When writing stories (either for fun, publication, both, or for school work) do you feel more comfortable getting it down on paper first (literally) or do you enjoy typing your text into a computer software program such as Microsoft Word? Academic writing was always easier for me to do with just straight-typing, but I seem to be a better creative writer when I use the pen and paper and notebook method then type into the computer. It seems like the "artist" me likes writing by hand whereas the "business" me enjoys the computer because I can edit and get spelling and grammar checks. Anyone have these experiences or different feelings? Feel free to share.
[question posted by Transformed]
responses and comments:
I usually type everyone on my computer. If I'm away from the computer and don't have access to type anything, I'll settle for pen and paper. I'd be getting everything out of my head and onto paper so when it comes time to type, the chances of me forgetting it are slim to none that way. [highflyingxangel]
Both- if I can't get to the keyboard I do longhand.always intend to transcribe it to the computer, but its been awhile since I did. Mainly because I tried treepad and it got all screwed up for some reason. I needed freeware and got a paid program instead and yet their format is really nice. I want it to work. then I could write out my notes and keep them near my worked out ideas and drag and drop-all that. but oh well. Need to spend some money on a good program for assmebling written work, and can't afford it right now. any suggestions? Because my handwriting is a bear. I can't even read it sometimes. Augh! [arcadian]
It took me a long time to feel as though I could "think" as I wrote on the computer, but now I seldom write anything by hand. I do keep a notebook and pen in my purse in case I end up having to wait for something and have sketched out a few articles recently by pen, but I still feel like I get much more accomplished in less time on the computer. [Stringbean]
i feel comfortable using the computer to do any work. first of all i can save it to my hard drive. when i use the paper you can edit it. while in the computer you can. also in the computer you can automatic to check the error and grammar while in the paper you need to read it and then edit again. it gets tired doing that over and over again. in the computer you can insert or edit it right away without any erasure. when i write storied or any kind of writing program, i prefer to use computer. i reccomend to use computer because it is easier and you dont have a hard time editing it at all. also you can save it and view it later. when you write on tha paper, you cant even have a copy of yourself, you can but you need to write to another paper and thats take time. thats all i can comment about this! [xyruz_my_boy]
I've been using a computer for such a long time, that to write with pen and paper, takes me a long time and I make a lot of mistakes. Since I type pretty fast, it is like just writing what I'm thinking and that is great. I can write a lot more typing than with paper and pen. [berlinlife]
I almost always type. I should just say always, as I can hardly think of a time when I wrote stories unless I was forced to at school. I've been around computers since I was 6 years old, so I've been typing for quite awhile. I like typing because I can get my ideas out so much faster. With writing, I might forget the end of the sentence by the time I get to it. I type very quickly, while my writing probably isn't even 20 or 30 words per minute. [Pigglies]
If I am infront of computer then I would type it right away. I can quickly type fast. [jhartana]
I also love to write stories and i feel more comfortable with pen and paper , but on other hand i feel computer will be better because it will not waste paper and ink [deep_p]
I ormally jot down some ideas that come to mind on paper, then I continue them deeply through typing on the computer. [tuta85]
It depends.... For some things I use a PC - scripts, for example, where formatting is important, and technical articles - but for short stories and chunks of novel I have a liking bordering on the fetishistic for doing my first draft using a mechanical drafting pencil on yellow legal pads. I know this sounds weird, but it's just part of my way of working. Once I've got a draft, or even a page or two of notes, I'll fire up the word processor. The only times I'll go straight to teh computer with creative stuff is if I'm suffering from writer's cramp - I seem to get that more often these days and so a PC is a God-send at times like that. I have numerous yellow pads around the house and office, at various stages of use. The major problem I have is in remembering where I've written something. :-) [steelmoggy]
I also love to write stories and i feel more comfortable with pen and paper , but on other hand i feel computer will be better because it will not waste paper and ink ** SAVE PAPER AND INK ** [deep_p]
Good answer. I know I sure do waste enough paper and ink when crafting stories. [Transformed]
I like to put initial ideas on a pen and paper first. Sitting comfortably in and thinking of wonderful ideas to flood my mind. Then when I finished scribbling, I can transfer it to the computer then. [camille101]
i prefer ot pen and paper because i am comfortable to write a poems or some literary piece on a paper because in a paper i can easily express my feeling and i can put some creative designs or writings in it.i can be resourceful as well. in computer you can be creative but i jst prefer to a paper.i just only type in the computer some application form or business letter or something formal literary piece. because as we notice artist usually write their literary piece(painitings) in a paper..so i prefer to paper and pen. [roque20]
