(Susan M. Pigott is a fountain pen collector, pen and paperholic, photographer, and professor. You can find more from Susan on her blog Scribalishess.)
Back in April, I emailed Brad to let him know about a major life change. As many of you know, I was a professor at a university for 28 years. In February 2020, I was issued a terminal contract, and I finished teaching my final class in May 2021.
As a consequence of my termination, I embarked on an unexpected journey. I've attended an Episcopal church for fifteen years, and during those years I always felt a tugging towards something--the diaconate, the priesthood--I wasn't sure. Three years ago, I started asking serious questions about the priesthood, and last fall, I began the process of discernment. In April I was admitted as a postulant for Holy Orders.
This means I will enter the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, as a full-time student in the Anglican Studies program this fall. When I say "full-time" I really mean it. I'll be taking 12 graduate hours per semester, working 8-10 hours a week on campus, and doing 10 hours a week of field education.
When I realized how intensive this academic year will be, I decided I needed to give up some things. One of those things is writing weekly reviews for The Pen Addict. This was a difficult decision to make. I love writing here. It has been a weekly respite from the many toxic things I endured at my university over the past six years. I'm crazy about fountain pens, inks, and paper, so being a writer for The Pen Addict was a dream come true.
My first review (on the Zebra Sharbo X LT3) was published on March 20, 2015. I remember how utterly nervous I was writing that review. Would it be good enough? Did I know enough about pens to write weekly for the blog? Could I keep up with the schedule while working full time? How often could I slip in pictures of my cats? (Turns out, not very often!)
Writing for The Pen Addict has been a complete joy. I've learned so much as a writer and as a pen addict. I had the pleasure of trying out new products--things I might never have considered using. I developed better clarity about what I love about fountain pens and what I don't. I gained exposure to the wonderful, world-wide pen community. I learned how to test inks and do chromatography. I discovered how much I adore different kinds of paper.
One of my favorite things about writing for The Pen Addict was when Brad would send a Box o' Review Stuff to each of the writers. I got such a kick out of opening those boxes, not knowing what I would find inside. It was a little Pen Addict Christmas every other month or so.
For this, my last post, I decided to reflect on some of my favorite reviews and what made them special to me.
Favorite Fountain Pen Review
Hands down, my all-time favorite review of a fountain pen was the Pelikan M600 Pink Special Edition. I purchased the Pink Pelikan on a whim after maligning the ridiculous "ladies Pelikan" marketing. What made this review special was (a) having to eat crow because it turned out that I loved this pen and (b) taking boudoir pictures of the pen. I think this was my best pen portraiture ever, and I had a blast using lingerie as the background for some of the pictures.
My biggest regret? I sold my Pink Pelikan for a song before I knew it would be one of those Pelikans that are in high demand and command ridiculous prices now. I wish I'd never sold it. I still miss that glorious "Victoria's Secret" pen in a color I thought I hated.
Favorite Fountain Pen Ink Review
My favorite ink review was the Diamine Inkvent Calendarin December 2019. What made this review so much fun is that I started working on it in October and produced twenty-five reviews that Brad posted each day in December until the final big reveal on December 25th. This was one of the most difficult reviews I worked on, because I had to find unique things to say about each of the inks.
I saw a post on Instagram that there will be another Inkvent Calendar this year!
Favorite Notebook Review
I reviewed so many notebooks over the years. I probably have enough notebooks on my shelves to last me the rest of my life. But my favorite notebook of all time has to be the William Hannah A5 Leather Notebook. The William Hannah notebook was my first experience with a disc notebook. The leather was luscious and beautiful and the range of notebook inserts on thick, gorgeous paper was impressive. All the special details indicate a product made with love and the best craftsmanship. I still own this notebook and it remains my favorite.
Favorite Paper Review
Brad sent me the Yamamoto Fountain Pen Friendly Paper Collection in one of those boxes I mentioned earlier. I didn't realize what that pad of paper was, glancing at it only briefly as I put things in my queue. But when I took it out of the plastic and discovered a bunch of different papers with unique textures and characteristics I was giddy. I wound up writing two full posts (second part here) on the collection, detailing each style of paper as thoroughly as possible. I doubt anyone actually read those ridiculously long posts, but I discovered my inner-paper geek and this is partly what led me into bookbinding and paper making. Plus, I heaped praise on Cosmo Air Light paper before it became a thing!
I reviewed many other things over the past six years--pen cases and other accessories, desk supplies, a zillion notebooks, and all sorts of writing instruments. But the posts I enjoyed the most were the ones that diverged from the usual: My interview with Shawn Newton (I sure wish I had done more of these like I intended);
the Penventory post;
and posts discussing my forays into bookbinding and paper making.
I want to thank Brad Dowdy for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be a Pen Addict writer. Brad, you are absolutely the best person to work with. Thanks to my fellow Pen Addict writers, Jeff and Sarah. Although we've never met in person, I think of you as colleagues and friends. Thanks also to you, the readers of Pen Addict. You are gracious and helpful (often adding to the posts with your comments) and supportive. You are the reason we research and write!
I hope to contribute occasional reviews in the future, because, duh! I'm not giving up fountain pens or ink or paper! But this will be my last weekly post. Goodbye for now!
