Cool Notebooks for Writers: Inspiration Between the Pages
Writers and notebooks go together like coffee and quiet mornings. There’s something about cracking open a fresh page that feels like possibility. Whether you're scribbling story ideas, journaling your day, or sketching dialogue, the right notebook can make writing feel just a little more magical.
In this post, we’re spotlighting some of the coolest notebooks for writers—from beautifully bound journals to quirky designs that make writing fun again. Plus, we’ll show you how to get new notebooks delivered to your door every month.
What Makes a Notebook "Cool" for Writers?
It’s not just the cover—though that helps. A great notebook usually checks a few boxes:
- Durability: It can be tossed into a backpack or desk drawer without falling apart.
- Paper quality: Thick enough to handle gel pens and fountain pens without bleeding.
- Design: Aesthetic, inspiring, or a little weird (we love weird).
- Structure: Dot grid, lined, or blank depending on your personal preference.
- Lay flat binding: Writers love notebooks that lie flat—especially helpful for left-handed folks.
- Size: Something compact and portable—like the popular 5.5 inches by 8.25 inches format.
- Extras: Features like a leather cover, numbered pages, or a back pocket for scraps.
5 Cool Notebooks Writers Actually Love
1. Leuchtturm1917 – The Classic Choice
Loved by both journalers and novelists, the Leuchtturm1917 has numbered pages. You can choose from dot grid or lined options. It also has a smooth cover in every color you can think of. These notebooks are stocked in bookstores and easy to find from major retailers.
Its pages work well with fountain pens. The binding lets the notebook lie flat. This makes it great for both right-handed and left-handed writers.
2. Rite in the Rain – For the Adventure Writer
These all-weather notebooks are tough enough for the outdoors. They’re small, rugged, and the perfect size to jot things down on the side of the page when you’re in the field. Great for travel writers or journalers who like to document nature walks and spontaneous thoughts.
3. Field Notes – Pocket-Sized Perfection
Minimal, Americana-style notebooks made for jotting down ideas anywhere. They're lightweight, affordable, and easy to stash in a pocket or bag. While the thin paper isn’t ideal for heavy inks, they’re perfect for quick thoughts, outlining, or micro-journaling.
4. Mossery Twinbooks – Artsy and Inspiring
A visual and tactile delight. Mossery notebooks feature interchangeable covers (some even leather cover style), high-quality paper, and custom interior formats. They’re popular among those who combine writing with sketching or bullet journaling.
5. Write Bad Ideas Box – For Imperfect Genius
Every month, we send subscribers a new spiral notebook or bound journal with cool, weird, or beautiful designs you won’t find in stores. Some lay flat. Some are quirky. All are made for writers. They are great for writing down your best or worst ideas with an included, matching gel pen. There is no pressure to be perfect.
Bonus Picks: Even More Cool Notebooks to Explore
6. Moleskine Notebooks – A Timeless Writer's Companion
A classic for a reason. Moleskine notebooks are used by novelists, screenwriters, and thinkers around the world. While thin paper can make fountain pen use tricky, their elegance, portability, and design keep them in every writer’s rotation.
7. Baron Fig – Sleek and Thoughtful
These notebooks offer a minimalist look with strong paper quality and a sturdy binding that allows them to lay flat. Ideal for detailed thinkers, list-makers, and daily writing practice.
8. Appointed Co. – Modern and Luxurious
Made with brass coils, linen covers, and American craftsmanship, these spiral bound notebooks are a dream to write in. They’re sturdy, smooth, and a perfect companion for both creative writing and business note-taking.
9. Legal Pads – The Underrated Workhorse
Sometimes, cool just means simple. Legal pads offer wide open spaces, freedom from perfectionism, and an easy way to capture ideas fast. Many writers love them for freewriting, brainstorming, or fast-paced script notes.
Notebooks for Every Writing Style
Writers use notebooks in different ways. Here’s how to match the right one to your method:
- Journaling: Use a softcover dot grid or lined notebook that opens wide and encourages regular use.
- Story Outlines: A spiral notebook that lies flat makes it easy to brainstorm across the side of the page.
- Left-handed writers: Look for lay-flat or top-bound legal pads that reduce smudging and discomfort.
- Bullet Journaling: Choose dot grid formats with thicker paper and a sturdy binding—perfect for organization and creativity.
- Fountain pen fans: Always test the paper quality to ensure minimal bleed-through; brands like Leuchtturm1917 and Baron Fig hold up well.
Why Do Writers Love Notebooks So Much?
Notebooks are more than tools—they’re containers of ideas, memory, and raw creative energy. Famous authors like Mark Twain and Maya Angelou all kept them close. In the age of apps and cloud storage, there’s still something grounding about handwriting with a gel pen or fountain pen, where your ideas take shape one line at a time.
Need more proof? Harvard researchers found that writing by hand improves memory and creativity—especially important for writers working through complex ideas.
Want Cool Notebooks Delivered Monthly?
If you’re a writer who collects notebooks (or wants a reason to), Write Bad Ideas is for you. Each month, we ship a handpicked box of writing joy, including:
- Unique, high-quality notebooks (spiral, bound, dot grid, etc.)
- Writing tools like gel pens or mechanical pencils
- Creative prompts and activities
- Occasional zines, stickers, or inspiration for your walls
👉 Subscribe to Write Bad Ideas
Final Thoughts
The right notebook won’t write your story—but it might unlock it. Whether you prefer sleek Moleskine notebooks, quirky designs with leather covers, or an offbeat spiral bound notebook that makes you smile, the right choice is out there.
Or don’t choose at all—we’ll surprise you.