My Moleskine Hack
While thinking about more writers tools to help you get through your day with ease I couldn’t let the week go by without my trusted Moleskine hack. In fact, the hack is an adapted version from Mike Rohde’s own Moleskine hack. When I came across his hack late last year I knew I wanted the same system for myself.
Up until then I had been fighting with thousands of paper snippets, several notebook sizes (I couldn’t find a suitable one I really liked) plus an A4 diary. I got increasingly frustrated with the paper clutter in my life.
So I went to buy a Once it arrived I designed my own diary, thought about my icons (see to the right) to help me organize my business, then went about designing the perfect hack for my Moleskine to keep me on track every day. The result has been nothing but dramatic, since I hardly amass paper clutter these days.
I have truly fallen in love with this little classic notebook. Come to think about it, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I know Brett feels the same since we talked about this in the past, sharing our Moleskine love with each other.
As you can see on the left, this is how my Moleskine looks now. It acts as my daily planner.
To supplement my diary I use a soft cover Moleskine which accompanies me everywhere I go. It is my notebook to capture ideas, brainstorming sessions plus any thoughts needing to be written down.
This whole system saves so much paper it isn’t funny. I think every writer can benefit from this hack, since you keep all your notes organized, plus ensure timely delivery of all your work.
Moleskine features
I think it goes without saying, the Moleskine notebook has so many features it is hard to think why somebody wouldn’t love to own their own.
- They are small, great for carrying with you
- They fit in your pocket, handbag
- They can be hacked so many times, great for paper geeks like me
- The pouch in the back cover is ideal to carry spare cash (I always carry $20 for emergencies), cards to scribble notes, bus tickets, cash cards, etc.
- The variety of choice is huge (you can buy city planners, pre-made diaries, sketch books, ruled notebooks, plus many more).
- They let you sketch, note, write, plan, jot, file, share, record
- They are simply irresistible
- They keep your office clutter free
You might wonder why I didn’t buy the ready made Moleskine diary notebook. The answer is simple, for me at least. I love being creative, designing my own little applications on paper I guess.
The process of making my own diary (1-2 hours at the most) plus seeing my own hand writing was worth the effort opposed to using a pre-made stenciled notebook.
I guess it is up to you whether you would do the same or not. I’m having lots of fun with my two Moleskines. Using them had become somewhat a revered experience for me, kind of like a mini meditation if you so will.
It would be fantastic to hear from others who have found Moleskine love. Please share your own hacks with us to give others more choices for their own if they so wish.
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Rebecca Leigh | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
I love stationery love! When I go to a big shopping centre I head straight for stationery and I always have an eye out for gorgeous journals.
Now I am going to admit something that may cause Moleskine devotees to hate me – I’ve been using a knock-off (which is very lovely in its own right) that is half the price from a shop called kikki.k
Horror of horrors they stopped making the particular one I like – quad ruled – at the end of last year. I’m still living off reserves. After that I may have to go Moleskine.
Either way I completely agree that there is something very special about carrying a quality notebook with you at all times – to have your todo list at hand and easily edited without booting up a computer – and to be able to jot thoughts, ideas, even a sketch, whenever the fancy takes you.
Long live pen and paper!!
Cath Lawson | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – it looks cool. Those little books seem amazingly popular. Are they worth the extra expense? Is it cheaper to get them on ebay?
KatFrench | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
Monika: I’m also a longtime fan of the Moleskine. My favorite is the small unlined reporter notebook. It fits in my back pocket (always accessible), lets me do drawings when doodles capture my thoughts better than words, and as a lefty, the flip-top notebook works better for me.
Way to share that Moleskine love!
Monika | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
@ Rebecca: Yeah, like you I’m a paper nut. I also love stationary and am always in the those shops when I’m in the big smoke, or used to be a lot more prior to Moleskine love had kicked in. LOL.
Looks like you might become a devotee too one day, unless or course your kikki.k books gods will answer your prayers and re-install your favourite notebook.
Monika | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
@ Cath: I think I save about two or three dollars buying them on eBay opposed to a shop. Trouble is, where I live there is no Moleskine supplier so eBay was the only option fast enough.
