(Susan M. Pigott is a fountain pen collector, pen and paperholic, photographer, and professor. You can find more from Susan on her blog Scribalishess.)

I asked Shawn Newton of Newton Pens if he would do an in-depth interview with me for The Pen Addict. I've been impressed, not only with Shawn's beautiful pen designs but also with the scholarships he provides for students in need. I wanted to find out more about his personal background, how he became interested in fountain pens, and his journey in pen turning. We corresponded via email and snail mail. All but one of the photos for this interview were provided by Shawn or plucked from his website. Questions and responses have been edited for clarity.

Shawn is married to Elizabeth Newton, and they have two boys, ages 6 and 9.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

"I was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and lived there until I was almost 12, when we moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, thanks to a job transfer my dad got. It was a very good move, and I'm thankful my dad was given the opportunity to take it."

Where did you go to college? What did you major in? What teachers/professors most influenced you?

"I went to two colleges. First was Garland County Community College for my basics. I dropped out my fifth semester but finished a couple of years later.* I went to Henderson State University and graduated with a BSE in Art Education, but I had nearly enough hours to have gotten a Studio Arts Degree. I took every art class I had time for and even figured out ways to take some that I didn't have time for, thanks to some very accommodating teachers. (*GCCC became National Park Community College and is now just National Park College).

As for the teachers I had, one from NPCC helped me out with gas money, moral support, and, when I dropped out, he helped find grant money so I could come back.

After I got my Associate of Arts, he told me who to go talk to at Henderson and I left there with scholarships! I was given so much help and support by people who believed in me, from teachers to my wife, who always pushed and encouraged me to keep at it. I'll forever be grateful to these people."

What did you teach when you taught school?

"I went to college to be an art teacher, so that's what I did. I taught two years of K-6 at Centerpoint School District and then five years of 7-12 grades at Mountain Pine School District. Both were small schools. I was lucky to get hired, only because somebody recommended me at both places. I was surprised how hard it was to find a job teaching if you don't know somebody there."