
In an era defined by the rapid-fire clicks of a keyboard and the ephemeral glow
of touchscreens, the act of putting pen to paper remains an act of quiet rebellion.
As we navigate the demands of our busy days, balancing professional precision with
our creative core, we often forget that the most sophisticated technology we own
isn’t on our desks. Itโs the connection between our minds and our hands.
THE COGNITIVE EDGE
Writing by hand is not merely a nostalgic hobby; it is a cognitive powerhouse.
Research consistently shows that the physical act of writing slows us down
just enough to engage more deeply with our thoughts.
1. Precision of Thought:
Unlike the speed of typing, the measured pace of a pen forces us to
deliberate on vocabulary and structure, leading to stronger arguments and
clearer communication.
2. Memory & Mastery:
Engaging the hand and arm creates a holistic sensory experience.
This “muscle memory” for ideas etches information into the brain more
effectively than any digital input.
3. Neurological Harmony:
Studies from Stanford and the University of Stavanger reveal that
expressive writing synchronises the regions of the brain responsible for
emotion and reasoning. It turns mental chaos into coherent dialogue.

A SKILL WORTH SAVING
We are witnessing a shift where nearly 40% of the younger generation is losing
the proficiency of functional handwriting. This is more than a loss of “neatness”,
it is a loss of a fundamental tool for cognitive development. When we abandon
the pen, we risk losing the ability to “self-constructโ.
Journaling isn’t just self-expression, itโs self-construction.
THE ULTIMATE CREATIVE FREEDOM
There is a unique magic in watching ink dance across a page where a moment
ago there was nothing. It is a moment of pure creation that requires no login, no
subscription, and no data plan. To write by hand is to reclaim your focus. It allows
you to feel an emotion without drowning in it, and to think a thought with such
stillness that you can finally hear what your mind is trying to tell you.
Today, I encourage you to set the device aside. Pick up a pen.
See where the ink takes you.
SHOP FINE WRITING
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Souverรคn M600 Fountain Pen – PelikanR10 290.00
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Pen- & Brushrolls – PaiZleyPrice range: R499.00 through R920.00
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M200 Apricot Achat Gift Set – PelikanR3 990.00
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Vac700R Fountain Pens- TWSBIPrice range: R1 975.00 through R2 399.00
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Tornado ‘Acrylic’ Rollerball Pens – Retro 51Price range: R920.00 through R1 540.00
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Sketch Up pencils โ KawecoR799.00
Barry Lategan
Head of Fine Writing | Artsavingsclub
โFrom the Desk of Barry…โ is a space shaped by decades of hands-on experience, genuine passion, and a deep respect for the art of fine writing. Barry Lategan, founder of Applebee Pens, brings more than 35 years of industry knowledge, sharing insights gathered from a lifetime surrounded by exceptional writing instruments, craftsmanship, and the evolving world of pens. As a devoted pen enthusiast and trusted name within the writing community, Barry offers his thoughtful perspectives on all things Fine Writing, and remind us why putting pen to paper remains such a timeless pleasure. Barryโs desk is where experience meets enthusiasm, with plenty of ink-stained wisdom along the way.











