Notebooks and Computers

[Eternal Lobster]

Creatively, it is easier for me to structure something on paper. Overall, however, typing it better. I have a general theory that typing is easier because it uses both hands and thus both parts of the brain. That way, things come together and are much more coherent. I face a mental block when I write creatively by hand. However! The internet is so freaking distracting, I can hardly get anything done. I would looovve to have a typewriter. I could just turn off my internet when I write, but where is the fun in that?

[sandiek]

My work absolutely HAS to be on paper first. No matter how much I try, I can't make ideas go from my brain to the computer. Brain to paper is okay though. Mostly, I just like to write. To make maters worse, I'm also ridiculously picky about the type of writing utensil I use, the paper, the desk, everything.
It's a wonder I get anything done.

[kitteah]

When I write poetry, I have to write on paper first. To me, there's something about crossing out and rewriting certain parts that I find enjoyable. I can't transfer my ideas directly from my brain to a computer screen. When I write papers I hand write an outline and type from there.
I've never had the opportunity to type notes for class. High school teachers frown on bringing a computer to class. So I've only had hand written notes until now, and they do help me remember things. The only thing I hate about hand written class notes is that sometimes I can't read what I wrote because I was writing too fast.
So, in short, I prefer my notebook.

[Silva]

Poetry is definitely paper first for me too.

I use my laptop for prose because I'm just always on it. On the other hand, I'm always distracted by Yahoo messenger, MSN, Facebook, this forum, written roleplaying, and Tumblr.

Then again, when I'm somewhere without my laptop, I do write prose in my notebook.

[Dodger Thirteen]

I should mention that I prefer writing fiction on my laptop. One, it's portable, so I can write in coffee shops like all aspiring writers seem to do. Two, when my region has its write-ins for NaNo, the Word Wars are easier to do while writing on the laptop. Three, I type ~100 WPM, so I get things done faster. I think fast, so my fingers can actually keep up when I write on my computer, as opposed to when I try to write by hand.

[sazisquarepeg]

I pretty much always write on my laptop now, though sometimes will handwrite first drafts/ ideas down on paper. Unfortunately, I have managed to forget how to hold a pen because university has trained me perfectly for typing every single day. I kid you not; I don't remember how to comfortably hold a pen. Exams have been interesting, and my Shakespeare exam was literally just chicken scratchings. I do not envy the person who has to read and mark it!

[Ehnaday]

I seem to collect notebooks that I never have the time to use. Whenever I feel like I have to get something written down--if the computer is on--I head straight for the word processor. Otherwise, I use notebooks and journals. I prefer using notebooks and journals over computers, but it's just too easy to use the computer for these things!

[iamahexagon]

I always think better when I'm handwriting. When we would have timed writing tests, I would be that one kid who would ask if I could write it out instead of typing. Also, I write more quickly than I type, so for anything timed or having to take notes, I'm probably better off writing. I can use a computer to take notes and write, but I much prefer paper.

[cassie]

For me, anything creative is written on paper. I also am a rather slow writer, and don't get me wrong, I love the click-clack of typing things on a computer. But every time I try to write creatively via computer FIRST THING, it falls flat. Every single time. It's rather disappointing, really, and can be rather tedious, but it's just the way I am. I feel... more of a personal connection to what I'm writing when I actually write it rather than type. School projects that I don't give a crap about I start on the computer just to get it over with. And I always get A's on essays, so it's not like it affects my academic writing too much. Just my creativity.

Also, technology and I don't get along very well, so. *shrug*

As for mixing up creative writings and class notes, I have a very simple solution. I use spiral bound notebooks for class notes and hardcover composition notebooks for anything creative. The hardcover notebooks discourage me ripping out a page. (I never really throw out ideas and that's what an eraser is for. Plus, ripping out a page in one of those is just so MESSY. UGH.) I'm very specific about paper quality too, because even though I'm right handed my writing gets smudged very quickly. The better the paper, the neater my writing. >.> Call me obsessive all you want, but it's true.

Heh. Minor OCD. So sue me.

[inarikins]

I actually write my fiction best on my tiny little iTouch. I write it as a note, then I take it to Word to work on it more or edit it better and the whole thing goes to shit. :/ So it's either my iTouch or a notebook for me, the computer just fucks shit up sometimes.

I know what you mean about the paper quality of notebooks, cassie. I have these fantastic spiral-bound notebooks with sturdy, kind of thick paper. I like them a lot, but they don't have holes punched in them. Something about the holes in notebooks throws me off when I try to write in them.

[WhatIf]

I find creative writing and journals easiest by hand and everything else is better typed.