Why I Still Write With a Pen and Paper

Why I Still Write With A Pen and Paper

What I'm going to say may shock some people.

If time and place permit I write the first draft of many of my blog posts and articles and even web copy or marketing materials by hand, in cursive, on loose-leaf paper or in a spiral notebook.

If you're wondering why I resort to 20th-century methods when I have access to an unlimited number of writing apps and other programs designed to make the writing process easier, my answer to you may seem a little unusual.

Here goes.

1. It feels more intimate


There's no feeling quite like curling up with a notebook and allowing the creative process to flow completely uninterrupted. For me, computers, tablets, and smartphones create a barrier between me and the place I need to put my thoughts.

For example, when I write on a computer, I have to engage with a word processing program so I can turn my ideas into something others can read. Red and green lines that highlight errors and the time it takes to format a document, not to mention improper finger placement on the keyboard, all take me out of my creative zone and prolong the writing process.

When I write with a pen and paper the barriers disappear, and thoughts flow from my mind, down my arm and onto the paper effortlessly. Of course, I'll eventually need to transfer what I write to a word processing program or to my blog, but by then the creative process is complete.

2. I'm a connoisseur of fine ink pens


I absolutely adore a good ink pen. While I prefer medium tipped ballpoint pens for writing (black ink only please), I do appreciate and use ink pens that have everything from gold to pink ink. Writing with fine tipped ink pens makes me feel especially fancy, and felt-tipped pens are great when I need to emphasize a particularly important point. I maintain a collection of my favorite ink pens and am known for hunting them down when they have been borrowed but not returned.

I'm aware the digital age has eliminated the need for ink pens and paper (and even cursive handwriting some would say) almost entirely but I'm old school, and old ways die hard. I'll continue to write using my favorite ink pens and paper whenever I can because I truly believe it's the best way to let my ideas take shape.

Author: Chanel Polk

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