I have been a creative writer since I first learned anyone could write a story. I have written short stories, longer stories, poetry and more. I have filled $1 notebooks, binders of loose-leaf paper, and countless word documents with tales that fill my mind daily.

While exploring Betty’s Books, I discovered a beautiful hardcover journal — pink with cherry blossoms lined in gold chrome that shines in the light, the cream pages painted with shining gold and a small haiku on the back:

Blown cherry blossoms

fall and float upon the cold

rice paddy waters

— Kyoroku

Immediately, my mind raced with all the potential stories that could fill that journal. A love story? A mystery? A fantasy? All of it flooded my mind with images I wanted to paint with words and bring to life in the mind’s eye.

And that brings me to today. I have since bought many, many more beautiful hardcover journals with painted edges in gold and silver. Each of them has a poem or cover based on famous architecture or historical art. My favorites come from Peter Pauper Press and Paperblanks.

I have also found journals in retail stores, but the best ones are always in bookstores. The art is what draws me in and has raised my standards for notebooks.

Have I written in all of the ones I have? No. But I think that’s part of the fun. Looking at the art fills me with more ideas, inspiring plots, characters, settings and more.

I encourage all of my fellow writers to find inspiration everywhere and don’t be afraid to buy the pretty journal if it brings you inspiration.