benefit to switching notebooks? I turned to GPT, a couple of other AIs, and did some online research. The general consensus? Having different notebooks is beneficial—if you organize them by topic, feeling, or some other system.
Great.
The only problem is that my mind doesn’t work that way.
For me, there’s no rhyme or reason. It’s about waking up, glancing at my notebooks, and letting my gut decide. Sometimes it’s the aesthetic appeal; other times, it’s the energy I associate with a theme. I never planned this—it’s just what I do. And it works for me.
I recently bought a Harry Potter-themed notebook with a “magical” cover that reveals a Patronus when heated. I also love its silver-edged pages. Right now, I’m writing in that one. Before that, I was using a Zelda-themed notebook until I got bored and switched back to my super-serious leather notebook with Clairfontaine paper, specifically designed for fountain pens.
That’s just how my mind works. Luckily, I’ve kept the healthy habit of writing the date before each entry, which helps keep my chaotic mass of notebooks somewhat organized—or at least browsable.
When I open my Zelda notebook, I tap into a sense of adventure and problem-solving. My Harry Potter notebook? It’s like writing with a touch of magic. Each notebook becomes a doorway to a different version of myself—a version free to express itself without constraints or logical explanations. It feels refreshing and relaxing.
Maybe the constant push in our society to categorize, plan, and carefully study every move is what drives me to do the opposite in something as personal as writing. Or maybe it’s something else entirely. At the end of the day, I don’t even care—I just know it feels beneficial.
I hesitated to write this post because I’m not an expert in journaling techniques. But then I realized: this is my practice, and it’s valid simply because it works for me. I’m not here to convince anyone to do the same, but I hope that, if someone out there feels the same way or has similar doubts, this post can help them feel validated.
What I can do is offer a bit of advice, and I do so gladly: if you’ve ever felt stuck or uninspired, try letting your notebooks guide you. Pick the one that feels right in the moment—you might be surprised by what it unlocks.
Start with a simple question: have you ever let intuition guide your creativity? What would your notebook choice say about you today?
I hope you found this post—a bit more personal than usual—interesting.
