Comments on "Why longhand?" - Faerye Net

2014-03-03T16:45:26+00:00

I write all my fiction longhand—not because I “like” it (I don’t), but because my sense of pacing is better.

2013-04-27T16:41:26+00:00

Hi! Just found this page through Google (I’m listening to a radio programme about writing). I’m one of these handwriters, at least as far as drafting is concerned. I’m not a professional writer. I write fan fiction for Harry Potter (I know some people think this is a waste of time, but I think it’s excellent practice, as soon as I get a decent idea for a ‘real’ novel, I’ll write one), but I still draft shorthand at first. (Then I change lots, especially for novel-length thingies, when I type it up; as you say, I consider this an excellent way of revision your writing.) Thanks for telling me this—now I know I’m not alone having this slightly peculiar method of writing. And you and I can write during power failures—I’d like to see the computer writers do that by candle light!)

2012-10-30T17:07:58+00:00

Hi there! Just stumbled onto your blog and have enjoyed reading your article on “Why longhand”! I totally agree with you! In fact, I used to believe in the new 21st century tools until I tried writing articles and small stories with a nice fountain pain! I just realized that my creativity soared and of course, there is far less distraction etc! A real winner! I also enjoy retyping my work and change some words, sentences! Many bestselling authors write long hand, so there has to be a reason?

Happy writing.

Yoan

2012-10-04T20:08:51+00:00

I used to write a lot of (dead tree) magazine articles and I still have the notebooks of my handwritten first drafts for all the reasons you mentioned. I also did the ‘check this???’ to fix later – it’s so much quicker that way without getting distracted by the internet!

2011-07-22T17:02:12+00:00

Now getting back to some older entries: I’m a computer scientist, and I actually prefer to write my programs out on paper before typing them in, which has always been unusual, but is pretty much unheard of these days. I think some of your reasons are analogous to mine. Not the carrying around though; I’m not so nerdy that I program on the go!

2011-06-16T16:01:12+00:00

I’am a 74 year old male that has seen his script quality go down over the years.. I graded at he top of my class when given penmanship course in Junior High. Now it looks like I have physical handicap. How can I find an online refresher course and practice drills.

Thanks, Tom

2011-05-26T11:15:38+00:00

Hi Felicity,

I came across this post via twitter, and I have to say: hurrah! I longhand most of my work as well, mostly for reasons you’ve stated above! My notebooks of choice are Moleskine (the small ones).

Happy writing!

Cheers,

Guido

handwork

2011-04-02T11:58:12+00:00

I can’t tell you how many people, quilters & non-quilters, have said to me regarding my hand-quilting: “Oh, that must take FOREVER!!!” And yes, it does. But I love it. I, too, value completion, but the process of hand-quilting is soothing and extremely satisfying. And slow.

Re: I am envious

2011-03-17T12:19:17+00:00

I know lots of people who can’t write even illegible cursive, only print. (Even before I started subbing and meeting lots of teenagers, I knew these people!)

I am envious

2011-03-16T13:04:50+00:00

Because my handwriting is completely unreadable, even by me, even while writing. It’s an art I lost a long time ago.