Why I Write in Long-Hand

Yes, I write in long-hand. My family and writing friends always laugh at me when they find out. They say it's so much faster and easier to write while sitting at the computer, and they're probably right, but there are a few really good reasons why I don't change. First of all, I learned to write in long-hand. Yes, I know you can always teach an old dog new tricks, but I'm fighting this one. It feels fabulous circling whole paragraphs at a time and moving them with an arrow to where you want them to go. Crossing out entire sections can be exhilirating! And it's really fun moving things all around on paper and seeing all the changes taking place as you polish your work. Before you say anything, I do know about, and have done, cut & paste, delete, and other computer stuff; it's just not as fun. You see, I can curl up on my couch, or rock in my rocking chair with my notebook and write away! I have also been known to write while sitting in the sauna. Talk about heaven! Then after I make changes on paper, I type it in the computer, making small changes as I go along. Then, after I print it all up, I check for typos the computer didn't find, and make more changes. Back to the computer to make the next set of changes. I do this over and over until I am happy with my work.

Secondly, if you look at my very first thing I wrote in my blog, technology stresses me out! I can't seem to think while sitting at the computer. Things flip around so fast and things pop up that I don't know what they mean and I get flustered. Now, computers are wonderful, and I really like what they can do, I just don't want to have to use them to do everything. Besides, if I sit at the computer for longer than an hour, I tend to get a headache. I have tried all kinds of positions for the screen, chair and keyboard, nothing seems to help.The reason, I think, is that I have overly sensitive ears. The steady hum of the fans start to pierce into my brain and it feels like my head is in a vise. That is the true reason I can't think while sitting at the computer. I've even tried earplugs. Talk about horrible! I don't know how people can wear them. Besides, I like to lean back while I read or write, but if I sit at the computer, I tend to lean forward. True, my computer chair leans back, and I use it when I have to take a break. I lean back and stretch, popping my back in the process, and reduce the sound of the computer fans searing into my brain.

So, like it or not, until I get an absolutely silent computer, I will be writing long-hand and then typing it into the computer in short 45 minute bursts. And I'll be taking my notebook with me where ever I go as I wait for the kids: car pool, lessons, games etc. Hey, it works for me!