There are so many different ways to be a writer. Take away the types of stories, the length, the medium, the intent, the message, and on and on, and what you're left with are the mechanics of writing.
I was thinking today about how I go about writing a story, or poem, or essay, and that got me on the many different pieces of advice I've read over the years about the writing process: use notebooks, write longhand, use a digital voice recorder, use note cards, et cetera ad nauseum. So, what I would LOVE to know from anyone who has the time and inclination to share, is:
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them?
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so?
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts?
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write?
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what?
I still haven't really solidified my writing process/habits, so I'm really curious to know what others do and what works/doesn't work - so please, take some time and let me know HOW you're writing.
Do you like notebooks? Yes.
How do you use them? I write in them.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so? For ghost hunting.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts? One will be longer than the other, probably.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write? Usually indoors, but occasionally outdoors.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what? Not while I write, thank you.
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them?
Yes. I carry one with me all the time. I keep one in my laptop bag, my NEO bag, my messenger bag, and one in each room of the house, including the bathroom. Mostly, I just jot down ideas I have as I get them. Otherwise, there is one in my bedroom that I use to make notes about interesting dreams I remember.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so?
In my non-writing career, I use one all the time. I never use one as a writer. Anymore, you can you a phone just as easily, but I still never think about using one.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts?
I can't handwrite fast enough to keep up with my brain. I have to type. Even then, it isn't really fast enough. I generally type first drafts on an Alphasmart NEO so that I kill the temptation to re-write as I go or look back at what I've already done. Unless it is a screenplay, in which case I use my laptop so I have access to my scene cards.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write?
Anywhere. I'm not picky. My last story, which was pretty successful, was written in a noisy bar while downing pints of Boulevard unfiltered wheat beer. I have an office I use sometimes. I have written in every room of the house, outside, at grocery store delis, coffee shops, on the steps at the child custody mediator's office waiting for them to show up, McDonald's playland... I will literally write anywhere, which is why I like the NEO. It has insane battery life. If I want to write for four hours at a sports bar while watching the Royals game, I can do it.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what?
Doesn't help me and doesn't hurt me. I've tried using music before and didn't notice much of a difference. I wrote most of my first novel with industrial music playing in the back, but I wrote other parts with nothing and it didn't make a bit of difference. If I am in the zone, I don't notice the noise. A noisy bar was actually pretty good. There was so much conversation that it became white noise.
Even if I get interrupted, it is no big deal. I've developed the ability to go in and out of the story at any moment. Between my kid and other interruptions, I've learned to almost pause the narrative in my head, take care of the interruptions, and then drop right back into it where I left off.
Wow, thanks so much, Jack, for the detailed glimpse at your process! This is exactly the kind of info I was hoping people would share.
Having so many notebooks and using them for a catch-all for your ideas, how often to you refer back to them? Or is just the process of writing down your ideas the important part?
As lame as I'm going to come off here, I have to admit, I'm not familiar with NEO. What is it? I love the thought of something I can take anywhere and type on, but as of now all I have is a laptop whose battery beeps at me after twenty minutes away from a plug.
Do you like notebooks? They are quite dandy.
How do you use them? I used to handwrite full manuscripts and stories in them but I have moved into the digital age. Now they are for making notes, and fleshing out ideas that aren't quite ready.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so? Yes, for ranting epiphanies while driving. Otherwise, I write in the notebook.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts? I actually really like handwriting first drafts, but I don't do it as often. Now that I am a proficient typist, it is much easier to type out, although it loses a little romance.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write? Lately I've been working at the bar top in our dining room. The bar stools seem easier on my back.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what? I like music, but it's not always possible. I usually listen to whatever music I would listen to otherwise, but sometimes the cinematic feel of Angles And Airwaves gets me in a really good writing groove.
The Alphasmart NEO is basically a word processor. http://www.renlearn.com/neo/NEO2/default.aspx
It runs forever off of two or three double A batteries. Put it in a laptop case and you can use it anywhere, as long as you have lighting, it isn't backlit.
