Why I Love My Pencil Sharpener
As a writer, I often prefer to write with pencil first, onto a fresh page, before transferring it to the computer. My pencil sharpener, at these times, becomes my best friend.
You may think a pencil sharpener is an odd thing to be listed amongst ones favourite belongings. But my pencil sharpener, similar to the one pictured below, is an essential part of my writing life. It is small and silver, and sharpens two sizes of pencil, giving a sharp point with which to write.
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
I love to write with a pencil, feeling the words flow across the page. There is a serenity about it that enables creative thoughts to flow more easily. But like all good working people, writers need to ensure their tools are in the best possible shape to carry out the work. You will have heard the statement, a poor tradesman blames his tools. As writers we shouldn’t let our tools get in the way of good writing.
Have you ever tried writing with a blunt pencil? Look at those in the picture below. When school children try writing with blunt pencils they labour away at their work, wondering why it doesn’t feel easy to write. Nor does the finished product look good. It’s the same for writers. A blunt pencil does not move smoothly, it doesn’t create words with clarity. It makes writing hard work, taking energy away from the actual writing. Ideas get bogged down with the heaviness of the pencil lead.
Image source: flickr.com
Creating work with a pencil is a wonderful thing for many writers. But, if we want to keep our work sharp and crisp, if we want to feel ideas flowing onto the page, we need to invest in one simple tool – a reliable pencil sharpener. I couldn’t live without mine.
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Tags: flowing ideas, pencil, pencil sharpener, writer, Writing
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February 8th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
This is charming! I actually prefer to write in fine ball pen
February 8th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
I found this piece amusing, well done
February 8th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
This article transported me to when I was into a lot of handwritten stuff. If not for time constraints, I’d definitely go back to my pen/pencil and paper.
Wonderful article!
February 8th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Very clever and unique topic! If I were to write with a pencil, my best friend would be an eraser.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
No time to erase, Karen, my pencil scratches out unwanted words.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Wow I may have to start doing it that way,hahaha I’ve been doing it wrong,I just type straight onto the PC,and just write what thougts comes into my head, if I see a mistake I just delete and start again.I normally just send it as is…hehehe and I guess as a former teacher you would have picked up on my very bad english, gramma, and spelling mistakes.Hummmmm got alot to learn,maybe getting to old to teach.I will try and do it your way,could be a better way….thank you very much my friend,man learning all the time huh,hey maybe not too late to learn…..Mind I’ve only started to try and write poems in the last 18 months or so….very good article here.Pencil and pencil sharper,right $2.00 shop here I come….
February 8th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
great article
February 8th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Good ideal, Val, I usually write with a ballpoint pen and scratch out any unwanted words
February 8th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Good post.
Thanks to share this one.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
I appreciate the sentiment as I too write with pencil–but with a mechanical one. It turns out to be cheaper in the long run but also I don’t have to stop every so often and sharpen my pencil.
Inna
February 8th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
*:) nice.
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
February 9th, 2010 at 12:35 am
good article
February 9th, 2010 at 3:23 am
I exhausted countless pencils and sharpeners over the years over writing and sketching. I love pencils because of its different grades. Staedtler pencils are getting pretty expensive these days. I use them less and less today. Lead is now only for drawing for me.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:58 am
A pencil in natural wood appeals to me a lot.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:24 am
nice share
February 9th, 2010 at 6:43 am
You are in good company, Stephen King uses a sharp pencil when writing.
February 9th, 2010 at 10:32 am
I like 2B pencils, dislike those 2H types… prefer Staedtler or Stabilo Boss brands…but also okay if they are not available, just use any type as long as the pencil is sharp, the best is someone sharp one lot beforehand for me.. heehee…
February 9th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
The scratch of a pencil gives me a chill. I perfer a pen.
February 9th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
What a fun post. I keep my #2’s handy in a holder my daughter made in high school years ago. I use it for outlines and lists of ideas to write about or for a quick poem while I can still remember the verses I have made up.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:43 am
awww so cute.
Do you have many pencil sharpeners, I do for my eye liners .
When I was pregnant I ate pencils, I did .
February 10th, 2010 at 3:57 am
Very amusing and yet so true;
Great article
February 10th, 2010 at 9:34 am
First Thank you for your kind comment. Secondly, you have never been more right. A sharp pencil is better than a Rolex. You saved me a couple of grand by opening my eyes.LOL Have a wonderful day.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Great Article…very well written….
February 10th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Humorous as well as informational. Good one.
February 12th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Oops, I am modern. I came to the conclusion I cannot even read my own handwriting and go for the keyboard.
February 15th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
very good ideas
May 22nd, 2011 at 10:07 pm
THIS ARTICLE WAS FRIGGING AMAZING !
IT HAS FOREVER CHANGED MY LIFE . PERIOD