Saturday, August 2, 2008

The Notebook

I'm getting close to finishing my book. Not my current wip - my actual notebook in which I'm writing it. My friend Kris gave me this last Christmas:


I thought it was perfect for my first attempt at hand-writing a novel. It has famous writers and their oh-so-inspirational quotes all over it, and despite its name, I really haven't had writer's block while using it. Aside from the big spiral that goes a little wonky at times, it's been great. It's sturdy enough that I can write with it in my lap, but not too bulky.

I'm this close to the end:



Yesterday I decided it was time to buy another notebook. I didn't want anything too big - I don't think I have THAT much left in this story - but I didn't want to buy something too small and wind up buying a third notebook.

It's back-to-school season so I knew there'd be a good selection, but I didn't realize that the majority of notebooks in Mexico are not lined, they have grids. Now I'm sure some of you might think that's not a big deal, but I'm so obsessive I know I'd end up putting a letter in each box. Or, as an extra challenge, two letters. I don't need that distraction.

I hoped to get one that has a sturdy cover for the same reasons mentioned above. There were a couple that were hard-covered and lined, but the covers left something to be desired. After much hemming and hawing, I passed on the big cherries and purchased this:



Yes, that's an alligator. (Or crocodile, I can never tell the difference.) I figure it's related to lizards, which are found in the desert, which is where my book concludes. Plus, red = sunburn = desert. Am I stretching it? Perhaps.

Really, I just thought the little guy was cute. :)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

He is cute!

Anonymous said...

There's nothing wrong with an alligator/crocodile notebook.. however I think it's absolutely adorable how you justified the choice.. LOL

I'm totally with you on the OCD about the letters in the grid.. it would drive me insane... LOL

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I'm nothing if not awesome at justifying things. :)

Kate Lord Brown said...

Brilliant - I've always maintained a notebook that makes you smile or feel comfortable is far preferable to something that demands 'Great Work'. Good luck to you and your crocodile!

Zoe Winters said...

hehe, cute. I usually find myself getting those cloth covered "naturals" blank books they sell in books a million. Cause they open to lay flat and the page to write on is smooth.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Kate - welcome and thanks!

Zoe, don't taunt me with your bookstores and pretty notebooks. It was this or Wall-E. :)

Unknown said...

I love the grids! In Germany, the paper was like that, plus it was shiny and soft and smooth. I bought like ten notebooks before I left. I miss German paper. So high quality and smooth to write on with my fountain pen!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I don't mind grids for note paper, but I think it would drive me bonkers while trying to write!

Zoe Winters said...

bwhahahahaha

*taunt*

Janna Leadbetter said...

Ooh! I have an office supply fetish. Okay, to make it sound less gross... I LOVE notebooks!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Janna, me too. I could stare at just the pens for hours.