Hi, thank you for coming with an interesting topic although it seems to be the simple thing that happened in our daily life. Actually I do not have any trouble with all of them. For my thesis I could start write away from Microsoft Word without making a rough sketch on the paper. When I designed i also did not need the paper as well as the pen since I could make that starting sketch with my plotter. But sometimes, I really love to use those ancient stuff (paper and pen), ha ha ha ha! (do not think I am an offensive, it just a joke!!) I really like to write down all my plans for my thesis and the story board when I designed. [money_maker01]
In a creative capacity, I prefer to type. My mind usually races faster than I can write, and to avoid destroying my wrist, it's usually safer for me to rapidly type instead. [barneyboo]
It seems like typing would destroy your wrist, or at least give you Carpel-Tunnel Syndrome. [Transformed]
I definitely write on the computer, always. Considering that I type so much faster than I hand-write, I can get my thoughts down much more smoothly and much more easily. On paper, I find myself skipping words occasionally as I think faster than my poor hands can get the words down. Plus, when typing, my hands never get sore or cramp up. Typing is just a much faster process for me. [snapthat]
i prefer to use computer to type nowadays because i feel it is faster and more convenient to use the computer... moreover, they have a feature of spelling check to help me check whether i have any typing errors... unless i don't have any access of the computer, then i will be force to use paper and pen... [lingli_78]
for writing stories i wud prefer a pen & paper. its more real. it brings out the true feelings rather than typing on a computer [rajdeep_mm]
To me, it depends... When i was writing something i will prefer the Pen and paper most, because it is the most easiest and convinient way to jot down. Of course we also used to it right from our childhood. regarding some official and business purpose i will prefer computers because those writings has to be repeated for more times. [selvi4184]
Yes, in my opinion you are correct. Both have credit of their own. One is artistically better and one is according to bussiness. It depends on the purpose of writing. If you are writing for the sake of pleasure then Pen and Paper are the best but writing for bussiness work computer is better option. So according to me your mood and purpose is what matters. [viper123]
I like to write using a computer. This is because I need not bother about spellings or grammar. I just have to concentrate on my thoughts. Apart from that I also use the internet to supplement my thoughts. So you see it is always better to write using the computer. Besides not to forget the vairous forms and styles we can use with MS Word. [tusharp02]
Well computer is much easier for me so I would prefer computer base for my need of document. Also sice the computer has a internal spelling and grammar it gives me an advantage on proof reading therefore reducing time on the edit. [megaboix]
old is gold.so, pen and paper.... [tarun_cool88]
One of the few who believe that way. I like that rhyme "old is gold." [Transformed]
i like typing the words on my keyboard. but the traditional way of using the pens writing sth is much more preferable for me personaly, at least. writing with a pen gives me a safe feeleing, well. at least i know i am truly writing sth. while not tapping no the keyboard. [nic_knick]
I have always had to use both to get my stories written down. I usually start by writing a few chapters on paper. Then I type them onto the computer and will add more as I go. When I get tired of that I print it up and read through it making changes (I can't seem to do editing on the computer--I need to feel the paper in my hand band be able to scratch out and stuff). Then when I am done editing anything I see needs fixing I begin writing again on the backs of the papers. Then I type that up, etc. It gets crazy sometimes with all the paper but I have always done it that way. I have never been able to solely write on the computer or by hand. [4monsters4me]
I usually type everythin on my computer. but i deal a lot with pen to to work. i have to write a lot of papers every day at my office [elsagope]
My mind go blank when i have to write in front of screen. Writing with pen and paper makes me focus on what i gonna write instead of remembering which key to press. [lanshang]
Most of the time, I prefer to get it down on paper first; then onto the computer. I think it helps me to "iron out the kinks" better. On occasion, I will just go to the computer and start in. [browneyedgirl]
i feel writing in pen on paper is the best way of composing the stories.. u really will hav the feel of writing the stories and also will feel intersting by writing.. wen we write we think first in some way later change it .. but if writing in computer we hav to edit and dont feel really nice in that way... [kavi112]
i really like writing on a paper and pen....its just comfortable writing on it than on the computer....the monitor just kills my eyes.....not literally..i say, the classic way is the best..... [korvinkate]
i write on anything that is handy lol...i am a writer and have scraps of paper everywhere, but seriously, i have about 3 small notebooks on the go and if i am at the pc i write there. [cher913]
1° I dont write a story, any mail, I love paper and pen, but a computer for my illness are confortable, my hand are not sure and my writing are no good, so I use a PC, and send mail, but I prefer a paper...... [miryam]
I've been a fan of romantic novels, and sometimes I find it that I wanted to write stories of my own, too. But when I started scribbling on the paper, whatv was a rush of ideas beome just a trickle, because i am too impatient to write then. Now, I prefer to type them in a computer, because I get my ideas across faster. Even correcting my mistakes is not very easy to me... ^^Lyn [danleene]
I used to always want to use pen and paper when i have to write reports, memos, homework (back when I was in college).....but then I got so used to writing and typing everything up on my laptop and it just feels more natural to me now. i try at times to do it the old-fashioned way...but no one can read my handwriting anymore, lol! [Mamaof4]
i prefer pen and paper............... [sahar88]
