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I cannot write on paper…

June 7, 2008 by Janice

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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I was sitting outside this afternoon enjoying the sun, with Olivia sleeping next to me in her stroller and Jackson tearing around the cul de sac on his bike.

But my workaholic nature wouldn’t allow me to just sit still. So I borrowed a pad of paper from my neighbor, (we were down the street “borrowing” the cul de sac since our house isn’t in the cul de sac,) and tried to start working on a review I need to write.

But I couldn’t do it.

The problem stems from a couple sources.

First, my penmanship is so terrible I know I will barely be able to read what I write when I finally get back to my laptop. I loathe writing by hand. (Actually, I print because my writing is even uglier!) I find it so uncomfortable forcing my fingers to manipulate the pen that I barely even form the words. It is pathetic actually.

Second, my brain doesn’t seem to work as well when I am away from the screen. I feel handicapped and stiff knowing that not until I return to the comfort of my keyboard will I be able to edit and polish my piece. (Not like I have much time in the fast paced blogosphere to do much polishing – but at least a bit of editing!)

Ideally, I get an idea and after I let it grow for a few minutes, I move to my computer and start writing. If I am out, I may scratch down a few thoughts to trigger my mind later, but rarely do I actually write a post on paper.

So I was wondering, am I the only one who is lost without a keyboard?

Do you prefer to write on paper first and then move to the computer?

Or, like me, do you prefer to get to the keyboard as early as possible in the creative process.

P.S. Yes, I know I really need to get a Blackberry. I actually just came back from the store where I was drooling over the new pink Blackberry Curve. On Monday, I think I am going to go back to the store and buy it. But I don’t know what typing with my thumbs will be like. I am so slow at texting, I rarely bother to do it.

What about you? Do you use a Blackberry? I want to get an iPhone, but we can’t use them here in Canada yet. Life is rough here in Canada – you know igloos and all. (eh?)

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Positively Speaking – Self Esteem
5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere – Week 37

About Janice

Janice is co-founder of 5 Minutes For Mom. She's been working online since 2003 and is thankful her days are full of social media, writing and photography.

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28 Comments

  1. dainu zodziai says

    August 12, 2008 at 5:38 am

    I can not read about what i have wrotten 🙂

    Reply
  2. Tonya says

    June 9, 2008 at 8:10 pm

    I’m definitely becoming addicted to my blackberry, although at the moment only have enough patience to twitter with it, not to type up anything too lengthy.

    I tend to just put main points on paper (while I’m out and about) and then type it completely once I’m home again.

    Reply
  3. kelleythejewelrylady says

    June 9, 2008 at 4:54 pm

    Me too…. I tried to write out a post on paper while outside watching my son bike ride…. it just turned into long blatering. Something out my keyboard… I seem to get to the point faster.

    Reply
  4. Storm says

    June 9, 2008 at 11:11 am

    I used to be able to put my thoughts on paper, but like you, Janice, I need to write my thoughts down on the computer. Though, I have lists for everything and I always have paper nearby to jot down a quick note.

    Reply
  5. RefreshMom says

    June 9, 2008 at 1:58 am

    I’ve used my Palm Treo with WordSmith software as my portable word processor. I will write on paper when I’m in church or someplace where I can’t whip out an electronic gadget to jot down my ideas, but given the choice I do type before picking up a pen. I’m thinking about getting an Alphasmart or something to be able to do more serious writing on the road without having to lug my 17 inch laptop around.

    Reply
  6. Stephanie says

    June 8, 2008 at 7:12 pm

    I definitely prefer to type on my laptop, but I often have a notepad with me to jot down ideas or add items to my “To-Do” list when I know I can’t easily bring along my computer.

    I am eyeing the iPhone and will likely buy one in the next month. I am convinced it will boost my productivity (or is that just a dream?).

    P.S. Keep warm over there in your igloo. 😉

    Reply
  7. Tricia says

    June 8, 2008 at 7:10 pm

    Now I do use pen and paper a few times a day probley. I always write out my to do list for the next morning on a notepad before I got to bed every night. I also jot down my ideas all the time and I am always taking notes on pen and paper.

    But I am not good at actually writing out a post that I know I am going to blog later. To me that just seems like doing the same thing twice.

    I do have a blackberry and I have to say I am totally addicted to it and I love it. I have the Blackberry pearl.

    Reply
  8. Alexia says

    June 8, 2008 at 4:50 pm

    I’m the same way. I can write lists or notes on paper, but that’s as far as it goes. Even the few letters that I snail mail are typed and printed!

    Reply
  9. Ginny says

    June 8, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    I can’t either. I can jot down notes, but I can’t write. I can’t stand my handwriting. It is messy & gets worse the more I write.

    Reply
  10. Beth says

    June 8, 2008 at 2:46 pm

    I love writing on paper, but the drawback is I then have to type it anyway 🙂 So for big projects I just go ahead and keyboard it, but smaller things I still write out first…

    And we are WAY behind technologically here: no Blackberry, iPod, iPhone, or iAnything!

    Reply
  11. angie says

    June 8, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    I don’t mind writing, but I am dependent on my pc because I can type faster than I write! But my pc has been down for a few months so I am typing this on my t-mobile sidekick phone, which I LOVE!!! But its not as nice as using a pc! Some sites’ right sides get cut off, like one of my favorite blogs (a stamping blog). Anyway, that’s life, what can you do????

    Angie

    Reply
  12. Nodins Nest says

    June 8, 2008 at 9:54 am

    Oh my, I was just thinking this yesterday! I was in the backyard with my son while he was playing in the wading pool and I wanted to write a blog post so I took a notebook with me (I don’t have a laptop yet). I found it almost impossible to write, my mind was faster than my hand and it seemed very awkward. Funny thing is as a young woman, I loved to write for hours in longhand and now I can’t. I think it’s probably something I need to work on.

