I've been known to get an idea I have to write on the spot, so I use paper; but I try to avoid it because it is sloppy and time-consuming. I really am a computer person, but when I want to edit it sometimes I prefer printing it out because of the screen..
I don't mind writing on paper, but usually I find that when I want to go back and edit something, typing is better. Writing is good, but I usually don't have the patience to write out each letter and word because my thoughts about my stories flow fairly fast and I'm a pretty impatient person.
Knightwriter, this topic comes up more than you will know. Merging your thread with this one was a logical move by the staff. No point getting upset.
I use paper for notes and finer details of a story and then I flesh it out on my computer. Unless it's a short story, in which case I just sit there and slave away on the keyboard until it's finished.
Like many others on this thread I do my outlines, and notes by hand and type up the actual story on my computer.
same i have about eight lined pads filled, and though it takes only a minute to book up my pc, its a minute lost of my idea, writing is useful for plot creation, so you can see your train of thought, computers are too, hard cased, while writing can be as creative as you want. i still type up everything after of course,
I have 2 note pads. One for the draft, one for the outline and characters and a small notebook in my bag for thoughts that just cant wait. I also have notes written on the back of receipts, envelopes, cigarette packets and it goes on I write the draft by hand and edit it on to my laptop.
A big fear is the comp crash and everything with it. I have to have some paper for security... but, in retrospect, a fire would ruin that...
Hmm that is a good question. you are right about the spell checking and not having to decipher your writing, but I do not agree that paper is better mobility, I mean there are those tiny tiny laptops selling for about $300 that is a lot easier to carry around and is built mostly for the purposes of writing. I don't think I have to say it, but i like typing over writing it out any day. on paper you cant insert a new paragraph into the middle of a page (without arrows and lines)
I'm left-handed too, and I have a bizarre pengrip. No one knows how I hold it the way I do, but I don't know how anyone can hold it the 'normal' way . From a personal point of view, ease-of-use is why I use a computer. Occasionally if I have an idea, I'll scrawl it down somewhere and type it up, but I don't write drafts or anything on paper.
I use both. I write out my rough ideas and then type them up editing as I go along, like so many here. But I also print them out and destroy them with my trusty red pen then type them up again. I couldn't tell you how many notebooks and binders I have full of rough ideas and half-written ideas.
Computer, definitely. At least, for me, it's the only way to go. That's mostly because I change my mind so often that anything handwritten comes out smudgy and sometimes ripped, if it's not a school essay or anything. And typing is faster; it helps the ideas to flow.
Someone before mentioned copying off the computer. Glad I'm not the only one who does it. I come up with some interesting changes when I copy and retype it. Often I really am just copying, but there are some small changes I never would have come up with otherwise. And I LOVE my caligraphy pen.
i mainly use the computer, firstly because i dont have to worry about not being able to read it in the future (my handwriting is rubish) and seccondly because i tend to write more when i use a computer.
I use the computer when I have a jumble of ideas and just need to get them out as fast as possible. When I'm trying to really organize and develop my ideas though, I prefer to write it out by hand. I'm not sure why but it works for me.
Another vote for computer, it's great for organization, and also I can keep it better under lock and key until its ready for others eyes. Though sometimes I feel if I'm in a block I'll take a notebook outside and I know it seems odd, but sometimes I'll have ideas flow that way. I also bring my iPod with me everywhere I go just in case I get a wave of inspiration, that way I can just jot it down and come back to it later.
A laptop is the only way to go for me. As a left-hander, it can be a real pain (literally) to write in a spiral bound notebook. Finding the ones with the binder on top instead of on the side isn't an easy task either. Even that aside, I can type twice as fast as I can write and the ideas flow more freely. I like the laptop because it allows for a change of scenery, which can be important for me. If there's something I need to research quickly, the internet is just a click away too.
I hate writing with paper. I write faster and better on a keyboard. Things like spellcheck and the resource materials at your fingertips are an added bonus.
Hi guys I about to start typing up my work. I started off by drafting it on a notebook, but now going to type up so I can save and amend, etc. But how do you guys type up your work, i.e, font size, spacing, margins, etc etc etc. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
Manuscript format is Courier New, size 12, double spaced. But you can change all that when it comes to submitting. I type my work in calibri, size 11, single spaced. Basically, use whatever you prefer, for a first draft.
I like using either New Times Roman 12 font, or Courier New 12 font, double spaced or at least 1.5 spaced.
