beth10

I'm sure this has been talked about before, but how to you write? On a computer or in long-hand, or both?

Also, do you carry a notebook around everywhere you go? I have a 'writer's notebook' for ideas. But I find myself having to transfer the ideas to other notebooks for specific stories. Is this how everyone else does it? I'm trying to find the least confusing way.

Thanks!

Lady_Kristin

It's the computer for me. I also keep a notebook handy in my purse for keeping track of ideas.

Oh! I also have pen and paper next to my bed. Many quotes and scenes haunt me, annoy me and won't allow me to sleep when I turn out the light at night. Go figure.

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Mike C

I have a laptop and a PDA. I also use a voice recorder sometimes.

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SilkFX

I'm getting back to the way I wrote when I was a kid back in the ancient days before PCs (though I did have access to an old manual typewriter).

First ideas and starts of first drafts are done longhand, on white loose-leaf college-ruled paper, with a fine-point pen dispensing (usually) black ink.

At some point (depends on the story and how I'm feeling) I'll transfer that text to my laptop. Usually I'll continue from there, although lately I've returned to pen and paper for constructing new scenes.

I'm considering getting a typewriter based on some advice I recently heard regarding the way in which a story "processes" when you don't have instant cut-and-paste readily available.

I almost always keep a small notebook and pen in my purse. Few things piss me off more than not having easy access to a pen and paper. I have been known to stop people on the street and ask them for a pen with which I can scribble something on the back of a receipt.

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Dephere

Long-hand does not let me get out what I have to say fast enough.

When I am writing the adrenaline is pumping and my mind is racing through a scene, if I don't keep up with it then I fall behind and I lose my flow.

So I stick to my trusty laptop, something a cherish. I type fast enough so that my mind does not get way ahead of me.

So my rough drafts and final drafts are done on the computer. Saves lots of time.

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Nickie

I do most of the plotting in my head, and then use the computer.


Nickie

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cbrmale

I'm like Nickie, I plot it in my head and use a computer for a rough draft.

mammamaia

another popular question!

i write with whatever's handy on whatever i can find, wherever i am whenever something 'strikes' that has to be written down... in my old life, i kept ideas, bits 'n pieces, et al. in appropriately-labeled files in ready-to-burst, overstuffed file drawers...

nowadays, i either use them as soon as i can get to my computer or keep them in files on my hd... i still have a couple of 'to do' real file folders sitting around, though... once in a while i'll check what's in there and either use it, refile it electronically, or dump it, if it's no longer viable...

for regular writing sessions, i use a laptop with a peripheral keyboard and mouse attached, to keep me from being crippled, since i write virtually all day, every day...

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Dresdor

notes/sketches/outlines/anything that will change a lot: in my notebook. I have a nice big one, and it's probably totally incomprehensible to anyone but me with all the scribbles in it.

Usually I hand write at least part of each section, if not the whole thing. Sometimes it's just a rough sketch of what will happen, disregarding specific imagery or dialogue, but usually I write it all out.\

Second drafts and revisions are usually done on my computer, but sometimes, especially with shorter sections or stories, I'll print it and bleed all over it.

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bob rulz

It's all on the computer for me. I can't stand writing with a pen and paper, though if I don't have access to a computer at that moment I'll try to find a pen and some paper and write something down that comes to me.

However, I usually just formulate my ideas in my head. It's much easier to organize and describe things in my head than on a piece of paper or even on the computer.

Bumblebee

First draft longhand. When I type it into the computer I flesh it out and make it better - second draft.

I write quickly and I like to see the flow of words on the paper. I can see a big difference between writing longhand and typing. My prose flows much more naturally when I just sit with my pad on my lap. Sitting with my computer (even if it is a laptop) is just not as comfortable. When I sit with my notepad I am writing my novel, when I am doing it on my computer I am working on it.

Heid

I use my computer 99% of the time but I'm trying to get into the habit of keeping a notebook handy for jotting down ideas. Christ knows we have tonnes of the gits dotted about the place!

simon woodhouse

I only write at the computer.

I used to be obsessive about noting down every idea I had, but I eventually realised most of them don't get used.

Now, rather than making a note of every idea that passes through my brain, I concentrate on refining and embellishing one or two of my favourites. A couple of good ideas are much better than lots of mediocre ones.

I'm also less concerned now with the really fine details, like the particulars of what a character wears or where they live. These are the things I come up with as I'm writing, and by doing so they make the process more enjoyable.

raedyn_l

Ahh, writing. I tend to use a notebook and pen. Never pencil. For pencil is not permanent. I just enjoy the emotional quality pen and paper hold. Plus, when I type it up it's very easy .

maia

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