Comments on: When paper works better than a word processor

By: NYCPaul

NYCPaul — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:32:27 +0000

I arrived at your article after searching for “word processor like paper” because of my need to easily draw sketches into a script. Although there are script and storyboard templates available, there is nothing like adding small sketches within a story with the ease of paper. There must be a program that gives you a working space with the option of placing neat text within graphic tablet sketches and images along with the ability to manipulate all. Give me VIRTUAL PAPER… that prints to real paper or pdf.

By: Samar

Samar — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:59:16 +0000

@ Erica – For the longest time I thought the keyboard was the world’s best invention Thankfully, I’ve seen the light

@ Cynthia – Thank you Cynthia. Appreciate it! Start keeping a paper and pen in ur tote. The next time you’re stuck in traffic or waiting your turn at the dentist, pull it out and just doodle. Your brain works differently with a pencil in your hand

@ Sumudu – Thanks! The reason it took me so long to use paper and pencil again is probably because I thought that my speed of writing by hand couldn’t match the speed of my thoughts. A keyboard can do that.

What I didn’t realize was that sometimes it’s better to think slowly and compose your thoughts as you write by hand. You start to see patterns and connections that you wouldn’t otherwise have.

By: Sumudu Gunaratne

Sumudu Gunaratne — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:07:07 +0000

Brilliant post Samar. You are absolutely right in that ideas and thought process work even better with a pen & paper. I experienced that a few years back, when I was writing my MBA Thesis. However, as the time passed by since and in efforts to keep up with the tec bandwagon, I kind of have the feeling that I’m getting distant to Pen & Paper writing. Having said that, most recently I started using a Note Book (Paper) + Pen to jot down meeting notes and other stuff, particularly at work.
Sumudu

By: cynthia newberry martin

cynthia newberry martin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:56:56 +0000

Good solid reasons to give pen and paper a try. Especially anyone who’s stuck at the moment or ever gets stuck. I’ve never written that way, but always on the computer. I wonder if the way our individual brains work makes one option better for some people. Thanks fir a great post.

Have retweeted it and will add it on facebook.

By: Erica

Erica — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:07:43 +0000

Thank you so much for this article! I love to write by hand primarily because you can do it anywhere and be distraction-free!

By: Samar

Samar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:11:17 +0000

@Danielle – Thanks

@ Rosengeranium – Good luck with the novel! We need time and a lot of discarded drafts to figure out which medium works best for us

By: Rosengeranium (Rosengeranium's Weekly Work)

Rosengeranium (Rosengeranium's Weekly Work) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:33:10 +0000

I’m glad I’m not alone! This spring I tried writing a novell entirely in the computer and lost pace after two episodes. Grant it, I write my blogposts directly into the posteditor, but that’s a daily report not a text for a greater context. I realised my mistake when I changed projects for a nonfiction book, so when I work on the novell again I’ll definately do the drafts on paper.

By: Danielle Buffardi

Danielle Buffardi — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:13:34 +0000

Hey there! Great post….I wrote one alone these lines not too long ago…come by and check it out.
Danielle Buffardi´s last blog ..My Favorite Places to Write

By: Samar

Samar — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:09:59 +0000

Hi Cindy! I can’t delete any word I’ve written until it’s time edit and restructure. I’ve tried mind maps. But the whole computer things gets to me. I’ve begun to prefer paper because it gives me time away from my laptop.

I’ve started using paper to structure my article along with jotting down ideas.

I love your whiteboard idea! I’ll have to add to my list of things to get when I set up my first office.

By: Cindy Bidar

Cindy Bidar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:22:24 +0000

I have tried to write with real paper. I just can’t do it. I need to be able to cut and paste and move things around and delete the whole thing and start over. What I really want to try for generating ideas is a giant whiteboard. That would be the ideal way to organizing my thoughts.