Personally I think it is worth the extra expense, but then I might biased.
Monika | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
@ KatFrench: I never thought of left handed versus right handed. Good thinking there with the flip-top. My personal favourite is actually the softcover unlined notebook. That is the one I use for my scribbles and notes (my second Moleskine).
I just love the soft motion and the way it feels when touched. Uh my, this isn’t sexual, even though it is starting to sound like it. LOL – true Moleskine devotion is more the word.
Cath Lawson | Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
That’s a point Monika – I’m not even sure if there’s moleskin suppliers in the UK either. I’ll have to check.
mark | Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika! I have not experienced the moleskin love yet but I am pretty fond of the 99 cent, single subject, spiral notebooks.
Monika | Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
@ Mark: Hey, there is nothing wrong with the 99 cent variety if that is your cup of tea. But believe me, once you fondled a Moleskine you won’t go back.
vn | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
Just to Cath – I’m in the UK and there are loads of moleskine suppliers – WHSmith, Borders. I see them all over the place but failing that amazon.co.uk also sell them (and is where I get mine!). I’ve taken to giving them to other people as presents though and it generally goes down well.. converting the nation one by one!
Vacation Packing Tips | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
This brand is new to me: I prefer the spiral bound ones so that I have a hard surface to write on when sitting on the couch – which is my normal “desk”! At the moment I have 3 todo hardcover notepads plus an email to do list: possible 3 too many LOL?
I like your symbols- I’m going to copy those!
Lissie
Ellen Moore | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
Well, it appears I’m about to enter a whole new world of excitement. What about acid pens that don’t bleed through the pages. Any recommendations?
Monika | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
@ vn: You go (insert your name here)
Everybody who helps to spread the Moleskine love in such a clever way deserves a big pat on the back.
Thanks for helping Cath in regards to suppliers in the UK.
Monika | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
@ Lissie: Feel free to do so. I have adapted them from Mike’s great hack. That was what gave me inspiration so the credit goes to him alone.
Monika | Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
@ Ellen: I heard the gel pens are quite good for them. I use a non smudging biro, it works well for me. Check out this link too, it will give you more inspiration (be warned) it’s addictive.
http://www.pigpog.com/node/1044
Scott Sharpe | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
I just got my first one! I love it already.
I got the reporter style – flip kind (with no lines).
Over the past month I’ve formed the habit of writing every single creative idea that comes to me. Business ideas, blog ideas, internet marketing ideas…videos..etc.
I had a really cheap flip style notebook (spiraled). Started falling apart immediately. They don’t look too bad when you first glance at them…but they are def. useless as they completely fall apart.
Anyway..
I’m debating over whether I should use both sides of the paper. lol. Its a little harder to write on the back since its vertical.
I got a nice leather journal as well (not moleskin)…after reading your post I’m falling in love with moleskin already & wish I just would have gotten a second (larger) moleskin instead. lol
- Scott Sharpe
Nick | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
You got me, just ordered my first moleskine. I’m a -not quite recovering- Post-it freak. I’ve long tried to convert to a notebook, but I haven’t found a pocket model that can endure the wear and tear -or should I say terror- that goes along with accompanying me on trips. I’ve tried PDA’s, but I don’t have my finger nails filed to a point, so the little buttons just irritate me. We’ll see how it goes. I almost splurged and got the big one too, but I’ll start small first.
Monika | Aug 10, 2008 | Reply
@ Scott: Wow, that is so groovy. Spreading the Moleskine love alright aren’t I. Glad to help you become a Moleskine lover.
Sorry about this comment being so late. I totally missed it for whatever reasons. I’m glad it works for you and I’m sure you’ll buy even more of them in the future.
Monika | Aug 10, 2008 | Reply
@ Nick: Woohooo….another convert.
I love it. Seriously though, I’ll be interested to see what you report after a few weeks using your Moleskine.
Thank you for taking the time to tell me about your new purchase. Enjoy.
sue | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monica,
I happened on this post a couple of days ago, although I am a subscriber I think I missed this one. It’s a good post and I decided to give the Moleskin a try, although I bought the 18month diary with notes – one week to a page with the opposite page blank for notes etc and I love it.
Thanks,
sue