I honestly don't refer back to the notebooks much. For some reason, the big part is writing them down. Generally, if I write something down, I remember it. I have a very good memory. However, if I feel like writing and can't think of anything, I'll flip open a notebook and use it like a writing prompt. If it is something related to a story, I'll probably never have to refer to it because I'll just remember I thought of it.
I also have a couple other notebooks that aren't included in that group. One contains random words cut out of magazines. The other contains random pictures cut out of magazines. I tape them to the page and just start writing about whatever the word or picture brings to mind.
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them? I love notebooks. I use them to take notes and organize my thoughts.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so? I don't have one. Listening to my own recorded voice creeps me out.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts? I do not hand write first drafts. I got a word processor in... 1992? I think?
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write? I have a laptop, so I can pretty much write where ever.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what? Music. This is actually kind of sad, in a way, because I feel naked and wrong writing without headphones. I don't really even need music to play, I just need them on. Conditioning is a funny thing.
@ Sparrow: Do you regularly refer back to your notebook, and/or play back your ranted epiphanies? Nice tune, by the way.
@ Jack: That is one interesting device! I've never even heard of it. What made you think to use something designed for classrooms? Also, beyond the ridiculous battery life, what other features really work well for you as a writer? I read through the long features list on the website, and it sounded really cool, but seemed like it was definitely designed for use with students, so I'm curious how you take advantage of its features more than you would something like a netbook or similar portable word processor.
@ Joan: I used to be the same way with my headphones till I wore them so much they broke. Now I'm used to not having them on, so I'm conflicted as to whether I should buy another set.
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them? Yes. To get down ideas and scenes more than complete works.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so? N/A
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts? If I complete a prose draft, it's almost always on a computer. Most poems I've written were first completed by hand.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write? Bedroom, sometimes at a coffee shop, in a bigger softer chair than I have at home, or outside on a deck or patio with a little traffic noise, some shade and a nice breeze.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what? No TV. Music sometimes, usually something ambiguous or non-intrusive, but not quite ambient. (I like some noisy music, but it will gear me up to do things other than write, or just make me un-constructively angry.)
Hop, i love how you distinguish between constructive and unconstructive anger. That's something I've often tried to explain to my woman, but she doesn't get that anger can be helpful.
haha - focused / unfocused might also work.
I actually found an ad for the NEO in Writer's Digest a couple of years ago. I debated it for a year or so and decided I wanted something with good battery life that would keep me off of the internet and not let me procrastinate.
I only use a couple of the features. Mostly, I type and then port it to a Word Document. Sending the text to a computer is pretty easy. It basically emulates a keyboard and re-types everything for you. So you can export it into any program you want to use for your text.
The best features, other than the ability to type really fast without distraction, are that it turns on immediately, almost like a calculator. There is no boot time. When you are ready to write, it is ready too. You can also flip from one file to another with a single button, which I like for when you are writing novels. I will make each chapter a different file. I press the next file button and I am immediately in a new save file without having to go through opening and closing documents.
I don't use any of the education features at all. I suppose I could use the infared print capabilities, but I never print anything directly from the NEO. I always re-write on computer and then print it from there.
The keyboard is comfortable, it's durable, the batteries are cheap and last forever, and it doesn't do anything but write. These days, with all the connectivity out there, it disconnects me enough to make me do what I need to be doing.
Not trying to sound like an ad or anything, but sometimes I write for 6 to 8 hours at a time without really stopping, and I might not be where I can get power. You can't do that with a laptop.
How do you port? USB?
nevermind, looked it up
That is fucking brilliant, Jack. The company needs to hire you, because you've sold me. I am such a major loser when it comes to procrastinating, and finding all sorts of distractions on the net when I should be focusing on the blank Word document I have open in the window behind my browser. This sounds like exactly what I need!
With it being so easy to turn on and start new files with, have you seen your use of notebooks go down, or is there just enough difference in function that you still find you're writing in the notebooks as much as usual?
Sorry, I don't mean to keep badgering you, I just find this device to be fascinating. I'm obviously not in the right writerly groove, and am really trying to figure out what kind of creative process/ life habits will work for me best, and that NEO sounds phenomenal.
