Writing inspiration hits when you least expect it. Much of the time it catches us when we are away from our computers. Even in my one-room efficiency apartment I find myself not writing because my laptop is either off or in standby. Sometimes, I simply don't want to open my journal software program. I feel awful and lazy about this.
But I know this: I do want to write. I have to do something about this, now. I've decided that it's not absolutely necessary to have a digital copy of my musings. Therefor, I have begun to use inexpensive composition notebooks. I get them at 40 cents a pop at Walmart.
I've got a comp notebook for just about everything: my official journal, writing exercises, notes on books I'm currently reading, book reviews, writing topics, dreams, my WIP, blog posts, and the one I carry around with me all the time - "Writing on Hand" notebook. I'm sure I've either got more or I'll make more in the future. I figure, if the journal entry is really important, I can always back it up with my journal program.
As a result, I've written about five to ten times as much as I normally do. It may be overkill, but hey, it works for me. There are other benefits to writing by hand, as well. Plenty of pros and cons for each.
Disclaimer: This post was written initially in longhand and then transcribed to Blogger
What method works best for you?
I've found a combination works - some in hand, some online, some even in notes on my Droid. I think it helps, because your second draft happens just by transferring from page to computer.
ReplyDeleteHi theperfumer! Thanks for commenting. Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I agree with you. Isn't it great that we have all these options to choose from? And that we can use a combination to fit our needs at the time.
ReplyDeleteI write in longhand because I can think faster than I can write nad the ideas flow easier. I can think about the next sentence. If I use the laptop, I can type faster than I can think so I have to stop and think about the next sentence.
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