The Queen and The Rebel: EndlessPens Celebrates Writers, Part I

You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page.
— Annie Proulx

I am a creature shaped by words.

Others’ voices move through me, leaving their mark
Thought and emotion flow with the ink.

There is no other way but to surrender to what they say
To sink in beyond the shapes of letters, the cadence of sentences.

Until I finally find my own voice resonating with theirs
Echoing within worlds both familiar and strange.

Through their words, I live again
And my own pen makes its marks.

Have you ever read something that moved you so deeply, that you had to pause and take a breath? There are words that pluck at your heartstrings, soothe your restless spirit, or hit like a punch in the gut. Then you realize that the writer is a master of their craft or knows their intended readers so well. Sometimes, it is more than that. Passion shines through their words on the page, an irresistible urge that cannot be denied. And you become inspired to unleash your own passion. Writers write, there are no ifs and buts about it.

Mystery In Every Mark

Whodunits are among the genres of literary fiction which never fail to challenge our minds as readers. On September 15th, we celebrate the 133rd birthday of none other than the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.

Agatha Christie was a prolific British author also known as the Queen of Mystery. Born in 1890, she wrote over 70 detective novels, numerous short stories, and plays. Her most famous play which debuted in 1952, The Mousetrap, is the longest running in the world. Her world-renowned characters include Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Christie's writing career began in the early 1920s with her novel The Mysterious Affair at Styles, introducing a brilliant Belgian detective named Hercule Poirot.

Her works are celebrated for their intricate plots, memorable characters, and surprising twists. Christie's distinctive style combined with her extensive knowledge of poison and medicine learned from working as a nurse during World War I, lent authenticity to her murder mysteries. Her writing often explored the dark motives and psychological intricacies behind crimes.

Throughout her career, Christie received numerous awards and accolades, including being appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and adapted into countless films, TV series, and stage productions.

Agatha Christie's enduring legacy is marked by her unparalleled contribution to the mystery genre. Her novels continue to captivate readers and inspire new generations of writers, ensuring that her name remains synonymous with mystery and suspense. She passed away in 1976, but her stories continue to enchant and intrigue readers worldwide.

Very few of us are what we seem.
— Agatha Christie

EndlessPens Recommends: Agatha Christie’s Mystery

If you were to write a tale of crime and dark suspense, here are a few fountain pens that could inspire you —

Pelikan M800 Green Demonstrator Fountain Pen – It is a nod to Agatha Christie’s favorite color, green. This apple-green demonstrator fountain pen brings vibrant energy to every fountain pen collection. Some collectors will recognize this extraordinary pen as it reminds of its predecessor from 1992. However, the new edition is not identical to the fountain pen from the 90s. The new details make it a real eye-catcher. The one-piece cap ring and filling knob ring with shiny and satiny surface optics give it an extraordinary look.

Leonardo Momento Magico Fountain Pen (14K Gold) – This pen was inspired by Anima Nera, an Italian 1960s drama fraught with mystery and conflict, similar to the plots of Agatha Christie’s work. Black resin was chosen to pay homage to the film’s title, which translates to Black Soul. The Momento Magico Glossy Black has a transparent window in the barrel of the pen that allows you to check your ink levels as you write. The Momento Magico piston filler was designed to have an ink capacity of 1.5ml.

Parker Duofold Classic Centennial Fountain Pen – An emblem of Agatha Christie’s era, the Duofold is the representation of Parker's heritage. A symbol of excellence since 1921, Duofold remains the most distinguished pen in Parker's discerning lineage. Driven by a commitment to superior craftsmanship, every detail of the Parker Duofold Classic Centennial Fountain Pen is carefully thought out and executed. From the emblematic design of the ace emblazoned 18-carat solid gold nib to the precious metal finishes, each piece is meticulously brought together by hand to ensure the finest writing experience.

Write A Rebellion

Writing, like any other form of art, has the inherent potential to go against convention. It can challenge social and political norms, with the creative act itself redefining reality. On September 17th, we honor the 88th birthday of Ken Kesey, an influential American author and countercultural figure. He is best known for his novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, published in 1962. Set in a mental hospital, this book explores themes of individuality, conformity, and the abuse of power.

Kesey's writing was heavily influenced by his experiences working as an orderly in a psychiatric hospital and as a paid experimental subject for little-known psychomimetic drugs. His vivid descriptions and unique narrative voice allowed readers to see the world through the eyes of the patients and the antihero, Randle McMurphy, as he fought against the tyrannical Nurse Ratched.

His seminal work is a powerful critique of institutionalization and the dehumanizing effects of conformity. It delves into the complexities of mental illness, personal identity, and the price of individuality in a society that values conformity. The novel's tragic and gripping conclusion leaves readers questioning the costs of rebellion and the nature of sanity.

Ken Kesey's impact on American literature and culture remains influential despite his personal challenges. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest continues to be a thought-provoking classic for its exploration of mental health institutions and the human psyche. Moreover, his active participation in the counterculture movement left an indelible mark on the 1960s, and influenced subsequent generations of artists and writers well after he passed in 2001.

You don't lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case.
— Ken Kesey

EndlessPens Recommends: Ken Kesey’s Psychedelic Vibes

When crafting a story of rebellion, with out-of-the-box provocative ideas and a glimpse of meta-consciousness, here are a few fountain pens that could help keep those creative juices flowing —

BENU Euphoria Vodka on the Rocks Fountain Pen – Euphoria is a collection of pens devoted to different sources of simple, hedonistic pleasures, such as favorite music, a beautiful scene, an exquisite cocktail, or a delicacy. Euphoria Vodka on the Rocks features a black high quality resin with sparkly silver holographic design mimics ice. It has a black grip and a silver-colored clip. Equipped with a #6 Schmidt stainless steel nib, this fountain pen comes with a standard international converter and one long blue ink cartridge. You can also convert it to eyedropper fill.

Tailored Pen Company Lotus by @katlynsnest Fountain Pen – The lotus is a good reminder that we can flourish and be resilient in the face of adversity. ⁓ @katlynsnest

Lotus features a blank designed by @katlynsnest, and produced by Tailored Pen Company on their Churchill model. It is similar to the Westminster with the main difference being that the body and the cap transition smoothly with no difference in size. The ends are more tapered and angle to a point. The stainless steel nib features a lotus artwork engraving, as well as the limited edition number. Only 18 numbered pens, worldwide.

Nahvalur Nautilus Macaw Fountain Pen – Delighting your senses, the Nahvalur Nautilus Macaw fountain pen radiates elegance and exclusivity. Its special edition design is exquisite with its timeless craftsmanship that you won't find anywhere else. Cultivated and classic, this pen is an enchanting, one-of-a-kind work of art. The most distinctive feature of this model is Narwhal's proprietary ink window with three intricate ink windows carved on the barrel of the pen. This series features a piston filling mechanism with in-house nibs.

Words of Influence

By weaving words and crafting narratives, writers enact change. Fictional characters with their own life experiences enable readers to step into another’s shoes, giving us the opportunity to empathize and understand different perspectives. The work itself often reflects the realities, values, and conflicts of the writer’s time, allowing us to connect with societal issues on a personal level. And as creatives, writers can provoke thought, challenge established norms, and shape public opinion. Their impact extends beyond the pages of their work, making them agents of cultural evolution and progress.

Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic.
— Carl Sagan

Happy Birthday Dame Agatha Christie and Ken Kesey!

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Written by @lekzumali
Check out her musings on Instagram!