The Fountain #031 - Another Pen Journey Interview
Guest: Chris Moellering
This week we have a guest on the newsletter, Chris Moellering.
Chris has his own newsletter on Substack, Trek to the Light, on theology, books and the Church.
The below is Chris’s pen story that I’ve converted to a mock-interview.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Chris for graciously allowing me to print this.
Let’s get on with the “interview”.
Andrew Zav: Hey Chris. Welcome. Thanks for giving me some of your time. Let’s start with my usual opening question - What’s your fountain pen origin story?
Chris Moellering: I don’t have a very interesting fountain pen story. I started with a Pilot Varsity in College, and then a Zebra V-301. I’ve had several Pilot Metropolitans over the last 15 years. (I have lost two). A couple of Lamy Safaris. My fancy pen now is a TWISBI Eco. I have a Platinum Preppy. I’m almost mad at how well that one writes. It’s so inexpensive, but it’s a such a great writer.
AZ: It’s funny you mention an inexpensive, great writer. I am exactly the same way with my Pilot Metropolitan. It was my first pen, but I just love how it writes for what I’m using it for - journalling.
You’ve clearly gone through a few different pens over the years. Have you also tried different inks?
CM: I’m not into colorful inks. I prefer black. As black as black can be. The darker, the better. Noodler’s Heart of Darkness is what I used previously, now using Noodlers Borealis Black. I also have a bottle of Berneke Red that I use on occasion for editing.
AZ: That’s fair. Colours aren’t for everyone. I never thought I’d use colours…until I started. Now I’m looking for shades and shimmer. Who knew that was me!? :-)
Most of my pens have a Fine nib, as I like smaller, precise writing, especially when using an A6 notebook. However, I’ve realised that a Medium nib, for some pens and ink combos, works much better. Have you tried out different nibs?
CM: I’ve played with calligraphy nibs, but they really aren’t my thing. I link fine, dark lines. Like I’m taking a razor and cutting the paper to reveal the dark void underneath. That’s my ideal pen.
AZ: I can definately relate. I guess the nibs/inks combos is what has broadened my horizons around nibs.
How many pens do you have inked at any one time?
CM: I have four pens inked currently. I use my TWISBI the most. It holds the most ink, and it’s the widest grip. I don’t need the other three, really. I was happiest as a fountain pen user when all I had was one Pilot Metropolitan. I guess that makes me a utility writer.
AZ: Sometimes, too much choice is not a benefit. I try to allocate different pens for different purposes. I use my LAMY for day to day work notes, the Pilot for journalling, and the EDC pen for carrying around with me.
I’m always on the lookout for new pens. There are pens I can afford to buy, pens I can afford to buy but shouldn’t be looking at, and pens I like to look at because I can appreciate the beauty in them. I always wonder if others are like me.
CM: I appreciate looking at the fancy pens on Jet Pens, but I don’t have any desire to buy them. I’m not a collector. For me, the pen isn’t an end in itself, it is a tool to put words on paper. The words are what matter. A good tool makes it easier and more enjoyable. I prefer a pen with some heft and some girth, a solid instrument in my hand.
AZ: Again, I can totally understand that. A tool needs to do a job.
Any final words for the readers?
CM: My wife will tell you I am a pen snob. I guess I am, in a way. Don’t hand me a blue ink Bic Crystal to fill out our form. I will hand it back and use my own pen, thank you very much.
Like most people, I write by hand a lot less than I used to. When I have that chance, I want it to be as enjoyable as possible. Therefore, I will pull out a fountain pen and let the ink glide onto the paper.
I think we can all agree with Chris’s final comments there. If you’re gonna do something, at least make it enjoyable. For writers, that’s using a quality writing instrument.
I’d like to thank Chris for his time and his words.
Again, the above is a mock-interview. Chris gave me some words on his pen journey and I turned it into an exchange.
Maybe real interviews might be the way to go moving forward. We shall see..
Until next time.
P.S.
I am looking for guest posters for the newsletter. I am interested in your story with fountain pens.
It may be a review of a pen or ink, a recent shopping experience, or how you started with your first pen.
If you are interested in contributing, please let me know.