Do You Write By Hand, On A Computer, Or A Vintage Typewriter

It’s what you write that counts, not whether you write by hand, or on a computer or even on a vintage typewriter. However, you may find that switching to a method you don’t normally use could get your creative juices flowing and help you get over writer’s block. Here are six situations that will help you decide which way to write.
When to write by hand
1. When you’re brainstorming, consider writing by hand and creating a mind map. This allows you to get down your ideas quickly, build on them, and indicate (with arrows, for instance) how they relate to each other. Although you can get mind mapping software, using it feels more mechanical than just jotting things down as they come to you. If you’re not sure how to create a mind map, the Wikipedia entry provides a good succinct guide.
2. When you want to take your time and get in touch with the more sensual, physical element of writing-from your brain through your arm and hand onto the surface of paper-handwriting is the way to do it. It’s especially recommended for poetry.
When to write on a computer
3. When the material is coming to you quickly and almost effortlessly, using the computer usually is the fastest way of getting it down, at least if you’re a reasonably good typist. If you’ve been using one of the other methods, consider switching to this during your “flow” periods to make sure that you don’t lose any thoughts.
4. Are you writing to a deadline? Using a computer makes the job of editing and creating several drafts much quicker and easier.
When to write on a vintage typewriter
5. If you find yourself writing too fast and you’d like to slow down to consider your wording more carefully, this is the way to go. With no way to quickly cut or paste text, using a vintage typewriter is a real commitment.
6. Has the romance gone out of writing? If you’re of a certain age your image of a real writer was somebody sitting at a typewriter, maybe typing with two fingers, yanking out the sheet of paper and crumpling it up and rolling in a fresh sheet. To get back in touch with the age of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein (not to mention those great Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell movies), have an occasional session at a vintage typewriter. Eye shade optional.
The most important principle
The over-riding principle is that when the words aren’t flowing, switch to a different way of writing. By changing the physicality of your writing process you are also likely to turn your thoughts in a different direction-and that’s the way to get your creative juices flowing again.