Do you write with a pen or a computer?

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   Billie Kelpinposted 11 years ago

   Do you write with a pen or a computer?
   
   When my husband first suggested around 1990 that I use a computer for writing, I cried when I tried.  I told him the thoughts got from my head to the paper through my pen and I resisted. So for all these years I tied myself to the computer.  Only recently I realized I could actually take a pad and pencil outside and write and not be tied to the chair in my office (the only negative of writing for me).  So I took my notebook and wrote the parts I could "on the fly" and came back to do the internet searches, etc. and add those.  What's your process?
   
   

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   dahoglundposted 11 years ago

   Generally I do a rough draft with pen or pencil on paper and then rewrite on the computer. However, it varies with mood. If I hit a writer's block I'll often switch writing tools.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Very helpful - about switching writing tools if you hit a writer's block.  I think I need to adapt YOUR method.  I usually just head to the refrigerator .

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   I normally will take notes on paper and write something if it is just flowing. Then at times, when I am home and have the time, I will write on the computer exclusively.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      JT.  Thanks!  Years ago I uses to be able to hold SENTENCES in my head when they were flowing and then write or type them later.  Now, if I don't write an idea down immediately, it's gone.  So I'm going to make it

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, how I know that feeling Billie. lol

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      JT...LOL - (my last comment got cut off somehow).  I meant so I'm going to make it a point to take notes!  Cheerio.  Have a good day.

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   MickSposted 11 years ago

   Everyday writing, outlines, and drafts - pencil.  Final work for the publisher - word proccessor on the computer.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm going to try doing the drafts in pencil (especially pencil).  I've been tying myself to the keyboard and I think I"m going to switch. Thanks Mick!

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   JimTxMillerposted 11 years ago

   I'm a product of my training in print journalism back in the 1970s. Pen & paper were for quick notes in an interview or on the fly. The real work was done on a typewriter and usually on deadline with an impatient city editor demanding copy NOW.
   Learning to compose on a typewriter was a challenge that first year in j-school, but by the end of that year I was totally hooked in to it. Now, nearly everything I write is on the keyboard unless I'm out in the wilds cut off from technology.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I MUST read your hubs, Jim.  It sounds as if you lead an interesting life.  I wanted to go into journalism, but took the wrong route. oops.  Cheers

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   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   When writing on paper, I get so much more creative. On the computer the story seems dull, takes strange turns that I didn't want, and I don't feel connected to the characters. It's a little depressing writing on a laptop...

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      VERY interesting.  I was starting to suspect that about me.  That's why I wrote this question.  I'll have to do some research - on MYSELF!

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   MarleneBposted 11 years ago

   I am highly sensitive to electrical impulses, so I stay away from electrical devices as much as possible. Because the impulses bother me so much, I am more creative and get more done with a pen and paper. I do my best work when I am away from the computer. Once I have everything I need, then I go to the computer to do verification searches and formatting for publication.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Fascinating.  I'm going to check to see if you have a hub re: sensitivity to electrical impulses. I am of the belief that WE also send out electrical impulses that can be pick up by another (My husband sometimes can often the number in my in my head!

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      No, I don't have a hub on the subject, but now that you mention it I probably should write one. It's somewhat limiting. For instance, upon entering places with TV's and other equipment running, I become physically ill and have to leave.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Marlene, this is very interesting to me.  I think it would make a great hub.  I do get the concept of walking into a room and getting physically ill.  Even with merely a  hint of certain fragrances in a room, my mood can drastically change in a sec.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah. I use to wonder why every time I would come close to the TV section I would get sick. Or if I walked into a store with heavy surveillance (like Target) I would get so sick I had to leave. Once outside, I was OK. My dr. explained why.

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   MarieAlana1posted 11 years ago

   With me, it all depends on the mood that I am in. I have found that at times it is easier to write using a computer. This is because I type so fast and my typing can keep up with my thoughts. At other times, I have a brain blockage where the thoughts are just not coming. At those times, I go on a walk and may sit down in a new place in order to get new thoughts into my head. It all depends on the mood I'm in as well.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes.  When a person is in the "Flow" as Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi writes about, the computer is great.  PS, just went to your hubs and re: graphic organizers, I used a computer one years ago and it helped students TREMENDOUSLY. Can't remember the name:

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   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   Actually once I got a word processor in 1986 is when I finally finished my first novel. My typing may be quick but it is inaccurate, and my handwriting is even worse - so my productivity improved with access to technology.
   
   I don't like to be outside so sitting at the computer is perfect for me. If I want to write someplace else, I take my iPad.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My daughter, Bethany, tells me how much she love her ipad.  I HAVE to get one!  I really don't know what it is about me and outside, but it's where I always want to me and rarely end up! Your first novel???? Wow.  I DO have to get to everyone's hubs!

