Write It All Down
Ask any writer and they will talk about the importance of a writer keeping a journal of some kind. If you’re a writer who doesn’t fit into that sweeping generalization, then shame on you! In that case, you’ve come to the “write” place because here’s a list of neat-o journals that may just inspire you to spill your guts.
Multi-Colored Paper – Jenny Bick Bookbinding
Now how flippin’ fun are these? The answer is a lot! Maybe some of you will feel like a kindergartener drawing on construction paper but wasn’t life so much simpler back then? (The answer to that one is yes!)
Customizable – Bookfactory
Put your name on it! Or logo. Or anything else you want. With the Bookfactory, the sky’s the limit. Don’t let the minimum order get you down. For your business writers out there, what a great client gift idea.
Online – Mylifehereonearth.com
This is just one of the many online journal options out there. What I liked about this place was they have an option to write your autobiography. Isn’t that what a journal kind of is anyway?
Plantable – Uncommon Goods
Oh you read that correctly. Plantable. As in put it in the ground and create yet ANOTHER thing out of it. I just love this one! I should probably get a few of these since my huge box o’ journals is getting a little bit out of hand. This is also a great way to keep your private thoughts private. Well, Mother Earth will probably get a kick out of them but I hear she’s a great secret-keeper.
Venetian Wrap – Kiki James
This classic style of journal is handmade of soft nubuck. It comes in a variety of colors to satisfy both the ladies and gents out there.
Vera Bradley – Vera Bradley Barnes and Noble
This popular handbag designer teamed up with one of the largest booksellers to create this unique line. If you love her…um…unique and vibrant designs, then you’ll love carrying around these beauties.
Inspirational – Compendium
What I liked about these is that they’re not your typical “black poster with pretty picture” type of inspirational object. These provide fodder for your mind–even their covers inspire! This one pictured is the “Enjoy Everyday Journal.” See what I mean?
Grandparent’s Journal – Uncommon Goods
Some of life’s best lessons come from the past. If you’re lucky enough to still have them around, get to know your Grandparent’s – therefore, part of your own – history with this unique and engaging journal.
Unique – Writer’s Bloc
I love the look of this one. Pure and simple.

Little Black Book – Jenny Bick Bookbinding
Because every person needs one. <Wink Wink Nudge Nudge>
Natural Hemp – Barnes and Noble
Green is good! For those of you who are into the “green-movement” this is a great choice for you. Called the “Kelambu Notebook,” it is handmade in the heart of the Himalayas in Nepal.
For Kids – Chasing Fireflies
We’ve covered the older generation, now it’s time to handle the younger one. Give a child this diary (at what point is it called a journal?) and open up a whole new world for them. The best part is that it comes with a lock that is supposed to keep out any prying eyes (who don’t have a paper clip and a nagging interest in someones innermost thoughts).
Travel – Gallery Leather
We recognize that there is so much more to writing than just jotting down your thoughts and ideas in the comfort of your home. This travel journal has thicker paper than your run-of-the-mill journal and the company says it is “the same indestructible construction of our other journals.”







What… No Moleskines? Those little black books have always served to inspire and accompany me. More recently, the lovely little eco books by ecosystems.
Hi Lisa- Thanks for the comment! I have a ton of Moleskines myself…they are definitely the “historical standby” for creatives of all types! My goal was to show there’s a world outside of those…and maybe grab a little market share for those other guys. haha! Kidding, of course! :-)
This is what I was thinking when looking the list over. I need to get some new books though as the ones I have are pretty filled up. These are some nice options.
Awesome post. Hopefully some of the market share does float their way too :)
These journals are gorgeous! What great options for writing down thoughts!
I’m glad you liked them, Curvy! There are so many options out there…the tough part was choosing just a few!
Mead journals. Cheap and easy, the way writing should be.
Some lovely journals here Michelle! I was going to question the absence of the Moleskine, but I knew someone would beat me to it! :) and I understand why you didn’t include them – we all already know how wonderful they are…
I’ve never used any of these journals myself, but Paperblanks make beautiful notebooks, as well as diaries and planners of all kinds. I’ve bought several of these as gifts before.
@Eric- Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve never heard of these…will definitely check them out!
@Christopher- I’m getting the feeling I’m never going to hear the end of the “no Moleskine” thing. :-) Maybe I should add a disclaimer? haha! I’ll definitely check out Paperblanks…thanks for the recommendation!
Maybe you should… us Moleskine snobs are a passionate bunch! :D
What wonderful options for journaling! I love the “My Life Here on Earth” site – really neat concept. I use the standard mead notebooks myself, and have one per subject – daily journaling, research, story ideas, etc, etc, but I do enjoy having at least one good quality leather journal for recording those special life events, such as weddings, birthdays, Christmas, etc. I don’t know what I’d do without all my journals – probably die!
Thanks for showing us all these resources!
Wow. Some really interesting journals. I have been using moleskine for a long time, but lately I’ve been grabbing whatever I can find at the office :)
Go Team Moleskin! Haha!
Though I carry a small moleskin in my back pocket every day — and probably will for the rest of my life, — the shelves of empty notebooks always pulls me in without fail when stopping in at Barnes and Noble.
There’s something about finding really interesting notebooks to fill with your imagination that gets me.
How many writers out there prefer jotting notes in their notebooks over recording voice memos?
@ChristopherR2D2- Oh I’ve never recorded voice memos in my life! For me, writing something down not only commits it to memory (most of the time!), but gives me a tangible record for those times when my memory fails me. :-) Besides, I don’t know what I’d do without my piles. haha!
Thanks for the comment!
Love the look of some of these journals. Some links would be nice though please!
Personally, my blog is kind of my journal now – that’s one you missed! Although for obvious reasons I’m never specific about the things I’m currently writing, more about the process.
Having said that, I still have something of a fetish for notebooks! Every now and then I’ll try and think of a reason for using one, but I just like the advantages of electronic writing so much!
Have written a blog post on the history of my journalling actually, if that’s of any use to anyone:
http://www.getmewriting.com/journals/keeping-a-journal/
Sorry for dbl post – just saw where the links are. Sorry, I was clicking on the second part of each heading, so missed them. Will have a proper look at them now!
I think this may be my favourite article of all time. Well, if you write an piece on pens, then this one might move to the number two slot! I love journals. I have a small, but manageable journal fetish, which goes along nicely with my huge pen fetish! Thanks to you, I will be shopping for a host of new journals to line my bookshelf.