Do you always use the computer to write?

[Lilypad]

Never, always through pencil, crativity works better that way! Its prooven.

[ursellb]

I write everything on the computer and I write it down on paper so I have a copy on hand. I like to keep
a paper copy of what I write. I write on the computer first then write it down.

[moderntimes]

Learning to "free flow" directly onto a computer is a learned skill but one I highly recommend learning. As someone begins to write professionally (for money or at least for "legit" publication) you simply won't have time to first write on paper then transmute to electronic.

My strong recommendation for those who aspire to write for actual publication -- money or not -- to train yourself to use the computer first and wean yourself from paper. In the long run it will be of great benefit, as you simply won't have time to do manuscript then copy to computer.

The idea that handwriting "allows creativity" is a hangup and in truth has no merit -- you can be just as creative at the keyboard, and when you learn that skill, you'll never go back.

ps. It's "college" not "collage".

[TaWo98]

I always use my computer when writing because I am simply one of those people who was cursed with messy handwriting and horrible setting. Sometimes I wonder how I can write. It is very sad really, but i am completely and utterly dependent on my lovely keyboard.

[hughesj]

Most of the time, yes. It's quicker. I enjoy writing by hand, but it is just not a good way of writing if I want to share stuff

[moderntimes]

I always use my computer when writing because I am simply one of those people who was cursed with messy handwriting and horrible setting. Sometimes I wonder how I can write. It is very sad really, but i am completely and utterly dependent on my lovely keyboard.

Myself the same. I'd often spend wasted minutes trying to decipher my own cribbed manuscript. And if I take time to write legibly, it's soon dawn.

I've repeatedly said this in the thread: Those who use manuscript and then transcribe to computer are essentially wasting valuable writing and creative hours to no avail. Teach yourself to use the computer initially and you'll never go back to the old ways. Quill pen on parchment is also unnecessary.

[davi_dobson]

Not really. When inspiration strikes, I have to make the most of whatever is closest at hand. I have been known to scribble on newspapers, magazines, log notes on my iPhone and, of course, put pen to paper the old fashioned way. I haven't done voice notes yet, but knowing myself that is not totally outside of the realm of possibility!

[alex_]

Most of the time I do because its more convenient.

[Sciadoe]

I do try to always use my computer to write now because it gives me the ability to write with the speed that I think of what needs to be written. Hand writing is fine but I'm not very fast at it and I feel like somehow I lose a lot of the substance of what I'm trying to write.

[9bit]

When I sit down to be serious about it I'll always choose the computer. My handwriting isn't necessarily messy, but it is slower than typing. And I do get cramps when I write on paper. But if I gotta get an idea down, yeah I'll use whatever I can.

I have a laptop station specifically set up for "productivity." I think it helps to separate it from my main desktop computer, which I use to play games and browse the internet. Only using the laptop when I want to get work done helps me avoid falling into the trap of procrastination.

[Phlo]

Always!
I sometimes wonder if I would have ever written long hand.

[novemberdays14]

I don't actually. It's the easiest way for me to write but I like plotting and planning on paper. I also like recording my thoughts out loud and then typing them later. Although that method hasn't worked the best for me.

[okayLexi]

The only time I write on the computer is when it requires the use of one. For example, term papers, review responses, forum posts, etc. I enjoy writing by hand and find it more freeing perhaps. I do sometimes feel as though my hand doesn't move as quickly as my mind which creates difficulty getting every ounce of detail down on paper.

[thenameisZelda]

I wish I could sit and write, but my thoughts happen so fast sometimes that the best way to catch them all is on a computer. I think I switch between the two most of the time.

[Ncuffee21]

I used to write all the time until I found the joy of electronics. I have currently been switching from writing it on paper, using the computer or a word program on my phone whichever is more convenient.