Writing can take many forms now a days. Some prefer pen and paper and others prefer word processors. I am curious what !writing@beehaw.org uses for their own writing.
For me I have used Scrivener before but found it too powerful for my style of writing. I now find myself using Google docs since it can sync to so many places and I can write wherever I go. (If anyone has a FOSS Google docs alternative I am all ears)
So, !writing@beehaw.org, what is your software of choice? If you prefer pen and paper, what does your process look like?
Fountain pen on paper is my preference. At least for the first draft. I edit as I transcribe.
Do you feel a bit more connected to your work when writing with pen and paper?
To a certain extent, yes. I just find that the pacing works well for me. I think of a sentence, and I can edit it as I write, trying to balance the words properly. I find that I do less editing overall if I write more slowly the first time.
Anything to save time while editing is never a bad thing! I may have to give that a shot next time I am working on something, but first I need to make sure my handwriting is legible.
My handwriting is barely legible, especially when I get excited. But I’m the only one who needs to read it, because I type it up before showing it to anyone. If you do try it, I would suggest getting a nice pen. It really makes a difference; trust me. Fountain pens are a whole rabbithole, so that might be a bit daunting. But a rollerball pen is a great alternative to ballpoints that doesn’t break the bank but writes so much more nicely.
I have looked into fountain pens before and my head started spinning lol. It may be something that I need to check out, do you have any fountain pen basics or starter pens to look at?
Get yourself a Platinum Preppy, with a Fine nib. You can get them on Amazon (or, preferrably, a more ethical site like Goulet Pens) for under $10. It’s not a mortgage payment, but it writes really well, and the Fine nib is good for many people’s handwriting. I would also suggest you start with ink cartridges rather than bottled ink. The cartridges are more expensive for less choice in terms of colour, but bottled ink is a whole world on its own. You do not want to dive into that unless you feel ready.
Also, there is now a fountain pen community on Lemmy. I am not sure what the URL is, but it should pop up in a search. You can make a post there to get some more input from people who probably know better than me.
Thanks for the suggestion! I will check it out and look for that community.
No worries. And sorry for the wall of text in my previous comment. I get excited sometimes.