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I almost wrote last night!

That’s right! I had this intense desire to continue writing my novel last night. I even went so far as to open the folder with my writing in it! My fingers were poised over the keys like they were made of shards of glass. But don’t worry…I stopped myself just in time. Phew! That was a close one!

The excuse I used was that I was having a debate with myself about whether to write longhand or keyboardhand. All this Paralysis of Analysis kicked in enough to stop my dead in my pretend-writer’s tracks and to turn on Family Guy instead. Quagmire is my hero!

So, here is a question I ask of all you real writers out there: Longhand or on the computer? Why?

Posted by danleone on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 11:29 am.

12 Responses to “I almost wrote last night!”

I can type way faster than I can write, so you’d think that would be the prefered option, but there’s something about the words flowing through your fingers, to a pen and onto paper that’s just different.. more satisfying.

Left by Mahala on January 22nd, 2008

On the computer, but then, I haven’t worked on my book in about a month, so maybe I should stop messing around with that and write in a notebook so the internet isn’t such a temptation.

Left by Deb on January 22nd, 2008

Longhand

Raw=inspiration!

Left by Lilacspecs on January 22nd, 2008

COMPUTER.

My handwriting is DISGUSTING.

Left by meleah rebeccah on January 22nd, 2008

Longhand first….always

Left by Jodi on January 22nd, 2008

Totally computer! I make so many dang changes so quickly that I couldn’t read my handwritten rough draft afterwards. Plus I’m always using the internet to do research simultaneously.

Keep the tv on, but do the writing, also. I haven’t followed a story in six months, but I have the “essence” of the show.

Left by Lyssa Ireland Thomas on January 22nd, 2008

Both. Computer when the ideas are flowing, and longhand when I’m gathering my thoughts.

Left by Avery on January 23rd, 2008

I do both, but my longhand is mostly to take little notes of what to expand on later at the keyboard. Great post, Dan.

Left by Ryan on January 23rd, 2008

I’m tending more and more to type these days. By the way drop on over and collect your award ;)

Left by Loz on January 23rd, 2008

excellent question, dan … and after typing in 2 paragraphs and starting on the third, i decided not to write a novella of a comment here, but to write my own post about it and give you some linky love. :)

(short answer … both … each for different purposes and occasions)

Left by ender on January 24th, 2008

despite the fact that YOU NEVER visit me…i’m going to answer your question…longhand. i must write in a notebook, with a black or blue medium point pen. i despise typing on the computer. i can’t think properly, when i’m trying to write. and…yes, i do write. kids book but, they count too. and…no, i haven’t been published…but, that hasn’t stopped me from trying. so there…i’ve answered all your questions. you were going to ask me those questions, weren’t you?
xoxo

Left by melissa on January 24th, 2008

I’ve written over seven hundred pages of a novel. I never submitted it. Chalked it up to great writing experience. I quit writing when I realized that becoming a fiction author requires an enormous amount of luck and networking. It’s really not about the quality of the work. Sure, that helps, but unless you know someone it’s EXTREMELY difficult to break through. Also, writers are absolutely everywhere. Not saying you shouldn’t do it, but just be aware of how enormously difficult it is to get published, and when you do, how little you will actually make. You don’t make money until the second novel and even then it’s tough. Not trying to be gloomy, just realistic. Eyes wide open.

Left by Ref on January 26th, 2008

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