The Power of the Old School Writing Process

I’ve decided to try a write in a notebook this summer and it made me think, have some of us started to over-complicate the writing process? When we think about the greats – King, Bradbury, Gaiman and the like – they wrote on typewriters and notebooks. They didn’t have fast internet to rely on, or fancy computers (in the beginning of their careers). They didn’t have spellcheck and the ability to edit as they went with a simple click, highlight and delete. They just had raw materials, and maybe that’s a good thing.

There’s a beauty in simplicity. There’s a reason there’s been a boom in minimalism and anti-capitalism lately. People are seeking the ease and peace of mind that comes with less. Maybe there’s something to that with our writing, too.

I’ve personally worried about writing long drafts, only to scrap the whole idea after. It’s exhausting and a scary cycle to be stuck in. So is the cycle of ideas over follow-through. Another big one is waiting for something grand, like the right place, or the right equipment, or some fancy new process, when you could just get down to writing!

And back in the day, they didn’t have all these labels and categories and people fighting over which way is better…

Pantser versus plotter

Scrivener versus Word or Google Docs

Timed sprints versus writing marathons

Fast drafts versus slow drafts

Edit as you go or always push to the end

Spreadsheets versus winging it

Writing routines versus waiting for inspiration

And so on…

I’m wondering if embracing the simple is what I need. I don’t need timers. I don’t need inspiration. I don’t need my computer or laptop or an iPad (I was thinking of buying one to help me write more often). Instead, go old school. Notepad and pen, and just free write. It’s what I did as a kid, thirsty for world-building and fast-paced stories. It’s how I built built my fantasy series that I self-published in early adulthood. Maybe there’s something to drafting this way…

Why writing in a notebook is usefulFocus better because you’re not on a computer with the Internet to distract youCan take your time; may write with more depthDon’t worry about word count or get caught up on how far you are When you type it up, you’re technically (and easily) able to edit as you go so the first draft on computer is neater and actually becomes the second draftCan easily whip it out anywhere and continue Something quite romantic and idyllic about it… nice aesthetic to itBe more in touch with your thoughts and feelings while doing it Feels nostalgicLess of a barrier to start (like setting up the computer, getting the file open, potentially syncing from other devices, checking the Internet…)Don’t have to worry about screen time or eye damage from screens

Of course, there’s the negatives: wrist and hand pain, writing slowly = less words, and the like. But the benefits outweigh the negatives for me. I need to give it a try.

Plus, my expectations for my writing can be simpler: at least one page a day. That’s very doable. I can even do that while the dinner is cooking or the tv is on. I can do that any time of the day, too, because it’s not a screen affecting my eyes. It’s just so much simpler. And I think I need simple right now.

If you feel too in your head with your writing process right now, why not try going old school? Cut the fluff and fancy stuff and just get out your notebook. Just write and see what happens there!

Happy writing, friends.

Sincerely,

S. xx