Experiment with Different Writing Tools

One of the benefits of journaling is that it can be done anywhere and on anything. Sure 
it’s nice to have a leather-bound notebook and fancy pen to write with, but this is only 
one of many ways to do it. You can write with anything you want, and just grab 
whatever notebook or paper you have available to you. 

Here are some ways to experiment with what you use to journal, which can bring a 
brand new type of inspiration into your journaling routine.


Pencils and Pens

Let’s start with the basics, which include your pens and pencils. You probably know 
yourself enough to know what you prefer to write with, but that doesn’t mean you won’t 
find something else you love. Here are some changes you might want to try:

The type of pen – Everyone has their own favorite pen, something they always buy at 
the store, and what they always use to write with. But getting a little uncomfortable is 
sometimes needed to put more interest into the journaling activity. Try a new pen, one 
you have never used before. This can be a different point, different type of ink, different 
brand. Just switch it up and experiment with new pens.

Colored pen ink – Make journaling fun! Get some pens with different colored ink, like 
black, blue, red, green, and anything else you can find. You don’t have to use them 
every time you write in your journal, but it can be fun to try new colors, and it can help 
you organize journal entries based on the color pen you used for each one.

Pencils – Remember in school when you always wrote with a pencil? Aside from the 
benefit of being able to erase to correct your mistakes, pencils are easy to write with. 
Get some pencils and a sharpener, and see if you like using that more than pens.


Colored Pencils

Another way to go is to use colored pencils for your journal writing. These you might 
have laying around if you do a lot of craft projects or you like to use adult coloring 
books. Try writing in the darker colors first, since they tend to be easier to see on paper. 
You can then try other lighter colors and see how you like them. You are just 
experimenting until you find what you really love writing with.


Crayons, Markets, and Art Supplies

Want to take it one step further? Try art supplies! Depending on the paper of your 
notebook, you can use crayons, markers, charcoal, or even paints. Thicker paper will 
take paint better, but you can also put together a journal with watercolor paper that 
allows you to get even more creative with your journal.

