Vintage Vibes and Modern Insights with Timothy Steiner

Meet Timothy Steiner, more popularly known as HemingwayJones—a fountain pen aficionado and devoted journaler whose fascination with vintage items and storytelling have led to a fulfilling passion for fountain pen collecting and self-reflection. For him, journaling isn’t just about putting thoughts on paper—it’s a path to understanding and personal growth.

Today, he shares his journey, including early inspirations, how he began sharing online, and what he’s learned from both pens and pages along the way.

We hope you find wisdom and inspiration through his story! 

What inspired you to get into fountain pens/journaling?

I have always been fascinated by everything vintage: vintage clothes, fedoras, manual typewriters, etc. When I was young, the people I respected wrote with fountain pens and I was fascinated by the artistry and how different their nibs looked then to me. I wanted to know all of their secrets. I really grew passionate about them in the mid-90s and began to use them for everything. 

Concurrently, I have always wanted to keep a journal. I had many false starts in my early life and sadly these sporadic journals were damaged by water and lost. Right around the turn of the millenium, I grew very serious about journaling. I had read how important and productive they were for John Adams in David McCullough’s book about him and it inspired me to use them to better my life. 

Sadly, at that time also, I had a major issue with depression that knocked me completely off my keel. As part of my recovery, I started to ask myself very difficult questions and to answer them in my journals. This lead to a complete reorientation in how I saw my life, the universe, and everything; and my place in it. 

After many years of journaling, I began to see narrative threads and trends that gave me further insight into my mind and life and how to live better. Now I am completely hooked. 

Timothy's early attraction to the vintage aesthetic of fountain pens became a gateway to something much deeper—journaling as a path to self-discovery. Over time, the act of writing by hand gave him both a way to capture memories and a means to explore the life questions that matter most.

What did your first setup look like? What was your first fountain pen?

My First Fountain Pen was a Waterman with a gold nib. I’m unsure of the model, but sadly it did not go well. I put way too much pressure on it and it cracked at the threads. I still have the pieces somewhere in storage. That was a tough start, but I quickly moved on to a marvelous Cross Apogee and Shaeffer Legacy, both of which I still have. Gorgeous and amazing pens. 

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to "pursue" in life? As in actively post on social media, share your passion about fountain pens and journaling to people online? 

I started posting by accident. It started during the Pandemic. I began putting up posts on various things around me on TikTok. Then it was watches, books, clothes, and pens. The Fountain Pens really took off. In a few months I had 100K subscribers. It was trippy. 

Then TikTok changed and I made my YouTube my home. This is when I really grew serious about posting because I began to make real connections with people. I also became more and more confident about sharing my struggles and how fountain pens and journaling helped me to be the person I had always wanted to be. 

Do you have a day job, and if so, what is it? 

I do have a day job. I am a Senior Vice President and Team Leader of a Bank. I help run a commercial loan department with a group of lenders. It is an absolutely wonderful career and I get many opportunities to use my pens at the office. 

His journey into posting began as an experiment but a connection with other people who shared his interests fueled Timothy's passion even more. Now, alongside his day job, he’s found a creative outlet where his love for pens and journaling reaches a wider community.

What is your favorite technique for staying consistent—for example, journaling prompts? 

I don’t use prompts. I just journal as a way of life. I write about my day, my aspirations, I plan things, I reflect on current events, and I chart my daughter’s life because she will be reading these one day when I am gone. 

I do think the best journaling prompt comes from Epictetus, “Think first who you would be, and then do what you must do.” So, who would you be? 

As the saying goes, "different strokes for different folks": for Timothy, consistency doesn’t come from prompts but from his commitment to documenting daily life. It's become more than a habit but a life practice enriched by sharing that journey with others and gaining new perspectives along the way. 

This is the beauty of journaling: there's no wrong or right way to do it, just one that works for you. 

How has your journey with fountain pens and journaling evolved over time? 

I now journal much more regularly and I incorporate so may things with my journaling. I am performing self therapy, I am analyzing my life, I am planning for the future, I am working on my handwriting, I am telling the story of my and my family’s lives. There is so much going into it now. I am also better at taking care of them and they now take pride of place on my shelves. 

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?

It has to be the wonderful community of people I have met through the channel. They are just the nicest, most genuine, and generous people you can possibly imagine. 

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?

I once saved a child that was strapped into their car seat in a locked car. I broke through that glass and got him out. I am very proud of that. 

Good thing Timothy was around to save that child. This is certainly something to be proud of. 

What are your future plans or goals related to your passion? 

I would like to keep growing my YouTube Channel. I would also like to visit different Fountain Pen Shows around the world. 

How do you balance collecting fountain pens, journaling, and posting about them on social media, with other aspects of your life?

It’s a struggle and I do prioritize work and family, but I love creating so I make time for it. I need some form of creativity and a consistent way to express myself. This is perfect for me. I write, film, and edit in the cracks of my life. 

How do you stay motivated to continue what you’re doing?

My motivation come from my motto of what I think is important in life: refine your character, take care of your family and friends, and make connections wherever you go. Our time here is ephemeral. Live in a manner in which you can be proud of and love with all your being. My creativity and motivation flow from this.  

Timothy balances his creative pursuits with family and work, knowing that the reward lies in each small connection and reflection he captures. His fountain pen collection and online presence are driven by a deep-rooted desire to stay true to his values and share those stories with others.

How did you discover Lochby?

I saw Lochby on Instagram. I was instantly attracted to how robust and interesting they looked. They remind me of little Barbour Jackets for your journal, and I have a collection of over 15 Barbour Jackets, so Lochby fits in with my aesthetic. I love having an option for my journal that can go out in the field with me, to a museum, or for comfortable use around my house. This journal has that sort of flexibility. 

How does Lochby help you with your creative or productive pursuits?

Lochby can go anywhere with me and the fact that I can use more than one journal with it makes it perfect for travel or museums. I need a journal that is hearty and can handle different environments and Lochby fits right in with me and my lifestyle. 

Do you have any tips for making the most out of Lochby products?

It’s fun to keep up with what other people are doing with theirs on social media. Many people are customizing theirs, decorating them, using the compartments in creative ways. It’s a lot of fun to see what’s out there on IG hashtags. 

We're happy to know that Lochby has a place in Timothy's journaling and fountain pen journey and that he's found our gear ideal for the travels, creative moments, and memories he captures. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting to collect fountain pens or are only getting into journaling? 

Go at your own pace. Avoid the Grail Pen Superhighway that pushes you toward making more and more expensive purchases. Enjoy the journey! 

Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?

Don’t write too hard! 

Buy the pen and journal that speaks to you. Don’t listen to anyone else. 

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires your creative process?

Ernest Hemingway said, “Write the truest thing you know, and go on from there.” That’s about the best advice there is. 

Timothy's journey with fountain pens and journaling is both a personal reflection and an invitation to others. He reminds us that collecting and writing are less about reaching a destination and more about enjoying each moment and insight along the way.

For him, the joy of sharing this passion goes beyond the tools—it's in the way they connect us to ourselves and to each other.

Make sure to follow Timothy's socials where he goes by HemingwayJones: Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok.