One of our goals here at Today’s Author is to help all of the writers among us to do what we love to do: write. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by talking to each other and learning from each other. Our Writers Circle series is designed to do just that – provide a chance for us to discuss writing, editing and publishing questions.
This week’s topic is:
When you begin working on a new project – be it to start the actual drafting or to start building an outline – do you have a tendency do this with pen and paper? Or do you tend to do this on a computer? Do you find your level of productivity with the initial work on a new project to be better if you write it out by hand or if you type/draw it on the computer?
Let’s discuss this in the comments and see what our community thinks.
I have to use a computer. My handwriting is so bad that I can barely read it.
I’m more of the pen and paper type. It just puts me in an authentic mind frame.
I hand wrote my very first book on lined paper student paper, then typed it at a library, 30 minutes at a time, then traded babysitting for a friend who typed it well. Now I am so grateful for computers and my ergonomically comfortable keyboard. I do understand those who begin longhand, the intuitive creativity connection for some. But for me with hands that ache and cramp after writing – scribbling – three sentences, the computer is essential.
I always write my outline and first draft using paper and pen. I then type it into Scrivener for edits etc.
My initial bare-bones outline is usually in paper, then I go to the computer to flesh out the beats. The first draft is in a word processor, too, but the first round of edits takes place on paper. Then back to the computer. I think the back-and-forth helps keep the writing process running smoothly. It’s interesting to learn all the different ways people get started!
For me it somewhat depends on how much of a hurry I’m in. I type really fast, but even so I still (hand)write faster. Of course, my handwriting is terrible so sometimes I end up with an illegible mess, but if the ideas have to come out they have to come out, so the paper and pen quite often get used.
But when I do that I usually will get onto a computer as soon as possible to transcribe whatever I wrote down. That way, if my scribbles are unreadable I may still remember what the thought was but more importantly it’s because I will inevitably lose the scrap of paper I wrote on or leave the notebook outside in the rain or something. Getting it on the computer makes it ultimately better and more useful.
I write in longhand or on the computer, depending where I find myself when inspiration hits. I have just learned about Scrivener and am about half-way through the trial period. I will probably purchase the program because there are features in it that beat keeping a million small scraps of paper all over the house! At least with Scrivener, one can keep everything on the computer in different projects.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Like, comment, follow and share for new Volumes. Have a wonderful day…
http://www.indianforensicexpert.com