On writing

[nightrythm]

Thanks to everyone who answered my question about computer vs. paper.

For me, I think it's really a matter of mood. There are times when I want to sit outside, or in the bottom of the closet. Having the visceral sensation of putting pen to paper and just writing full bore is crucial to the end result during those times. But this is also a system by which I don't let myself edit as I go. If I find myself thinking to hard, I push through it and keep writing. It's about pouring your thoughts and feelings out.

When I then transfer those onto computer for editing, I do start editing on the fly. But I find having an original on paper is helpful when I go back to look at my past work. It shows me my thought processes and the organic nature of my work.

On the otherhand, I do a lot of work straight to computer. Usually my column is done like that. I sit down and type like a mad woman, spell check, read aloud, change some things, reprint and hand to Patch for editing.

But there are always those times in which I long for a nice writing desk, good paper and a dip pen, so that I can orchestrate language with an artistic flare from moment one.

Comments

[stacymckenna.livejournal.com]

The question is tough for me because I don't "edit". I don't do drafts. Other than the occasional spell change or punctuation clarification, my work essentially (and always has) gets written in final form. It drove my teachers in high school CRAZY - pre-writing assignments were ALWAYS a nightmare for me, because I *don't*. I write better than I speak because it takes just that half beat longer so the thoughts come out better formed, but I like typing better than handwriting because they can tumble out faster and I can catch most of them whereas I find myself clutching at tendrils when writing by hand.