How Do You Write?

[TamTam]

This has been somewhat covered in the "What's on your desk" thread, but I want to know: How do you write?

Do you write directly onto your computer? Do you use a typewriter? Do you write by hand?

Do you use longhand or shorthand? Pen or pencil? Do you print or handwrite?

As for me, I print with a pen. It's been so long since I've handwritten, it's hard for me to do. I'll write it in a notebook, then let it cool down for a while. Then I type it up on my typewriter. (Yes, I have the computer, I just don't have a working printer!)

How about you?

[Bronze-Dragonrider]

I always write the majority of my stories on computer. But if I ever think of an idea or desvriptive phrase when I'm away from the PC, I'll jot it down on a peice of paper. The odd time I do write lengthy things on paper, it's always handwritten in pen, longhand. I have a tough time deciphering it later if it's in shorthand :razz:

[Anareth]

I work directly on the computer. I sometimes jot notes, but I never write out actual stories any more longhand.

[Tabra]

I don't do anything longhand if I can help it. I write into the computer or PDA then put the file into the compy. Including Uni notes.

[Anneli]

I scrawl in longhand with a pen in a series of exercise books. That way I can write whenever I like/want without having to turn on the computer. ;)

But I admit it can be a nuisance if I don't type it up within a day or so, since I then can't read my own scrawl very easily :eek:

[McClance]

When I first started writing, in 97, I wrote out my stories by pencil. A year later, I started writing these stories onto the computer. Then, another year and a half later, I began writing my stories directly on the computer. And that's what I do now. And before I begin writing the story, I'll sketch out an outline of what I want to happen. I mostly do this on the computer as well, but I may also develop my ideas on real paper if a computer is not available at the time. :) :ok: :)

[B`dgyr]

I usually go with longhand cursive in a notebook. Usually, you see, If I start to write anything into a computer, the computer dies. I'm not bloody joking.

[magicfan241]

I use my Alphasmart Neo to type up most of my rough drafts, then transfer it to a computer now. Before I got my Neo, I used to do first drafts by hand, then do a first edit as I typed sections into my computer. Now I have to go to the school, and use their printers to print out portions (because I'm too cheap to print stuff out on my own).

I also normally hide from any editing that needs to be done for at least a week, then think about doing it when the weather is so bad that I can't get outside without wearing a raincoat or shoveling the sidewalk.

magicfan241

[TamTam]

I used to use a pencil too, McClance. I figured that I could just erase my mistakes, but then I ended up scratching them out anyway, so I went to pen.

I actually prefer my typewriter to a computer printer. Sure, it's noisy and I have to white-out my mistakes. But then, if something goes wrong, I can usually fix it myself. I can't do that with a printer. Plus, I can't find a printer for only $12 (that's what I paid for the typewriter).

[Yonuh Adisi Fiend Jedi]

I usually write directly to my comp now that I have a good one.

Before I would write long hand onto some notebook paper then later when I have a comp available would type it in, but I seem to have a problem, when I try that I get bored and do a little then leave it for a few days sometimes months before I start again.

For instance, I am supposed to be trying to type my romance Flight of Destiny into my comp but I have only gotten about half way through and I haven't begun again in about three months. Ain't that pitiful?

As a matter of fact, I really should be doing it now instead of being on the KT.

[Shalyn]

Computer. I'm a fast typer and even faster thinker. Only problem is that I always go back to correct my mistakes. I really should just continue on, then go back and edit. Anal that way, ya know?

But...I'm getting better now.

[McClance]

Only problem is that I always go back to correct my mistakes. I really should just continue on, then go back and edit. Anal that way, ya know?

But...I'm getting better now.

Yep. I've got that problem too. Especially when I'm going back to check my continuity, I'll get caught up in fixing something.

[AnnMarie]

Ink longland, either in a spiral notebook, or looseleaf into a binder. Once I have that rough draft done, I'll start putting it into the computer...and changing somethings as I go. THEN I'll go back and edit again, before saving it to cd.

[Ryuu]

another one that goes directly for the keyboard without stopping for handwritten drafts. Although, I do sometimes jot notes down for formulas, maps, character & plot development, etc.

for the most part, I had given up on paper when my filing system became as disorganized as my brain :shhh:

[Lady Faizah]

I use my Alphasmart Neo to type up most of my rough drafts, then transfer it to a computer now. Before I got my Neo, I used to do first drafts by hand, then do a first edit as I typed sections into my computer. Now I have to go to the school, and use their printers to print out portions (because I'm too cheap to print stuff out on my own).

I also normally hide from any editing that needs to be done for at least a week, then think about doing it when the weather is so bad that I can't get outside without wearing a raincoat or shoveling the sidewalk.

magicfan241I also use an Alphasmart! :D I have the 3000, though. When I was buying it, last October, the Neo wasn't available here yet.

[GoldriderAria]

I've evolved actually. I used to write entirely in pencil, in print (as opposed to cursive), on college ruled paper, then type it up. Then when I got to college I got better at writing directly onto the computer, and prefer that now to save time. I tend to take notes in short-hand forms but all of the scenes are usually written out in full from the first draft onwards.

The downside to the old paper stuff, is it's now fading (I have hundreds of pages) and I need to type them ALL up before they vanish!

~Aria