I'm asking today about how you actually get words onto a page. It's a question that authors are often asked at readings. 'How do you write?' The answer varies, from the highly technical (those who use the latest computer), to the traditionalist who writes in long hand on foolscap paper.
![[Hemingway_writing.jpg]](/sites/default/files/advice/old/Hemingway_writing.jpg)
Jane Austen's manuscripts are part of her legend, that she carved herself out a creative space in tiny words, on cramped paper, not inconveniencing anyone. She wrote, of course, in a time when paper was a luxury, and everyone hoarded their words carefully on this precious commodity.
The picture from today's blog is of Hemingway writing in his preferred method - with a pencil - which he felt improved the flow of words.
We still use terms that relate to how authors used to write - manuscript - for scripts written by hand ('manu') and typescript for typewritten scripts. Is there a word out there for a computer-written script? 'escript' perhaps? There's an image associated with different ways of writing; someone old-fashioned and charming, pondering on their muse with an ink pen and hand made paper, or a hardened chain-smoking, whisky-drinking hack, typing away, firing out words like a machine gun.
I can't really summon up an image for someone using a computer - perhaps it's too close to home. I have to use a computer to write, it's been too many years since I wrote by pen, and my handwriting is often too dreadful for me to be able to read what I've written. I do carry a notebook with me though, and it's invaluable for rough ideas, and lists.
Some recent research suggests that the different methods of writing affect how we learn, and that we lose something when using a typewriter or computer, as we are more removed from the words. How do you think that applies to your own work? And how do you write? Has it changed as technology has moved on?
(Editorial Consultant)
I use a computer. To make notes, I use old fashioned pen on paper, but eventually, every few months or so, I type the notes out, highlighting in blue which notes I have used, and in green which notes I have yet to use, and highlight in red to remind myself, "I wrote this s**t?"
When it comes down to business, it's a computer. The only reason for this, is because I find that whilst writing, my mind is racing, and being pretty fast at typing, it's the only way I can keep up with my thoughts. I have tried to do this long hand, but by the time my pen has written half of one sentence, my mind is on sentence three.
So for this reason, I use a computer.
Long hand, on anything anywhere. Much easier to add things, like random notes that way. And I don't have spell and grammar check yelling at me and distracting me.
I write sitting on the sofa with a netbook on my lap. I hate writing by hand as I am left-handed so I have to push the pen instead of pulling it, and get cramp very quickly.
I am delighted if I write 1000 words in a day, content if I write 500. My 14 year-old daughter has recently taken to fan fiction, and recently wrote a 9000 word story in a day. On her phone. I was incredulous.