Hasten Up with Handwriting
- Sunayna Prasad
- Jan 31, 2022
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 14, 2023
Who says you can only type your work on the computer? Yes, we have programs beyond Word, such as Scrivner. But nothing writes better than the hand if you want to be quicker with your writing process.
When you handwrite, you have no distractions on the Internet or the computer in general. No pop-ups, Facebook notifications, computer crashes, etc. Just you, your notebook or any form of paper, and a pen or pencil.
I have written different W.I.P's with a notebook and pen. I have also used different colors for different chapters. It was easier to read, believe it or not, as long as you don’t use colors that are too light, like yellow.
I have aimed for 2-3 chapters a day. Some days were less, though, especially if I was busy. Another pitfall is that I wasn’t focused on much else.
I tried not to write at home too much. I either went to the library or cafes that are not too noisy and are painted with light colors. Yes, that does make a difference.
The library can be a little better, though. You don’t have to buy anything and it couldn’t be any quieter. With many libraries near my house, you don’t have to be a member to just sit and do work.
I always prefer writing on paper, but my issue is that I always get hand cramps after writing too long! I'm still struggling with how to reconcile writing with the pain of writing - if that makes any sense.
You speak the truth here. Handwriting has usually been a more effective way to put words on paper without distractions. I've also find that I sometimes type too fast for the words to really have an effect, resulting in writer's block more often than not. For me, handwriting words somehow allows them to be mentally digested more effectively.
I'm glad that you've found go-to places to write. Being the frugal person that I am, I always wince whenever I need to go to a coffee shop to get stuff done. "Do I really need to be in this place to be productive, especially when I have a pretty decent espresso machine at home?"
I also love the feeling of a pen on paper. It is so much more satisfying, less distracting, and it just still gives me pleasure to use a nice pen and a brand new notebook or journal.