It strikes me that the first steps in becoming a writer should include a really great pen. I’d like to say I own such a pen.

I do not.

I have pen aspirations aplenty. (Full disclosure: I did just have to Google “aplenty” to confirm that it is indeed a word and not a figment of my imagination. So I should probably edit the first-steps-list to include access to a dictionary.)

But back to my penvy…

Now, no disrespect to Papermate. I’ve done all my pen activities with a trusty Flex-grip for pretty much ever. They are a heck of a deal at around $12.19 for a box of eight. I really can’t complain. I’ve used them on paper, cardboard, fabric, the walls – pretty much anything that needed marking-up in some way. When I run out, I go on-line, order a new box from Staples – it’s all good. They’ve been my go-to pen my entire adult life.

We’ve had a great relationship… until now.

To be honest I feel a little guilty by lusting after a different type of pen. But I can’t help myself. Now, I know what you’re thinking… that is the excuse on the capricious lips of all wandering-eyed individuals since the beginning of time.

But I really can’t help myself.

I find myself crossing the street to steal glances in the window of the Vancouver Pen Shop on Hastings Street, I virtual-pen-shop on Pinterest when I think no one is looking. At the same time, I question my ability to commit to a high-maintenance pen. Perhaps I just need to woman-up and take the plunge? And buy one of these: