Comment by cgriswald
1 day ago
I went with paper and pen precisely because there was always more I wanted to do with my computer work flow.
1 day ago
I went with paper and pen precisely because there was always more I wanted to do with my computer work flow.
When I need to write something, and I have a computer, and something is inconvenient, I can quickly (well, within minutes, maybe 30 of them) alter it to my liking, and return to writing.
When I only have a pen and paper (which I used extensively for writing at school), many things may be inconvenient, but there's no way to fix it. This may turn into a source of a low-key stress, and interfere with my writing much more than tweaking a computer would.
I use Emacs, an ultimate tweaker's tool, for writing every day. Last time I had to tweak something in it was a few weeks ago, and it took maybe 2-3 minutes. It's a small price to pay for a tool that just does what you need, when you need it, with zero mental load, and zero frustration.
For my two main uses pen and paper has two opposite effects. For creative writing it is freeing because it isn’t the last stop but I don’t have to worry about format or placement or anything. I can just go. Typing has a sort of “technical” feel for me, probably due to code, email, and to some degree comments.
For notes during study pen and paper are constraining and force me to organize the thoughts in my mind first and then commit them. Mistakes needing to be corrected here is good: It reminds me what I misunderstood.
But, like the sibling poster, the writing goes onto the computer for later editing.
What in the world do you need to be able to write with pen and paper?
It’s pretty much the single function of pen and paper.
Pen and paper for writing. Computer for editing.
Paper notebook. I wouldn’t recommend loose sheets of paper. :) After 15 years of writing notes on loose sheets I would start differently :)
Go Tim Ferris way - notebook where the first page is left for the table of contents, and number all even-numbered pages as first step.
My thoughts are so all over the place that I've settled on 3x5 note cards. It also makes the transition to the computer much easier, because I can re-arrange them in a way that is somewhat organized before taking a picture that gets transcribed
3 replies →
I hate handwriting with a passion. I have my whole life. I have horrible handwriting and my hand gets sore 5 seconds after I start writing.
I am sure it is because I don't hold my pen/pencil correctly, but I think after 43 years I am not going to suddenly fix that.
> my hand gets sore 5 seconds after I start writing.
Use a fountain pen. You can't press too hard: it bends and breaks the nib.
Disposable ones are good enough now, e.g. the Pilot V-Pen.
https://cultpens.com/products/pilot-vpen-v4-disposable-fount...
I am similar. If I physically write a couple times a week, my hand adapts though. It's a skill like any other.
Fountain pens are nice too since you don't need any pressure.
My writing looks a lot better if I just force myself to slow down and be deliberate, but honestly it's a constant battle. I'd definitely benefit from practicing penmanship on it's own.
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You sound likely to have dysgraphia, based on the fact I have all the same aspects and a dysgraphia diagnosis.
Me too. And I can type so much faster and without thinking about it than I can write.
I've had many writing classes in school and different holders for the pen etc but I never managed to improve at all. Writing is just not for everyone.
how did you decide which pens to go with?
Slow down. I’m still deciding on what size of notebook and whether I go dotted or blank.