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them? I have notebooks, don't use them a lot. I keep them for when I might take a class or go to a coffee shop and don't want to use my laptop. I broke my wrist about 6 years ago, now I sport 8 screws and a titanium plate. So after a few minutes of feverish writing, my hand hurts pretty badly. So I just can't keep up. I even went as far as using my iPhone for quick little notes and ideas in Simplenote (which I need to back up soon). I've gone digital, for the most part, which is ironic for me because I'm usually resistant.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so? I have a couple recorders (i'm also a musician and that's how I'll record musical ideas) but again, I mostly use Simplenote in iPhone. If I'm driving, I might open the recording app and talk into it about an idea if need be. It's a handy device, these fancy smart phones.
If I'm instrument less, you may catch me walking down the street mimicking guitar riffs, bass lines and drum breaks into my phone. Please don't laugh at me. It's genius at work.
.What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts? See back to the first question, wrist bugs me so I can't keep up. Even if it didn't hurt, at this point I can crank out work on my laptop where writing it out felt to laborious. That and somewhere between college and entering the work force my handwriting went to absolute shit.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write? I will go out to coffee shops or public places to do brainstorming, create scenes, maybe even do some bits of the draft. It works for me but I often get distracted. My most productive takes place at home. Though I love being out in public just to see different sights, smells, tastes, etc - it does evoke the senses better than your safety zone of your own home would and may inspire some great notes, ideas, etc.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what? Music is my passion. With that said, I can't listen to music and do anything else but drive or do some sort of mindless activity. I pay attention too much to the music or I pay attention too much to writing and miss the music.
If I write to music, I need it to be instrumental. So say I throw on a Coltrane album, I'll be pounding away and side 1 is over and I'm thinking, "I didn't hear a fucking note!" I want to incorporate the two more, but sometimes I just sit down and write and I'm too lazy to walk the 4 feet to my record player.
Somewhat related but my favorite place to listen to music is in my car at Car Rock levels. Even if my home system is a little nicer and has my fancy records, there's something to be said about jacking that shit up and being in your own little isolated pod and belting that shit out.
@ Otis: You had me at records. Any man who still plays vinyl is ok in my book.
*Commence Derailment*
Vinyl is overrated. I said it. I used to buy records because I could get Let it Bleed for a dollar, but the quality is not better.
Notebook: yes and I only use Moleskins, notebook snob but I like the red ones. I only write first draft in notebooks. I also just fill pages with words, lots of words. Then when I write I like to tear the word pages out and surround myself with words.
Voice recorder: only for sexual exploits. Naw, don't have one but we do have a mic for the Mac but its used to record music.
Handwritten vs typed? Well I don't consider it an actual first draft until its typed. The magic all starts written.
Location? My bedroom and on the train. The beach is nice as well.
Music? I'm music obsessed but it's a love/hate relationship when it comes to writing. It depends on the writing and the music.
@ Sparrow: Do you regularly refer back to your notebook, and/or play back your ranted epiphanies? Nice tune, by the way.
Like Jack, writing it down is the big thing for me. If I write it down I can usually remember it. For the longer stuff I write down, I do refer back. I am rarely somewhere that I can't open up the laptop, so I don't put much in them these days, but on real nose to the grind stone days I am surrounded by various notebooks, printed out pages and the laptop.
I do play back the ranted epiphanies because those are almost ALWAYS related to something I am working on. I solve a lot of problems when I'm driving (except when I am screaming at other drivers).
And since I am a total Apple fangirl, I have all my shit hooked up to the iCloud, so when I was out with Husband and no purse (ie no room for a notebook) and saw something that inspired me, I typed a quick note into my iPhone and it automatically sent it to my laptop, to surprise me with a moment I had already forgotten by the next morning.
Agreed @ Jack getting a job with NEO, I really REALLY want one. That would be so amazing for school...
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them? I have a bunch of notebooks, but I've never been able to sit and write a draft in one. I look through the pages and find lists, notes of things I have to do (which always includes "write _____(something)"), my budget, other stupid garbage. At the same time, I have a small pile of post-it notes, bank receipts, scrap paper, and paycheck stubs that have notes crammed all over them, so maybe if I brought a notebook with me to work I might use it?
