I'm following on from a previous post in which I shared some tips on how to make writing a tad easier.

One particular tip was to use the right writing instrument. Over the past few weeks this has proven true time and again as I've discovered the gentle joy of using fountain pens.

Where previously I'd use a trusty pencil to 'set down my stuff' I now use one of the 3 nibbed beauties in my new (and hopefully growing) collection. Despite my 'doctor-worthy' handwriting style, I've always enjoyed the act of writing on paper. Using fountain pens makes me think of it now as the art of writing on paper and how the process of writing is as satisfying as the result.

It's funny but each pen seems to possess its own personality. This means I can match the instrument to the mood I'm in or, alternatively, the mood I want to be in. And, each pen adds its own little idiosyncratic tweak to my handwriting ... which can look quite amusing if I decide to switch pens mid-piece.

For example, my fine-nib dainty little purple Jinhao with the red crystal clip is Little Miss Perfect. Everything has to be 'just so' and 'High Tea' refined. Its black ink means this one really is perfect for filling out official paperwork and signing cheques.

Then there's the black Classic medium-nib with a flashy scroll of a clip and heavy barrel. This pen oozes bold creativity with a bit of a cheeky edge. The dusky purple colour of the ink adds fathoms to one's sense of adventure when writing with this pen.

Lastly, there's the lavender-coloured Mabie Todd Swallow with another medium nib. This pen radiates an understated elegance and inspires writing with 'finesse'.

So there you have it. A tiny glimpse inside my desk at some newfound friends.

What are some of your favourite tools of the trade and how do they inspire you?