Pen or Computer…That is the Question

I’ve always hand written my stories. There’s something about the feel of pen and paper that speaks to my creative processes. However, as I work on my next novel, I keep trying to write it on my computer. It’s obviously faster than handwriting and, if I can get my brain to accept this form of writing, I might be able to finish a rough draft in half the time it’s taken me in the past.

But I keep walking away feeling like the writing lacks a depth I’ve had in the past. Do my fingers just move too fast for my creative mind? Am I forcing myself to write off the top of my head instead of actually crafting my sentences? I’m not sure. I am finding that sometimes I walk away with a headache and all the desire to write has drained out of my fingertips.

Recently, my sister shared this tedtalk by Jake Weidmann with me. If you have a few minutes, I highly recommend it. A part of his talk addresses the fact that handwriting engages parts of the brain that typing does not. Perhaps this is why the writing feels different to me when I’m working with a computer versus pen and paper.

Or perhaps my brain is just stubborn and I need to push through. I’m not sure yet, but I’m finding my current writing process encompasses a smattering of both computer and pen with paper. Somewhere in there, there’s a balance. I’ve just yet to find it.

How about you? Do you prefer pen and paper or a computer?

Blessings,

Jennifer