Why I Write Longhand
I tried composing on the computer tonight. It worked, I got 404 words out of it and the beginning to one of the most important scenes in Rosa's story.
And yet.
I spend way too much time changing words and erasing and retyping to fix typing-related spelling errors. I can't touch type, though I type very fast, so that might have something to do with my preference as well. I find I pause much more often when keying in words than I do when gliding along with a pen (which has to be a - shameless plug coming up - Pilot G-TEC-C4). My thoughts seem to flow from head to hand much more smoothly when using a pen.
There's also the ever present internet danger when using the computer - I stopped writing at least three times to research something on the spot. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as it saves work later, but it also leads to quick-research, not a detailed exploration. The story definitely shouldn't be entirely based on Wikipedia, that goes without saying.
Oddly enough, the type of paper doesn't make much difference to me, though I do prefer ruled paper.
How about you? Pen or keyboard? Lined paper or freeform? Leather bound books or Word2007?
In other news, I'm managing to keep my head above water in Kait's 250 words a day challenge!
And yet.
I spend way too much time changing words and erasing and retyping to fix typing-related spelling errors. I can't touch type, though I type very fast, so that might have something to do with my preference as well. I find I pause much more often when keying in words than I do when gliding along with a pen (which has to be a - shameless plug coming up - Pilot G-TEC-C4). My thoughts seem to flow from head to hand much more smoothly when using a pen.
There's also the ever present internet danger when using the computer - I stopped writing at least three times to research something on the spot. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as it saves work later, but it also leads to quick-research, not a detailed exploration. The story definitely shouldn't be entirely based on Wikipedia, that goes without saying.
Oddly enough, the type of paper doesn't make much difference to me, though I do prefer ruled paper.
How about you? Pen or keyboard? Lined paper or freeform? Leather bound books or Word2007?
In other news, I'm managing to keep my head above water in Kait's 250 words a day challenge!
Comments
I can do either, but I get impaticent with a pen. I might not get impatient with THAT pen, that one looks wonderful. Fine tip, yes!! I cannot write with those chunky medium-point pens. I feel like I should be dotting my i's with little hearts when I'm forced to.
Sometimes I will write a few paragraphs in a journal before bed just to force myself to get to my word count.
You've got exactly what I need: a regular routine. If I could get into a habit and stick with it, I'd write even more. But back when I first started writing I had no publishing dreams, and so got used to writing only as and when inspiration struck. That's no way to finish and edit a novel! So I constantly need accountability sign up sheets and virtual kicks in the a** to keep the words flowing!
Well, I don't know if I have a routine, exactly - unless you count stuffing words in my pocket on the way to work, or jotting random things like 'beagle pee in shoe closet - border collie?' or 'Carrie hates avocado scene' in a notebook between phone calls. I do character sketches in my head while I wait for my littlest to fall asleep.
I'm really enjoying being accountable, and the 4000 words at the end of every month is nice too - even if I don't know where I put them, or where they came from!
When I create a story out of my head, the first draft is always on paper. A writing teacher I had claimed "it was the physical act of writing that kept a writer free of "writer's block" & strengthened the partnership between the hand, the mind & the imagination." He said one should write something every day, even if it was nothing more than a gracery list. So I do. And so far, it has worked.
You are right about what happens when you transfer it to the computer,too. You edit & improve as you go. Mistakes you've made show clearly. Later,I do the research, insert where necessary
& adjust the type.
Mary in IL
I agree, words flow better on paper.