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    Diana Leeposted 11 years ago

    Many years of factory work has done a number on my hands and I find it less painful to type than to use a pen or pencil. However, I still outline and take notes the old fashion way with pen in hand in order to get a rough draft of my creation. I also still send hand written letters to my relatives which I'm sure they find hard to read sometimes.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Diana, I just now noticed I didn't reply here.  Interesting that in the creative phase you use a pen.  It sounds as if the pen in your hand triggers your creation.  Cheers, Billie

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    penladyposted 11 years ago

    With non-fiction writing, I use my computer for writing. However, when I write fiction, I use pen and paper. This gives me a chance to step away from the internet (and the interruptions on it) and focus solely on my creativity.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Penlady, Don't know why my comment didn't show up long ago.  Your answer is great because it emphasizes the connection of creativity to the kinesthetic feeling of "pen in hand".    PS, your hub name is perfect for this question!  Thank you!

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    phillippeengelposted 11 years ago

    I write on paper first, letting out all of my thoughts. I would edit my story and if it seemed worthwhile to be published, I would type it on the computer.
    
    One of the many stereotypes that are associated with writing on paper is that it is meant for staid, sedate and realistic writers who disdain technology. I will definitely demur, and it is also not true that writers are supposed to stick to conventions. Writers have to adapt and capitalize on technology to keep abreast with the modern world.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Phillippeengel.  Yes!  Don't you think that adaptation is the key to mostly EVERYTHING in life?  Someone once told me years ago "Don't be a dinosaur, Billie." That comment still is with me and makes me try to be as adaptive as I can push myself.

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    khmohsinposted 11 years ago

    I've always liked the keyboard. When I had the stroke, I forgot the entire right side of the keyboard (and I'm not as coordinated as I used to be) - but that is one of the first things I retaught myself. The keyboard and how to type.
    
    I learned on a manual typewriter, but when the computer took over - I liked it even better.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       KYours is a story in and of itself!  Very impressive. I had a Chinese friend whose mother had a stroke 'n afterward cld understand English like before, but only ANSWER in Chinese. My SpeechPath/ OT friends tell me of AMAZING re-directing of brain.

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    Anna Havenposted 11 years ago

    I love hardbook notebooks and always have one with me to scribble down on. I write initally in the notebook and then I transfer to the computer and edit on there.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Anna, Great!  I'm going to start carrying a notebook around with me more.  I'm learning a lot from this question !!!

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    The Examiner-1posted 11 years ago

    When I am at the computer I use the keyboard, when I am away I use the pen.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Makes perfect sense!

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    Victoria Anneposted 11 years ago

    I'm one of the only people in my university lectures (100+ people) who hand writes their class notes. I find that the information stays with me better if I hand write it and I can also draw in the margins (I'm an architecture major). I also like how my writing looks so that helps.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That's so sweet - "I like how my writing looks..."  I interpreted once for a study skills class at St. Cloud University and the instructor quoted research that shows exactly the point you're making - information stays longer when interacting with it.

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    Louise Latelyposted 11 years ago

    I usually write on my laptop but now I've become inspired to write more by hand!

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Louise, I think I'm going to try going back to pencil in hand and see if that sparks my creativity a little more.  It's worth a try, huh?

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       Louise Latelyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Definitely! And it's a good excuse to improve my handwriting some more:)

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    Elderberry Artsposted 11 years ago

    I have a notebook for ideas and rough drafts but generally I write on the computer as I have dyslexia and find typing more comfortable and can also use specialist software I have such as Dragon to dictate and spell checkers.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Are you left-handed, per chance?  I was just talking to someone yesterday about Dragon and Dragon Speak (I don't know the difference).  I have a quadraplegic friend across the country who has used Dragon Speak.  There needs to be a hub about that

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    Dan Barfieldposted 11 years ago

    I have hardback notebooks for writing when out and about or for brainstorming ideas but on the whole I doe the vast majority of writing directly using keyboard and computer. Since I have a nice lightweight laptop I can take it with me and can write wherever I go pretty much. I only haven't been doing this recently due to house moving and wedding planning etc... life does get in the way sometimes eh? :-)

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Life sure does get in the way, but I keep telling my actress daughter that everything that happens is for the art - it's all for the next story or essay or (hang on) blockbuster movie!

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    sunilkunnoth2012posted 11 years ago

    I prefer writing on note book, only that will keep my writing spirits high.  After reading and editing I will put it into computer by typing.  Writing using a pen or pencil is a thrilling work for me.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       "keep my writing spirits high"  Love it!

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