pen to paper
If you want to write, Virginia Woolf held that you need money and a room of one’s own.
Yesterday I added to that:
one laptop
- one usb keyboard
- one usb mouse
But after day of writing on keyboard with a tiny laptop, I wanted to take out my pen and write. In some ways it was the most productive moment, even though the real writing was over and I picked up the pen and notebook to write some nonsense. The experience was completely different, the words flowed like they hadn’t done all day, and at last I really began to enjoy myself.
But was it the fact that I was writing for fun, and not working on something concrete or is there something special about pen and paper? And I’m talking pen here, as in ink pen, I don’t think ball point pens count, though a decent fibre tip would make a good substitute. The main thing is to let the words flow as fast as your thoughts.
Some people say they can spot books written by hand and those constructed on a computer. But are the words different when you write long-handed?
I’m not sure I can tell, but I do know this: pen and paper are the ultimate distraction-free writing kit.
There are no desktop icons to tempt me, when I’m looking at the page there is nothing to pull my attention away unless I leave an open book on the desk beside me. On the computer there are so many distractions, facts checking becomes internet surfing, from there it’s only a short step checking email …
Writing in a book, I didn’t feel the need to open any of the magazines that were lying in the chair next to me - they didn’t tempt me at all. With everything else in the room out of focus and blurred, I didn’t want to be anywhere else but in contact with the paper, writing through my pen. I don’t think I ever get that emotional response to a keyboard.
For me, pen and paper is the best way of concentrating. Perhaps that mean that the words flow better - who knows?
Oh man, I know that’s true, I know that a pen and paper don’t have Facebook, don’t have blogs to read, don’t have email, don’t have all those things. But my handwriting has got SO bad over the years… I just can’t do it anymore. Good for you, for realising what works best for you!
Pen and paper is romantic, sexy, and can’t be replicated by the slow buzz of a monitor with a refresh rate. It’s a personal rush, and has lead to my overpurchase of stacks of journals. I can write seriously in black ink, normal stuff in blue, and reserve my fun writing for red ink.
And, while I haven’t gotten a chance to use one in some time, an authentic typewriter, one without an umbilical connection to an electric socket, is another experience, too.
Great topic, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who writes the old fashioned way.
I was making hotel reservations for an Easter 2008 trip to Bologna when I stumbled on your photos of Bologna on Flickr. They’re wonderful. Are they self portraits? I like your irreverent humor. It is very refreshing. I will continue to check you out.
I usually carry a tiny notebook around and use it to scribble ideas. Its about the same size as a moleskine but only about 2mm thick, with narrowly spaced lines. Fits in any pocket and is surprisingly useful also lasts longer than one might expect. I lose pens though so I usually have a biro of some type rather than a fancy fountain pen!
Tania - I know what you mean about handwriting. Mine is pretty bad, but I can read it, even if no one else can.
Jeremy - I have a drawer of inks, no red, but I have black, green and blue.
Anne - thanks for stopping by and thanks for the comments about my photos. They are self portraits, it’s become quite addictive.
rashbre - I have my best thoughts when I have no pen and paper with me. I used to carry a dictaphone but the batteries were flat whenever inspiration struck. I should be more organised like you.