The Twenty-first Century debate: "Paper or Laptop?" Many writers ask whether they should be writing by hand or typing their work. I do both, and here's how it works...
Here it goes, notebook or laptop when writing a manuscript?
With the prominence of technology in our everyday lives and its use in word communication, from texting to me typing this blog right now, you often hear high-school students complaining about their exams being forced as handwritten - "Why, Mr. Smith?! It's not like I'll ever write again! I have a laptop!" Fair point.
Nevertheless, I find that both typing and handwriting offer very different approaches to writing. There are probably scientific reports on the affordances and constraints of either medium, but quite frankly that's boring. If you're interested, I'm sure JSTOR will have something.
No. But I will share my practice and experiences.
(NOTE: What I am about to say works for me, but it will not be everyone's cup of tea. Always do what works best for you. My, that was a rhyme! Ain't that sublime.)
Back to reality. I (like most people) use both pen & paper and laptop. I utilise the differences by using them for different means.
HANDWRITING is for planning, dialoguing, and first drafting. TYPING is for editing.
I realise that I should probably explain my writing practice.
Planning is, well, planning. I bullet point the key beats of the scene so that I know it's direction and aims.
Dialoguing. I write every chapter as a script first. I find this prevents me from "telling" the story or info-dumping. Dialogue is a much more exciting way of "showing" the story. (I shall write a blog about "show, not tell" soon - it's very confusing (or maybe that's just me.))
First Drafting - Once the dialogue is scripted, I add the narrative voice.
I then type up the handwritten draft, editing as I go. This change of format allows for a fresh perspective. It is also easier to discern between the two drafts and avoid messy notations. (Great if you like things organised, like me.) This process isn't linear: I might then rewrite sections or the entire chapter (again, by hand), and so it continues.
As I said, this will not work for everyone. I might just be a fruitloop telling you how to suck eggs (Ah, a cliche! Another thing I'll write about.) But if you DO feel uninspired, it's probably because you have been typing too much. Take a break from the screen. Get a crisp bit of paper, pick up a pen, and write. It can be very liberating.
So, what are you waiting for? Go unlock your imagination!
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