These days, I think many have this sense that they need to type because they think faster than they can get the words down on paper. Finding ways to slow yourself down really can be wise. I sometimes type in the Notes app on my phone, purposefully, for this reason. Write a line, step away, write another line. There is something about handwriting; it's physical, of course, and so it feels more embodied. There's also the positive of not having the temptation to research (google, open new tabs), and so you're single-tasking instead of multi-tasking which is big. Putting those words down on paper can feel intentional/meaningful/purposeful in a way that gets watered down when you can just hit the backspace button without a second thought. There are so many ways that we (writers) have imposter syndrome even during the actual process of writing. As a result, we're often quickly putting on the editor's hat and starting to revise before we've even gotten the necessary first draft down on the page.
I agree with every bit of this. The idea is to think slowly and better. And to keep the poem and its possibilities open longer. And to not be tempted by google, email, FB etc.
My favorite bit? The return to cursive.
I'm excited about this, too!
No if I can convince my workshop of the power of pen and paper for first--and many subsequent drafts of poems, I will really be happy.
These days, I think many have this sense that they need to type because they think faster than they can get the words down on paper. Finding ways to slow yourself down really can be wise. I sometimes type in the Notes app on my phone, purposefully, for this reason. Write a line, step away, write another line. There is something about handwriting; it's physical, of course, and so it feels more embodied. There's also the positive of not having the temptation to research (google, open new tabs), and so you're single-tasking instead of multi-tasking which is big. Putting those words down on paper can feel intentional/meaningful/purposeful in a way that gets watered down when you can just hit the backspace button without a second thought. There are so many ways that we (writers) have imposter syndrome even during the actual process of writing. As a result, we're often quickly putting on the editor's hat and starting to revise before we've even gotten the necessary first draft down on the page.
I agree with every bit of this. The idea is to think slowly and better. And to keep the poem and its possibilities open longer. And to not be tempted by google, email, FB etc.
I'm with you on this! I almost exclusively write in cursive, and it boggles my Gen Z coworkers and friends. I hope this trend continues.
I hope so too!