I have used newspaper and newspaper does work. While I was waiting to purchase the leather strop that I wanted I used newspaper and a yellow legal pad. I started out using newspaper but quickly changed over to using a yellow legal pad with a medium weight paper. One thing I did not like about the newspaper was I was not able to get the paper as flat as I liked and the paper moved on me. I found the legal pad to be more stable and the paper did not move when held in place. I also used CrOx on the legal pad to help maintain my razor when needed. After the layer of paper I was working on would get messed up, I would remove the top page or two and would have a nice flat surface again.

You are still much better off with a leather strop but while you wait, newspaper or a legal pad will work. Bench hones are also good to have in your arsenal. They are easy to make and can be made at little cost.