Interviews are very interesting to read. It's real pen spinners' views on pen spinning. I try my best to get them for you so here you go...

Shawn Tohlz is a well-known member of the pen spinning family. He has his own website, PenstudioZ, and is recognised as one of the best pen spinners out there. Here is our exclusive interview:

First off, before we start I would like to thank you Shawn, for taking your time to take this interview.

AC: What inspired you to start pen spinning?

ST: It was friends in school. There was one time when me and my friends from different classes started to become interested in pen spinning. I was a newbie then. Most of them do tricks like the Sonic and the Thumbspin (also known as the 360 Degree). But I was the one who learnt the Fingerpass first. Few of my classmates knew how to do the Fingerpass. So they looked surprised when they saw me doing it. Of course, I did not know that there was any pen spinning website at the time and I did not even know that what I was doing was called Pen Spinning. Once I learnt how to do the Fingerpass, I found it very difficult to stop when I have a pen or anything that is long and slim. So naturally, it became a hobby to me.

AC: Where do you see yourself in the world of pen spinning?

ST: I am just an average pen spinner. There are a lot more pros in pen spinning. Some had already been pen spinning for more than 5-6 years, I started pen spinning around 2001. So it has been about two years now.

AC: Do you think that pen spinning is under-rated?

ST: Hopefully not. But some people just find pen spinning irritating or a pointless hobby. You have to admit that pen spinning is not as popular as juggling or yo-yos. That is why many of us have set up websites on pen spinning to let everyone know more about the art of pen spinning.

AC: What are your most and least favourite tricks?

ST: I am not sure of it myself. All the tricks that I can do are all my favourites.

AC: How would you overcome difficult tricks?

ST: First of all, I will spend some time to understand the concept of the trick. For example, the amount of strength I should exert onto the pen to make it spin. When I understand the concept of it, I will spend my time to learn it. Never give up. I may take 1-2 hours or even 2-3 days to master it, but I will feel happy when I get the trick down.

AC: Have you ever encountered any injuries during pen spinning?

ST: Only when I am practicing a trick for too long, my hand will feel tired and numb.

AC: Do you use a particular type of pen?

ST: My favourite pen is the Hybrid Gel Grip® and the Hybrid Technica®. They are comfortable to spin with.

AC: What tips would you give to beginners out there that wish to be as good as you?

ST: Do not give up halfway through a trick, even if you cannot do it. If it is really too difficult for you, then try an easier trick. Take about 1-2 hours to master the trick. Just sit down on a chair and practice the trick until you can master it. Only concentrate on the pen spinning and not anything else. Persevere is the way to success.

Thank you very much Shawn for this interview. If you wish to just say anything please do here: Visit PenstudioZ at www.geocities.com/shawn_tohlz/main.html