Even though I type 70+ words per minute, I always (except for emails) write everything longhand. When I try to type right on the computer, it interrupts my creative process. Then I'll type and print out the draft, and when I edit, I do it longhand againg. I repeat the process until I feel that my piece is "finished." I do recylce all that paper I use! [KATRINKA]
Call me old-fashioned. I do all rough drafts with pen and paper. I flow better that way. [Munira]
I write things down on paper. Usually with a pencil. It feels mroe real. (Also, it's harder for me to screw up by forgetting to save or by deleting something that I later think is really good.) [cutepenguin]
A computer is a machine for manipulating data according to a list of instructions. Computers take numerous physical forms. Early electronic computers were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers. [1] Today, computers can be made small enough to fit into a wrist watch and be powered from a watch battery. Society has come to recognize personal computers and their portable equivalent, the laptop computer, as icons of the information age; they are what most people think of as "a computer". However, the most common form of computer in use today is by far the embedded computer. Embedded computers are small, simple devices that are often used to control other devices—for example, they may be found in machines ranging from fighter aircraft to industrial robots, digital cameras, and even children's toys. [lavin12]
well i definatly have to say computer. As for writing by hand there is no way i can because i jsut think so much faster than i can write and i end up be VERY messy which people hate. i had so slow my self down with writing because it was tuyring into one big line in order to keep up with my thoughts, still happens on computers but not as often. cheers Plunt [Pluntt]
Doing your journal, diary, novel or whatnot on pen and paper can be so cumbersome, and you have to find a place to store your written papers. It can take up a lot of room that way doing pen and paper. That's the bad side of it. It can get your room messier and more cluttered up. On the other hand, the good thing about it is doing pen and paper can authenticate your identity, and it's good for you when you do calligraphy. Now take doing the same pen and paper hobbies and jobs on the computer. There is almost infinite capacity to store your journals, diaries, novels, anything that you can type up on your PC, be it Windows or Mac. The bad side of it is small, but people won't know who wrote what unless you put your name on it. And you may need some anti-glare screens as they will take a toll on your eyes. Also, your text files, unless you have proper, good-enough permanent storage, can be lost in deletion, in a fire, etc. All in all, i'd say that the computer is your best bet. And you might want to scan your papers a lot if you use the computer. [DuoMaxwell]
ya i think the efficiency of these type of activities is better on paper..i dont know why..but this is my poersonal experience..if i work directly on pc.i cant hink well but on paper i can do better [anu_jak]
The first short story I wrote that was published I wrote with paper an pencil because personal computers were not in use yet. Now I would rather write on the computer. I find that I can write just as fast and it is much easier to change things around. And to correct spelling. If I want to write outside then I use pen and paper. I do like using the computer first though because it saves me time not to have to write it twice, once by hand and then by the computer. However, when it comes to Poetry I still write it with pen and paper. [gberlin]
I usually feel more comfortable writing something on paper first, then computer. This may be because I can't really stare at a computer screen and think. Also I have a limited computer time so I can work on paper more often. And I can also type fast on the computer although I make many small errors, so if I use a computer to write first, I usually write slower than if I used paper. [northerndwarf]
I think pen and paper adds to the creative quality of writing. The computer seems less imaginative. For sheer speed though, the computer is the way to go. If I have lots of ideas floating around in my head, I can type them out a LOT faster than I can grab a pen and paper. [rowellowl]
Same here. For me, writing on a paper seems more "inspirational." I can really tug at the work, whereas sitting at a computer makes me feel like part of my soul seeps away from the text. [Transformed]
I find I'm a lot faster writing with the computer. I also have really crappy handwriting. I do like to take notes with paper though. I find when I'm plotting or trying to figure something out that paper works best. I do make some notes on the computer too but I'm always worried about backing up my files so they don't get lost. At least with paper I have something tangible and as long as I don't throw it away I still have it. It's definitely easier to edit using the computer. [nameerf]
When I was in grade school and high school I usually use paper and pen to write something out of my thoughts. We still didnt have our own computer then so it would be wise to write everything down before typing them. But ever since we got our own PC at home I write everything dirrectly to the computer. This is because its easier to track errors down and it saves time. One reason is its so tiring to write down because you tend to excert much effort. My fingers on the keyboard are basically faster than my hands with a pen. [camery]
Hello, Transformed. I tend to use the same method as you. In my working days, I liked to use a computer word processor so that I could edit as I write. However, when engaged in creative writing, I prefer a pen and paper. For some reason, I prefer legal pads and a good, blue gel ink pen. Every once in a while, I even like to write with a pencil, but I don't like how it looks. Thanks for providing this Discussion, Transformed. [Transdisc]