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so? never had one, so I'm not sure how that would work.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts? I'm a right handed person who learned to print from a left-handed teacher. I don't hold my pencil correctly, so (hand)writing for an extended period cramps me up something fierce. It's pretty embarassing, but I know that at least two classmates of mine from back then have the same problem. That being said, I do have very good penmanship.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write? I've tried writing in bars or restaurants, didn't work. I've tried outside, didn't work (but i love sitting on my apartment balcony and reading for hours). The only spot I've ever gotten anything done is at my desk in front of my computer.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what? Normally, I think silence works best. I've tried music, but I get distracted and end up switching songs and then lose all concentration. The only thing that has worked out ok for me has been if I have some disturbingly gory horror movie on. I don't know why, but I've gotten a lot done while Ichi the Killer or Cabin Fever or Dead Snow have played on my tv. Kinda weird.
Sidenote: I love listening to music on vinyl. I wish I hadn't lost most of my records over the years, either to selling them due to desperation times, or to an -ex who decided they were hers because she "liked the bands first."
How do you hold it?
If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning. And if I had a camera, I'd take a photo and post it.
Basically, all fingertips actively hold the pen except the pinky, which just kind of sits dead between my hand and the page, smearing the ink and cramping up very quickly. I don't know exactly how to describe it, I just know it's very wrong.
Ok, now it's your turn to share something awkward/stupid/embarassing about yourself.
I can touch my nose with my tongue!
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them?
I love notebooks. I use them to catch little zingers that I overhear and what those little one-liners make me think of once I've heard them. Simple, but effective for stirring the imagination. Also great because I forget most of it while I'm drinking.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so?
I only use my recorder for classes to help me study, but I do edit them and keep the important bits that I think will help me get working.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts?
Typed first drafts are a must for me. My handwriting is horrible. I then print out the draft, edit, and then fix it on the computer. Just my process.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write?
At home or on a sofa seat at school next to a giant window. I've claimed the seat at school and everyone knows it's mine. MINE I SAY!
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what?
Contrary to what many feel is appropriate, but I have to be sitting down in front of the TV. I love ignoring it as I type. I feel empowered. That and it's a great escape when my mind wanders...which is often because I type in front of the TV.
Avery, I can touch your nose with my tongue too. Amazing!
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them?
I use them as notebooks. I write things longhand in them. I sketch in them. I make all my outlines in them. I do freewrites in them. Sometimes I use them to hold my door open.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so?
My USB mic? I use it all the time. To make rap. I've also dictated a couple of short stories in there, it worked out really well for Puppet Show.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts?
Well, if I wrote the first draft out longhand then it's a freewrite that became something more substantial and marketable. If that is the case then it is probably a personal favorite. But I love my stories that started out typed as well. I would reccomend doing both.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write?
Near my laptop. Or with my pen.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what?
I have a Pandora station. I call it "Enlightenment Radio" it started out as a Beatles/Tupac Station... but it's developed into some crazy shit as of late.
Beatles and Tupac... that is one insanely eclectic mix right there, but I have to admit, I LOVE IT.
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them?
I like notebooks, but I am dead inside.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so?
I didn't, I have an iPhone. There's an app. And no, I just type things on the notes app.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts?
I don't have feelings. When I finally receive some, I will not squander them on questions of draft.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write?
Istanbul. Ahmet's house.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what?
The mute howls of third world countries.
I actually have a compilation recording I made of hudreds of howls of rage, screams of pain and agony, stuff like that. It would probably do nicely to have some third world howls to mix into the background.
"With it being so easy to turn on and start new files with, have you seen your use of notebooks go down, or is there just enough difference in function that you still find you're writing in the notebooks as much as usual?"
For whatever reason, it has never occurred to me to make notes on the NEO. It is almost always taken out because I am explicity about to start writing. It has become a very good tool for one specific task. At the end of the session, or a couple sessions, I port everything through a USB and then save it. Then I permanently delete it from the NEO. If you don't, the memory eventually fills up. It took me a couple of times to realize there was a difference between the clear file button and permanently deleting something off the NEO.
"Agreed @ Jack getting a job with NEO, I really REALLY want one. That would be so amazing for school..."
