Anybody here find the stacked books and the thick string in middle a bother when writing?

I'm getting back to using my TH for journaling, and I have the usual three refill stack. I'm using my fountain pen and I'm getting frustrated when I seriously write in my pages, the position of the book bothers me, and the string keeping it secure just...doesn't make for a good flat page.

Does anyone use any alternative thick booklets for their TN covers? Or what solution did you use? I'd like to hear thoughts if you can spare one :)