I currently write basically for pleasure, though in hopes for finding a publisher...I currently, only use pen and paper (well those excersise notebooks) and really don't like it much...I much prefer typing than hand writing, but cannot sit at my computer desk for that long..I'm getting a laptop, hopefully soon, for this though and cannot wait! [Asheka]
Champagne tastes on a beer budget. I love that line. What's your novel going to be about? How far are you in the process? Have you written a 2nd or final draft? [Transformed]
I try to type as many as things as i possibly can on a computer. It is very hard for me to write something neatly so i use a computer instead. Plus its much easier considering spell check, and formatting options. [voodooengine]
Some years ago, I feel down the basement stairs and broke my wrists. Even though they were healed, I can no longer write by hand for any length of time. If you could see my journals, you will notice the difference in the handwriting, considerably deteriorated from what it once was if I write for more than five minutes. I do not have carpel tunnel syndrome by the way. I prefer typing my stories on the computer or rather the computer keyboard, and seeing them on the screen. That way, I can see any mistakes, I am a fiction writer and it does not matter in what method you use. I am no less creative when I use my computer, in fact, when I write by hand, which I always do when signing checks, and filling in documents, I feel less creative. I usually act out my story first in my head and sometimes when no one is around, I actually act out the characters, so in essence I am a visual writer. So there!!! [suspenseful]
I have the exact same thing as you do. When I open Microsoft Word and have a blank page in front of me, I cannot create no matter what. If I get ideas down with pen and paper, I can turn things around, toss ideas out and then usually I have the basics of a short story that I can play and twist things around as I type it into Microsoft Word. I actually have a blog with some of the Short Stories I've written on it. If you're interested, the link to it is http://dawnagan.wordpress.com/. Feedback would be appreciated. [retardedrugrat]
Everyone knows that the future is upon us. The more and more that years pass, the more and more technology will increase. Pen and Paper will sooner or later be tossed away like many of the old inventions (typewriter, etc.) and will be replaced with computers sometime in the near future. I would have to personally take the computer over the Pen and paper for many reasons. I am sure that people with sloppy handwriting would agree, and people who countlessly make errors when they write would as well. Now for the few who have legible handwriting and are old fashioned, they would more then likely take Pen and paper. When I write with Pen and paper I get all nervous and not many ideas come out. This is likely because most of the time it's in a crowded environment. When I sit on the computer, ideas tend to come to mind, because I'm not under as much pressure. Personally though, Academic writing is much easier for me on Pen and paper, and Creative writing on the computer. [spiral]
Pen and paper have been around forever and will continue to be as long as human existence on Earth as we know it happens. The wheel was invented thousands of years ago and still powers society today. [Transformed]
It really depends the mood I am in and it's true that I do feel more creative when writing by hand, perhaps the jotting down or scribbling has that effect. I carry a notebook around with me which of course is easily accessible when I have an idea and the computer is simply a strain on my eyes. [tishabest]
i think computer is better, mainly because when i make a mistake or i need to add sometihng in i can easily change it. However, writing it is more like a hobby where u can take it and write on the go [KupoSin]
To plan out my stories and such I write it on paper, but when I actually write the story I type it on the computer. It's a lot easier to catch mistakes that way and to change wording and add/delete things. [smartie1685]
I'll use both. Pen and paper are great for jotting ideas down. For me, computers are better for writing a story since I can type quickly. I can't stand writing stories on paper because it takes so long. Then editing a story means using more paper. On a computer, I can edit one word by using the backspace button. [CinnamorollTK]
since the time i learned to use the computer, i have become more dependent to it when writing. it's easy to edit, easy to read and it makes me feel happy to see developments in a quick glance. i find it hard now to concretize my thoughts using pen and paper. [atenibuboy]
Most of the time, I am really comfortable in writing in a paper if I am going to write a very long letter or stories but if I am going to write for my blog, perhaps it would be easy for me to type it in a computer. When I was still in college, perhaps it would be easier fr me to make a research writing on a paper then type what I have written in a paper. It is because most of my teachers prefer to read a computer printed work than handwritten project. I have a subject before that the students are required to make a long and creative story, whether it is a legend, fiction or anything. I think I wrote my stories using a pen and a paper, since it is more comfortable and accessible for me to write stories that way. Anyway, have a nice day! http://sponkit.com [sponkit]
well first i d a ruft draft on pen and peper then after i look over it i type it up or if im in a rush i will just type it on the computer and use spell check . [davis123]
I write everything with my computer unless it's ergent or my computer is not with me. [happylim]
when i write stories, i usually use pen and paper first before typing it...because sometimes i got an idea but i am not home where my computer is, so i have to jot it down first then when i got home, i type it...its because sometimes when i have an idea and dont jot it, when i turn on my computer to begin typing, i just forget what my ideas are...so, i have to think for another one... [baby83]