Mailbag: Notebooks, Opening Windows In Your Writing

We’ve got an interesting mixture this week: I’m responding to posts about the modern world of notebooks and iPads, and responding to comments about How to Open a Window When a Door Closes. The first is purely technological; the second is downright philosophical. But after all, Writerly Life is committed to addressing every aspect of the writing life. So let the comments begin!

First I asked readers whether they still used paper notebooks to store their creative writing. katyusha said:

Oh, goodness, I keep EVERYTHING in my notebooks. I do my first drafts by hand (on notebook paper, stored safely in a four-inch binder), take notes on a little notepad, and only type things once I’ve sorted through them in my head. I can’t type first drafts–edit mode goes into effect and I can’t finish anything. Better for me to get it all out and edit as I type. That, and the slower pace of handwriting allows me time to think while I write, and I have less editing to do afterward!

Thanks, katyusha! I, too, sometimes can’t get my thoughts clearest on a computer screen. Also, my eyes are somewhat sensitive and I tend to get eyestrain after staring at a luminous screen for too many hours in a row. That’s when it’s time to sit outside or stare out a window with my notebook in my lap and take a little freehand break. Once they’re on (paper) page, I’m ready to put them on the (digital) page.

On the other hand, more and more of us are incorporating new technology into our creative lives. Mike said:

I don’t really use notebooks very much these days. If I want to do a quick bit of writing away from my computer, I’m more likely to grab my iPod Touch and pound out a couple paragraphs.

It’s kind of fascinating to me how the “cell phone novel” has become an established genre. That’s right — particularly in Japan, some writers are pounding out whole novels on their cell phones. As texting and other forms of digital writing become ubiquitous, more and more creative writing might migrate to this medium.

Lauren said:

I have a notebook which I write all my plans and thoughts on my stories, and also any ideas that I could use once I think of a plot and characters to go with it. But all the actual writing of my stories is typed on Word – writing is too slow and gets really messy as I think of better words as I’m writing! Also people can’t read my rushed handwriting too well.

Thanks, Lauren! I’m definitely a fan of this strategy as well. I would never hand in something handwritten, and in fact my hand-written drafts need a lot of editing work on the computer. It can be a relief, sometimes, to type nearly as fast as I can think. But other times, it’s great to force myself to slow down and appreciate each word as it appears from my laboriously scratching pencil.

And one more vote for technology: Sonia said:

I used to carry a notebook everywhere but these days . . . does my blog and iTouch count?

There you have it, readers — it looks like we’re evenly split ont he use of paper notebooks versus technology. Weigh in in the comments, and read on to hear more reader comments and my responses.

Now on to responses to my post How to Open a Window When a Door Closes.

Drue A. Windhorst said:

Often enough for me these doors that open and then sometimes close, without my permission or will, leave their chaos on my mind. I am glad you posted this! I frequently forget that windows of possibility can be found. …It may be a single line, a word used in a different perception, or the salvation of merely expressing that unknown emotion. These explorations always have been historically and personally revealing to me. It is when I come across something that is obscure, perhaps undated, and at times humorously rediscovered by complete accident that I am reminded why I walk the path I am on.

Glad to hear it, Drue. It’s true that we sometimes forget that our writing has merit because we get wrapped up in daily frustrations and fail to see the forest for the trees. If we take a moment to look back at our past work, we can see real shining moments of talent and insight. It’s a way of opening a window in our own perceptions of ourselves.

Barbara said:

I have been writing more in the past year than I have in many years. It has always been my hearts desire…I’m not sure where to start but know I have a book in me just from what has happened in my life in the past several years. Guess that what lead us all here. I was moved by your ending paragraph of “How to Open a Window When a Door Closes”. I printed it out to post on my desk, mirror and next to my bed. I hope this is permitted. …I wanted to let you know how grateful I am that you and your readers take your time to share and open up so honestly about something I’ve been afraid to tell people I want to do with my life.

Thank you for your kind words, Barbara. I’m honored that the post was inspiring to you and that you wanted to print it out! Certainly it’s permitted. And I, too, am very proud of the commenters on this site and how they’re willing to be honest about their aspirations and dreams. It’s commenters like you and many others who keep Writerly Life growing and reaching new readers, so I hope you’ll help spread the word about the community of writerly readers here! Keep being honest with yourself about why you love to write, and keep working at your craft.

Thank you, readers, for your thoughtful comments. Tune in next week for more mailbag responses, and check back tomorrow for your regular, daily thoughts on the writing life.