Which do you find better to write stories with? Computer or Paper and Pen?

Question

Whenever I start typing on the computer, I tend to freeze up and my mind goes blank...but if it's such a hassle to write with pen and paper. On a computer, it's much easier to correct mistakes and fix spelling errors. In the end, the story will be typed but I don't know whether to start stories with pen and paper or straight on the computer. Which method do you all prefer?

Answer 1

A writer writes.

The tools for writing are whatever helps you get it done. Ms. Rowling uses pen and paper. James Thurber often used charcoal on living room and bedroom walls, trusting his associates, wives, children, and editors to transcribe it correctly. Isaac Asimov used a typewriter almost exclusively.

Myself, I use computers, typewriters, pen, pencil and various types of paper, and once used my cell phone to email 6 paragraphs to myself.

If you freeze up, or your mind goes blank, then start writing words, your name, an old song, nonsense, anything to keep writing, and soon your writing mind will come back to itself and you will be writing stories again.

Just remember, a writer writes, and when you have writers' block, then write something else.

Now, back to writing.

Answer 2

I prefer pen and paper. Right now I am writing a romance novel and it is all in pen and paper. Once I am done and I go over it all then I will type it out. I don't like typing because when I write the thoughts flow from my head to my hand and I write them down when I type it out I can't do that.

Answer 3

I prefer computer. With paper, you have to scratch out your mistakes, and if you want to move a line or paragraph up (perhaps thinking it might do better earlier in the story) you have to draw so many arrows. It's so messy and unorganized. For me, handwriting creates a slight resistance to continue. If you get a hot streak and want to jot it all down as fast as possible, you may find yourself gripping the pen/pencil too tight. Also, if you have so many ideas to write down at once, you may have to stop from writing and flex your cramped fingers before you continue. Handwriting causes many distractions and is hard when editing. It makes the job harder on both you and your editor/initial reader. Sometimes, you can't even understand what you wrote.

With computer and word processing, you can move paragraphs around, easily delete entire sentences and poorly chosen words with a click of a button, and you can get your ideas down faster. My stories tend to be long (over 200 pages, often), and having it all compacted into a computer makes it easier. Handwritten on paper, it can get lost or mixed up. The computer is much more convenient, in my opinion.

Answer 4

I started writing on pencil and paper. However, in some point in time I started writing on the computer and since then I don't write outside. I sometimes write ideas, concepts and small passages in a small notebook. But when writing my story I think it is best to do it in the computer. Because then i can go back and check on my mistakes, add more passages in between ideas. It is easier to handle.

If your mind gets blank, maybe you are not focusing well in the story. Live the story! Be an omniscient character and it will flow anywhere.

Answer 5

It's what do you prefer. Paper and pen is good because it can be always with you. But computers are faster and you can repair it if you make a mistake. It's your choose. I usualy use paper and pen. I write stories in car, on travels, etc. It's good to be always with me, specially if I have an idea and don't want to forget it before I get to my computer.

Answer 6

Paper and pen have always been the way I start out. The computer is quicker, and sometimes I think its too quick. I can get words out on the screen too fast, and haven't thought about it as much as when I handwrite and have more time to think wording through before I write it down.

So, I pen and notebook it first, then type it up, making corrections as I go.

Answer 7

I personally enjoy typing stories on computers, laptops to be specific because of the fact that I can type much faster than I can write and that your hands don't get tired after a long time. Or at least not as much. Besides typing on a computer makes it quicker when you've finished your story.

Answer 8

I think this is very good question. It really depends on your habits and preferences, I think.
For me, after several years of using the computer as an organizing tool, I've found that longhand is best for hatching ideas or hashing out the main body of a piece but I quickly move to the word processor for easier organizing of characters, time and other details. I used to use place cards to rearrange scenes but now use the computer.
I will say this, if you use a CRT it's smarter to use pen and paper since tube monitors do a number on your eyes. Did mine.

Answer 9

I write the initial draft with pen and paper. I then transfer everything to computer on the second draft, making changes as I type.
But the crucial part in the process is the pen on paper part, because that sets the tempo of the work.

Answer 10

Definantely a PC. Once my mind gets going I can't write fast enough. I'm much faster at typing. Also it makes it easier to move ideas around within the story as better ideas occur to you. I think each writer probably has his or her own style. Have you ever read "The Dark Half" by Stephen King. The writer(s) in that book have definate styles. It's even part of the storyline.