I love calligraphy. At one point in my life I did calligraphy professionally and spent my free time doing illumination. Gold foil, etc. I am considering getting back into this art. I find it relaxing and a way to help me sort out my novel outlines.
I have a great many “dip pens,” and only one, 35+ year old fountain-style calligraphy pen that fills via a bladder handle. Old school, indeed.
I am acquainted with roguish man and woodworker, from whom I buy my pens. His works are impressive, to say the least. I recently made a custom order of a Lignum Vitae wood pen. This wood is legendary, in that Merlin’s staff was said to have been made from the same wood. It is the “wood of life.” This pen, made to my specifications, is just the right weight and balance. Using a good ink (like Windsor-Newton) and nib, it makes writing magical. 
I consider my dip pens my magic wands (although I do also own several wands). I feel the souls of the wood sing to me, and I get story ideas.
In fact, I am developing an entire series based on the spirits of my wands and pens and their stories.
If you’d like to explore my favorite Etsy site, my woodworker can be found here: RareEarth
It is my INTENTION that I be inspired by all things and that I am able to transcribe that inspiration into novels. My pens and wands certainly feed into that goal.
Darragha Foster 