I am planning on getting a second one, or whatever the equivalent will be, when my son is old enough to need to write papers for school. I could leave him alone to write and not have to worry that he is actually surfing the internet looking at German porn or something.
German porn! That's one thing I do have on in the background when I'm writing.
All that sweat and hair are very soothing.
I just think that fake orgasms sound better in German, personally.
Mein Gott! Das ist eine massive cocken uppen meinen ARSH JA JA JA, ooh, wunderbar orgazmbleiderstrom.
I dated a girl who usd to whisper stuff in my ear in German during sex. It was always a bit of a turn on, although it always seemed vaguely threatening in tone.
It doesn't matter how nice or innocent a German gal is; in bed, whatever she says makes you think of horrible things.
Exterminate my lust, you worthless vermin! Inflate my vulva like it's 1930!
She brought the blitzkrieg to my balls.
Blitzkreig is never a bad thing.
Totally going to invest in one. Are they only available online do you know? Of course you do. You're a sales rep by now.
Also, German porn is great and all, but can anyone explain Carstuck Girls to me?
I've never found one anywhere other than online. You can sometimes find the DANA on eBay, but I prefer the NEO. It has a much longer battery life and I really don't want to do anything other than type words on it. I got mine here, I believe: http://www.neo-direct.com/
hi all
as a first time writer
Do you like notebooks? Not much
How do you use them? I use them for keeping track of who is in what scene but I use power point for that more then my notebook any more
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so? OH YES I have to work to pay the bill (self employed ) easer to talk then write Had some things on paper lost it got me a digital recorder best thing I did.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts? No hand written for me Can't read my own writting
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write? my office, McDonalds, My sisters All most any where
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what? No unlees I'm at McDonalds
(they have the TV on there). I will but on some music if I'm taking a brack or trying to work some thing out in my mind. in my book I said he put in I cant drive 55 by sammy Hager then played it as I read it back to see if I got the flow to go with the writting
Do you like notebooks? How do you use them?
I do, but I honestly don't use them much or well. I have a few notebooks I use as journals, including one that's a writing journal, but I mostly use it just when I'm stuck and feel the need to brainstorm. I do keep notebooks in my backpack to use when I need them, but for writing down random stuff that comes to mind, snippets of poetry that bloom when I'm standing in line, notes on whatever project I'm working on, I do all that on my iPod Touch (more on this below). I take the fucking thing everywhere with me. If it ever gives up the ghost, I'm screwed.
Do you actually use the digital voice recorder you bought? How so?
I used to have one on my old Cowon D2 mp3 player, but all I used it for was recording music ideas I came up with at work. I'd go into the bathroom and hum them into it, then usually forget about them and never actually write or record anything based on them.
What are your feelings on handwritten vs. typed out first drafts?
I don't really have any feelings on them. I don't handwrite fiction, for whatever reason. I've just never enjoyed that much. I love to handwrite, and I do it when journaling or brainstorming a lot, but I just don't find it works for me when writing straight. I use the iTouch with an Apple wireless keyboard, believe it or not, and Office². That's what my first drafts are done on. I've written probably the equivalent of 2 full novels on the thing.
Location, location, location... Where do you prefer to write?
Diners, coffeeshops, and libraries. This is where I write almost everything, I don't work from home well at all. I can't tell you how many hours I've spent sucking down coffee at Denny's or IHOP. I'm a regular at several places here. I don't do coffeeshops as often anymore, but sometimes. Libraries vary. I toss in sandwich shops and small cafes when I happen upon them and need a change of scenery.
Do you like something on (music/tv) in the background, if so, what?
It doesn't really matter. I can write in total silence or with some background noise, though I really don't like to have the TV on. It's too distracting for me. Music I do fairly regularly, but only stuff where I don't pay too much attention to the words (or that's naturally instrumental). I do a lot of technical/death metal, and have a mix I use for writing pretty regularly, which is a lot of Trent Reznor's more ambient stuff (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack, Social Network soundtrack, Quake I soundtrack, Ghosts I-IV) and Akira Yamaoka's non-vocal work on the Silent Hill games.
