Long hand or typing

[ymck]

So I have a problem...

I have a very difficult time writing new words at the computer. I have tried laptops, iPads, different rooms, being outdoors, coffee shops, dictation software, and every time the little guy in the back of my head that tells me the stories shuts up after about a half hour, if he ever gets started. Yet, at that moment I can pick up a pen and paper and the writing just flows.

I have taken to starting at the computer and if the little ((bleep))er stops talking I go to pen and paper for a while, then switch back to computer. I still get the words out but, it's inconvenient and inefficient.

Don't know if anyone has any advice, but I'd love to hear it.

I also posted this as a comment on DWS blog.

[Carradee]

It really depends on you. Personally, I started out working longhand, then typing up what I'd written (and doing an editing pass), and eventually got to the point where I now do pretty much all writing on computer unless my computer isn't available.

You could also try looking into smartpens. LiveScribe, for example, looks like it could help you.

[martinv]

Try the good old typewriter. It's somewhere in betwen writing by hand and computers. Also, the noise a typewriter makes is very satisfying.

By the way, I too prefer to write on paper. Somehow the idea flow is better. Once I have enough written down, I type it to a computer and the missing scenes pop up and I type them down as well.

[edwinmason]

You might try writeordie.com/. You can use Write or Die online for free or download the desktop version for $10. Either way it punishes you when your fingers stop moving. It's increased my speed by about 50%.

The problem with longhand is that it cuts my speed in half. Yes, I'll haul out pen and paper if I don't have anything else, but the keyboard is simply faster for most people most of the time. It pays to learn to use the system with the best potential. And if you do write in longhand you'll have to transcribe it anyway. That's more time lost.

These days, I don't even outline anything but short stories in longhand.