This is #WhyIWrite …

When someone picks up a pen they do so with the intention of making their mark, be it on a page, on a Post-it, or on the world. Writing is a very individual and enlightening experience, it’s all about the translation of thoughts into something we can see and consume.

Handwriting is an art form we can’t afford to lose! When you write something down it’s more than merely jotting down words on paper, there’s actually a bevy of biological and neurological activity happening when you’re handwriting vs. typing or texting. Plus, one of the most important things in a fast paced society like ours is remembering to slow down and take the time to be personable and what better way to do that than a handwritten note or letter?!

Naturally having a pen that rolls across the page allowing our thought process to get out onto the paper quickly, clearly, and concisely is a must. So we’ve teamed up with uni-ball to voice our ode to the medium of pen and paper! Meet 5 professionals whose love for the classic pen + paper will inspire you to make your own unique mark!

Professional #1 – The CEO

Name: Montesh Punjabi

The Reason #WhyIWrite: “From a professional standpoint writing is a more productive approach to getting things done for me. If it’s something worth remembering then it’s something worth writing down, simple.”

When it comes to committing details to memory sometimes the best thing to do is simply write it all down. It’s been scientifically proven that writing detailed notes and reminders actually promotes the brain to better remember what’s being written down. No one puts this benefit of handwriting to good use quite like a busy entrepreneur who’s constantly jotting down notes.

Professional #2 – The Sports Reporter

Name: Larry Weisman

The Reason #WhyIWrite: “The best teacher I ever had imparted not only a love of the written word but the essence of effective communication. Writing needed to be clear, concise and concrete — her Three Cs. The fourth C turned up on my report card (I kid). Expressing oneself without emoticons and abbreviations (OMG!) has become challenging in a time of email and social media, but the proper use of words and their rhythms, of well-constructed sentences and paragraphs with a purpose, remains a delight.”

For a reporter, oftentimes the goal of writing is to delight an audience, and this is especially true for sports reporters. Sitting in the bleachers, pen and paper in hand, taking notes on compelling plays and extraordinary on-field feats and much more. It’s those quick notes that get transformed into a written piece of work that serves to replay the moment’s glory and delight the reader with detail.

Professional #3 – The Social Media Manager

Name: Heather Tighe

The Reason #WhyIWrite: “The reason I love writing is because it helps me to clarify my thoughts, remember things better, and reach my goals. Making a list and crossing things off gives me such a sense of accomplishment.”

For someone who spends nearly all day typing, the act of handwriting can be a great escape, and a great way to help keep the mind focused. Sometimes nothing helps you tackle a task-filled day more than a good ‘ole handwritten to-do list. Yes, it’s a retro concept, but hey it works like a charm when it comes to clearing the brain of daily clutter, so if it ain’t broke…

Professional #4 – The Data Scientist

Name: Eric Golinko

The Reason #WhyIWrite: “Writing, rather than typing, helps me to connect my ideas creatively and express myself. I am able to retain the feeling that I have in a moment of inspiration and am able to document immediately.”

Working with numbers and quantifiable values all day can turn the mind into a web of uncategorized information. Sometimes the best way to sift through the data at the end of the day is to write it out and look at everything through a fresh set of eyes on a simple sheet of paper.

Professional #5 – The Editor

Name: Leigha Hubbs

The Reason #WhyIWrite: “For me writing and penmanship are a part of my personality, just as a fingerprint is unique to an individual, for me penmanship possess that same quality. I find my handwriting to be loopy, curvy, and bubbly… much like myself.”

While a large majority of the finished products in the world of writing end up in typed versions in books and on devices, most literary pieces don’t start that way. Handwritten journals, diaries, drafts, and letters, are often the humble beginnings of the most moving pieces because they offer an unfiltered gimps into the author’s personality and psyche. It’s these handwritten moments that are transformed into the most magical literature, but often times, it all starts with a pen and paper.

How to Write Like the Pros in 4 Steps!!

Step 1: Find your local Office Depot store: Store Locator

Step 2: Check out the marvelous uni-ball® AIR™ and uni-ball® 307™ , then test them out!

• uni-ball® AIR™ – Write smoothly at any angle with the uni-ball® AIR™ rollerball pen. Enjoy a fluid writing experience with a bold ink lay down. Elegantly designed with a clean, sophisticated look, the uni-ball® AIR™ features exclusive uni Super Ink™ for three-way protection against water, fading and fraud.
• uni-ball® 307™ – Enjoy skip-free writing with the uni-ball® 307™ gel pen. The vibrant gel ink makes a bold impression, writes on glossy paper and offers three-way protection against water, fading and fraud. The textured grip is designed to feel comfortable in your hand and help you write with precision.

Step 3: THIS is the hard part, picking out your favorite pen… or just don’t do it and buy both (that’s what we did)!

Step 4: Find your inspiration, take to the page and make your mark on the world!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of uni-ball. The opinions and text are all mine.