After a brief dalliance with the world of the fountain pen, which was pleasing at times if a little messy, I am now enjoying the wonderful simplicity of the humble pencil.

Why the switch? I purchased a number of highly recommended fountain pens. Whilst it was enjoyable to write with them at first, it dawned on me how distracting all the options were. First the nib size, does one want a fine or extra-fine line? Next the ink, do I want ink from Diamine or J. Herbin or Pelikan? Which ink works with which nib! Once that is decided, what shade does one chose?

For me this choice was all too distracting from the task of just writing words down. The final straw came after one too many ink spills from pens that would leak for no apparent reason, and always at the worst possible moment.

I picked up a pencil again. It must be 20 years since I was in school and last used a pencil. The contrast with the fountain pen was great. What could be simpler than a piece of graphite encased in wood? Sure there are multiple grades of graphite but I’ve learned my lesson and am not going to dive into that murky world of myriad choice.

Just give me a pencil, any old one will do, and let me write.