What do you prefer: write with pen and paper or directly in computer?

by Jeferson Bello
16th July 2013

Hey everyone! This is another of dilemmas which much writers have, for that, I decided to make this question because I want to know what is your opinion about it.

In my opinion, I prefer write with pen and paper – specifically a notebook – because I think is easier write the ideas and easier concentrate, because when I'm in the computer I distract much (the internet, the aplications and other things more – you know) but, that yes, I rewrite in the computer becase is necessary for send my manuscript at the editorials or agents.

Replies

I tend to do first drafts with pen and paper. When I try to write directly onto a computer things don't flow as well and, because it is easy to go back and change things, I tend to spend ages going over the same sentence or paragraph again and again. With a pen ideas just seem to flow better.

A tip I picked up from an interview with Neil Gaiman is to have two pens of different colours and use them on alternate days so you can always see how much you have done in one go.

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David Macpherson
17/07/2013

I keep hand written notes in my notebook, but once I get writing an article or story, it is always directly onto may computer. I find it too slow to use pen & paper, and it is much easier to edit drafts if the work is already on a computer. If you can touch type it also helps.

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Elizabeth (Bizzie) Frost
16/07/2013

If I get stuck I resort to a notebook, but most of the time I'm better on my laptop. Although I suspect my current difficulties writing are a lot of do with the internet. As soon as I'm out and away from the Wifi, writing is suddenly much easier.

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