This week's Weekend Writing Discussion:
When you write, do you prefer to use a computer, a typewriter, or a notebook and pen?
When I first started writing at the age of 15, I used notebooks. Nothing else. I have stacks of old notebooks, filled with half-finished stories and aborted "novels."
When I was nearly 20, I switched to a computer (a Mac...because apparently that's what writers are supposed to use - or so I felt at the time). I wrote four full manuscripts on my Mac (three of which later ended up in the trash, chalked up as "practice," the fourth of which was The Great Lenore), with only minimal notebook-assistance.
Just over two years ago, my cat bought me a beautiful Waterman fountain pen for Christmas. Since that time, I have steadily alternated between the archaic comfort of a Waterman and a Moleskine, and the dirty technological efficiency of my Mac. I'd say I clock in at about a 50/50 split, word-wise, between my Waterman and my Mac. Timewise, the split is more like 75/25...as it takes longer to write in the notebook. And this is exactly why I have found that the balance of the two is beneficial to me.
Oftentimes, I find my mind moving too quickly. I write to get the words out, and I lose sight of the beauty the words are supposed to create. When I write on paper, the flow of these words is staunched just enough for me to keep everything in order.
At other times, however, I need the words to pour out quickly. This is when I close my notebook and hang my pen up ("hang it up," quite literally, on the jacket flap of my early-edition copy of Hemingway's Islands in the Stream, which is where my Waterman lives when it is not being employed), and I flip open my computer.
I have found the varience to be hugely beneficial.
How about you, Dear Writer?
I imagine the majority of the answers will say simply "computer (duh!)," but perhaps I'll be surprised.
Share your insights.
Share your world.
Weekend reading, in case you missed it:
This week's other posts...
The Benefits Of Being
A Pocket Messiah
Inspiration
"Pick Out Something Impossible And Do It
Or Be A Bum The Rest Of Your Life"
Play nice and share with others
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Posts
Interesting thought......laptop mainly but I do write on my commute(in my work notebook) so yes, computer is first choice but if I need to write, I'll write on anything, with anything, at any time. Writing on the london underground is an experience :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post as ever, have a lovely weekend!
I write the basic novel on my computer but when I need to amp up a scene, or revisit dialogue, I use pen and paper. I began my writing career on paper but then I felt bad for all the trees I was destroying so I only use them sparingly now.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm writing strictly for content, there is no faster way to get information on "paper" than a keyboard. I certainly agree with you, though, in that I prefer the feeling of a pen scratching against paper when I'm feeling particularly thoughtful or poetic, or when I feel as if I'm coming up on some idea that might be too delicate to just rattle off. I'm sure you understand that: An idea lingering on the tip of your tongue or in the periphery of your mind, and you just need to be holding a pen and notebook to coax it out.
ReplyDeleteNotebook and pen for just writing but computer if I am working on something.
ReplyDeleteJust in the past year I've started leaning toward computer, mostly because I don't have to write it then write it again. I do like the added editing step that the medium transfer gives, but for speed the computer is better.
ReplyDeleteAlso, my handwriting leaves much to be desired. I can write about as fast as I can type (I think) but the typing is legible.
I tend to write on my Mac for most writing adventures, but when i find myself stuck (and my brain fried from technological overload) I find myself writing scenes within a notebook and a pen not as fanciful as yours. Like you mentioned, writing in a notebook, or one paper, is comforting and makes me take longer, but I process the words I'm writing more so than when I type them up.
ReplyDeleteMy first thoughts come out on paper with pen. Then it all comes together on laptop. I love to go outside (when weather permits) and sit on the porch swing or wooden swing out by my firepit with notebook and pen and let my thoughts ramble onto the paper. I've also been known to wake up in the middle of the night having to write something and with sleepy eyes can get it down much better on paper than having to focus on screen.
ReplyDeleteI can't write with paper and pen. Before I write prose I do major outlining. I put words down best when I build a lot of momentum. A detailed outline and a laptop help in those regards. I also don't use a Mac for writing. I don't like it. I use a PC.
ReplyDeleteI have a specific laptop that is used for nothing but writing. Unless I'm doing research the Wi-Fi stays turned off, and there's no iTunes, or other programs that might distract me.
If I'm writing a short story I don't use my computer. I do those on my cell phone. When I finish the story I transfer it to my laptop for editing.
In the 1990s when I began writing steadily and seriously, I wrote the rough draft by hand. I wanted to be closer to the writing that way (and my family was in bed and the typewriter was too noisy--no computer at the time). Then the next day I'd type it and clean it up/edit it as I went, with a fresher eye.
ReplyDeleteNow, however, back to writing after a 9-yr break, I have taught myself to compose on the computer (in Word) and I LOVE it. So much faster, and I can actually read what I've written. LOL
I'd say my answer is pretty close to yours.
ReplyDeleteI generally try to write in my notebooks and edit on the computer. However, the speed of my typing sometimes overrules my decision. Also, the fact that I have a short attention span and write in short bursts, often has me more on the computer because I can tweet, check emails, etc.
I don't think I will ever let go of the notebooks, though. I love putting pen to paper and I don't think I can ever give it up.
Now I am neither traditionalist nor technophobe, but the main annoyance for me to write with pen and mulch is this: I hate transferring from the page to the computer. Everything conspires against me. My brain, my fingers even my chair (beats chair with slipper.)
ReplyDeleteI feel that I should be writing instead of transcribing. Therefore I use a small laptop notebook, for when I'm away from the house and ol faithful PC for when I'm not. Then I just email between the two. This also means the work is saved, out there.*waves hand at the heavens*
It works better than I do sometimes. Despite my assertion to the contrary however, I am looking at a pile of notepads and retired pens as I write. *Shrugs*