The Pros and Cons of Writing by Hand
Lately I’ve been finding that I am much more productive and the words flow more naturally if I write my work-in-progress novel by hand. This is despite being a really fast touch typist. Part of the reason may be that I associate my computer with work and am more averse to sitting down at my desk to type than curling up in bed or on the sofa with a beautiful notebook and pretty coloured pen.
Of course, this adds an extra step into the writing process. I then have to type each handwritten chapter into the computer afterwards. On the plus side, I do a few extra edits as I do that, so the first typescript becomes the second draft.
Enter the Dragon
I can speed up that process by dictating the manuscript via my Dragon voice recognition software, which then types the words on the screen for me. I definitely recommend this process, but at the moment post-cold hoarseness is limiting the amount of time I can comfortably dictate. But at least I’ve stopped coughing now, which always confused my Dragon. You think with its fire-breathing heritage, a Dragon ought to be more sympathetic to throat problems.
Productivity Plus
Two further plus points:
I’m fast eroding my stockpile of notebooks (couldn’t fit any more in my notebook drawer)
I’ve just worked out that since Christmas I’ve been averaging more than 2,000 words a day
Go, me! And now I’m off to plant some more trees…. *
Useful Links
If you’d like to know more about what I’ve been scribbling on that heap of screwed-up notebook pages, click here to find a preview of my forthcoming series of cosy mystery novels, the Sophie Sayers Village Mysteries, including the opening chapter of the first one.
Click here if you’d like me to let you know when each one is about to launch.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Dragon voice recognition software, click here.
*And about those trees – the paper I use is always from sustainable sources, purposely farmed for this use. I’m sure none of it comes from ripping up rainforests. To my mind, complaining about responsible use of paper is like protesting about the destruction of wheatfields to make bread. And I am VERY mean about my use of paper – if I don’t use both sides, I tear a sheet into pieces and use the clean side for notes. Then all the waste is used as firestarters for my woodburner. While trying not to think of burning books. Just saying.
Filed under: Writing Tagged: Dragon, handwriting, notebooks, paper, productivity, trees, voice recognition software, Writing