    Reply
  13. Tanna says

    June 8, 2008 at 9:12 am

    I love paper, but for the blog posts I only right down the ideas. I can’t write a whole blog post out by hand either. It starts to look like chicken scratch because my hands can’t keep up with my brain.

    I also when you are typing a post, I love how an idea can transform right before your eyes and go somewhere you hadn’t previously thought of. With paper I guess it just takes to long and seems a little limiting.

    I haven’t gotten a Blackberry yet, but I have been looking into them.

    Reply
  14. Tina says

    June 8, 2008 at 8:53 am

    I like to jot notes in a moleskine when I’m traveling, etc., but I have to admit that I depend on my keyboard more and more.

    I like to move from my PC to my laptop most of the time so I can write anywhere in the house.

    Reply
  15. Jennifer, Snapshot says

    June 8, 2008 at 6:49 am

    This is funny. My handwriting is horrible, too–it’s never been great, but over the last 10 years, it’s become awful!

    Sometimes when I have a block, writing on paper is great for me. I like to use it to brainstorm, and I always have a notebook with me.

    But yes, I do have trouble reading it sometimes!!

    Reply
  16. Naomi (Urban Mummy) says

    June 8, 2008 at 6:40 am

    I do both – computer, and paper. I actually carry a notebook and a pencil with me, although, generally it’s for making lists and writing down information. TO actually compose text / prose, I am more comfortable on the computer.

    As for the iPhone, it is actually coming to Canada, soon(ish). Hopefully this summer (august, is what I have heard).

    Reply
  17. Kate Gladstone says

    June 8, 2008 at 12:52 am

    As a handwriting specialist, I daily see more and more folks like you … and I myself belonged to the “can’t-write-on-paper” brigade from age 5 (when keyboarding meant sneaking time at Mommy’s typewriter) to age 24 in the middle of graduate school (21 years ago with a none-too-reliable second-hand electric Remington).

    To see where I’ve gone since then (and how I help others gain or [in some cases] regain a functional handwriting), please visit the Handwriting Repair web-site at http://www.learn.to/handwrite

    Reply
  18. Jen says

    June 8, 2008 at 12:09 am

    OH oh oh… I am so with you. My creative juices just flow much better when I am typing instead of writing. Plus.. I think if I type I will always have a copy… instead of a written copy that could have juice spilt on it, crayon marks on it… you get the picture hehe.

    Reply
  19. Nicole (SAHM Ramblings) says

    June 8, 2008 at 12:05 am

    My boss used to always make fun of me because if I needed to spell something and wasn’t sure how, I would write it out in cursive. I always got it right. But on the computer, my fingers don’t always know how to spell it like they do when I write it out. It’s weird.

    If I’m not at a computer, I write out my blogs and retype them – but they never come out the same as how I started them. I rework it so many times it’s ridiculous.

    But what I want to know is how many people find themselves thinking in their brain that they need to rewind or pause a situation, think of things in terms of ‘linking to it’, google something in their head or whatever. It’s like I’m trying to hook up a computer to my life!

    Reply
  20. blessed1 says

    June 7, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    I carry a note pad with me, but don’t use it as much as I used to. Keyboards are much more easy when thinking/writing. Interesting observation though…I wouldn’t have thought of this w/o your post. BUT you’re right!!

    Reply
  21. Jenny says

    June 7, 2008 at 11:26 pm

    I totally feel your pain. I can’t do squat on paper anymore. 🙁

    Reply
  22. Vicki says

    June 7, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    I have to hash everything out on the keyboard as well. Trouble is I get most of my ideas when I’m away from the computer. I carry a small pad of paper in my purse and jot down all my ideas. I do have to go back to the computer though to turn them into anything…

    Reply
  23. melody is slurping life says

    June 7, 2008 at 11:09 pm

    Actually, I am the complete opposite. I function so much better with pen and paper. I love the feel of a pen smoothly stroking across pretty paper. Yeah, I’m a dying breed.

    Reply
  24. Rebekah aka babiesabroad says

    June 7, 2008 at 10:59 pm

    I can write on paper but I much prefer to do it in front of the computer. I think it’s because it feels more efficient and as mom’s if it isn’t efficient it just feels wrong … lol.

    Reply
  25. Kelli says

    June 7, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    Yes, I have to admit, I have become very dependent on my computer. I just love that “delete” button and the fact that I can just punch away at the keys instead of taking the time to write legibly. I tell ya though – I don’t think I’d do well with a Blackberry. I have to have full sized keys. You should see me when I try to send a text message…it’s not pretty. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Allison says

    June 7, 2008 at 10:46 pm

    I’m like you: I cannot write by hand. While my handwriting is not terrible, I just don’t *think* as well. Forming thoughts is a quick process for me, so when I write it just takes too long! Typing (which I do extremely fast) is better suited to getting thoughts down!

    I don’t have any fancy phone, unfortunately. Hopefully when they release the new 3G iPhone on Monday I’ll buy a friend’s old one!

    Reply
  27. Deb - Mom of 3 Girls says

    June 7, 2008 at 10:39 pm

    I don’t write much on paper either – my mind goes so much faster than I can write, that I get frustrated. I can type a lot faster than I write by hand. 🙂

    I have a Blackberry Curve – and I love it! Typing with thumbs is slower, but not too bad once you get used to it. I have the feeling I could get pretty quick at it after a while.

    Reply
  28. Tamara Cosby says

    June 7, 2008 at 10:34 pm

    We call my dad’s and my sister’s a CRACKBERRY because they get so addicted to them!! I am a type on the computer sort of girl…I don’t do well with writing on paper which is why I love to write my papers for school at the last minute because that way, it’s just on the computer! 🙂

    Reply

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