Good Made Better WriteWell Portable Desk Review: Handcrafted Writing Comfort

Introduction

Good Made Better has built its reputation on the PenWell desk pen holders, simple handcrafted tools that many writers use every single day. The company’s newest product, launched through a Kickstarter campaign that has already blown past its initial goal, expands that idea into something larger: the WriteWell, a portable desk aimed at people who enjoy writing by hand away from a traditional desk. This review covers the parts and features, the strengths and the trade-offs, and the campaign options worth considering before you order.

Who This Product Is For

The WriteWell makes the most sense for letter writers, journalers, and pen enthusiasts who want a stable writing surface on a tabletop or their lap. It is also a natural fit for anyone who already likes solid wood desk accessories and appreciates handcrafted, small-batch production. One thoughtful touch: the desk is offered in left-handed versions with the pen holder installed on the opposite side, which few tools in this category bother to accommodate.

Design and Build Quality

The WriteWell is a portable desk with a minimalistic style and a number of customizable options. The model covered here is close to the most basic configuration: solid walnut, 12 by 16 inches, supported underneath by another solid piece of walnut, with brass pegs adding a pleasant change of color and the company name stamped in the upper corner. Walnut is an attractive choice and pairs well with the brass accents.

As with any solid wood product, the material will react to temperature and humidity over time, and the desk might experience slight changes. The design minimizes this as much as possible, and the surface on this unit sits evenly with no rocking. Felt pads are included to absorb any discrepancy in the top, though they were not needed in use.

The foam insert on the surface is essentially the same material used in the company’s PenWell holders, and it accommodates pens of varying sizes well. A thicker-capped pen like a Montblanc Enzo Ferrari sits comfortably, and you can unscrew the cap, write, then set the pen back into the cap while you work. A considerably thinner pen such as a Pilot Metropolitain also fits perfectly, simply sitting a little deeper in the foam.

Everyday Use: Tabletop or Lap Desk

The WriteWell can be used on a tabletop or as a lap desk, and the lap configuration may be where it shines. For sitting on the couch and writing letters, it provides a stable writing surface that is large enough to feel secure but not so large as to become cumbersome. That balance is the core appeal of the product: it adds stability without adding bulk.

Customization Options and Add-ons

Each configuration has an associated price, with exact details available on the campaign page. The base model comes with a single PenWell, and a second can be added. A small tray can also be inserted into the surface, a nice size for holding pens, and it is an easy recommendation if you like keeping a few writing tools within reach.

Another option is the Curiously Heavy Book Weight, which fits neatly into the desk. It has a curved base and non-slip strips that let it conform nicely and stay on the pages of a book or journal. The Reader’s Kit adds a brass book rest and an acrylic page holder that fit into holes along the back edge, holding a book open in the slot. It also works nicely with a tablet: instead of sliding it between the brass and acrylic, you can simply sit the tablet directly on the acrylic.

The final option is the roll stop, a small bar at the front edge available in walnut with brass screws, or in brass with a brushed, uncoated finish. The uncoated brass will patina over time, which only adds character to the piece.

Build Quality and Buying Advice

The standard right- or left-handed models are priced at $179, with add-on pricing available through the campaign. Choosing the tray is a sensible default for most buyers, since it keeps the desk flexible without complicating it. If you mainly want the desk for reading or tablet use, the Reader’s Kit is the more relevant add-on.

Across the products this company has produced, the build quality is top notch: quality, well-made items handcrafted by a talented artisan, and they look good while doing it. If the $179 price fits your budget and you write by hand regularly, the WriteWell is an easy product to feel good about.

Conclusion

The WriteWell takes the appeal of the company’s PenWell holders and scales it into a portable writing surface that works on a table or your lap. With left-handed support, sensible add-ons like the tray, book weight, and Reader’s Kit, and genuinely strong handcrafted construction, it is a compelling pick for writers who value both function and craftsmanship. Just confirm which configuration and add-ons suit your writing habits before backing the campaign.