Unable to write on a computer

[Vorago]

Don't get me wrong, I can type, it's just that I am completely unable to write something creative without writing it on paper first.

I can not start from scratch on a computer, the words just don't come out, and if they do, my sentence construction sucks.

Give me a piece of paper and a pencil and I can write for hours, sure, it needs correction and rewriting, but I don't 'choke', like I do in front of computer screen.

That's why, as a bachelor/master in Linguistics, I write all my papers and scriptions on paper first, and then type them on my computer.

Very annoying and time consuming.

Anyone else got the same issue?

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I'm the same, more or less.

I dont write out the full thing, just note form by hand, then type the full version.

[IAmTheDood]

i don't remember the last time i wrote more than two words on paper.

i'm a programmer though. lol.

[RWP]

Benny Lava has the same problem.

But seriously, not sure that is a bad thing. Computers just a part of the creative process. Embrace your need for paper.

[theshadow2001]

Originally Posted by Vorago

Don't get me wrong, I can type, it's just that I am completely unable to write something creative without writing it on paper first.

I can not start from scratch on a computer, the words just don't come out, and if they do, my sentence construction sucks.

Give me a piece of paper and a pencil and I can write for hours, sure, it needs correction and rewriting, but I don't 'choke', like I do in front of computer screen.

That's why, as a bachelor/master in Linguistics, I write all my papers and scriptions on paper first, and then type them on my computer.

Very annoying and time consuming.

Anyone else got the same issue?

It's all in your head. Your doing exactly the same thing in both cases. You've just associated writers block with a computer. So now you have writers block when you use a computer.

[DigMe]

Originally Posted by Vorago

Unable to write on a computer

Have you tried using a Sharpie?

bc

[disenchant]

Are you kidding? When I write I like a certain type of paper and a certain type of pen with blue ink.

Every artist has their idiosyncrasies. My one friend can't play bass with his shoes on. He plays all gigs in his socks. Just go with it.

[sarcastro83]

I have had the same problem... so I use these.

[heroincredible]

I find it really hard writing with pen and paper because my writing is poor. Actually, I find it really hard writing when I'm not using my laptop, which is unfortunately going to be replaced soon. I've had some excellent memories with this thing (typing up 3 ten page papers all due in a 3 day span and getting them done an hour before they were due. Or my marathon 48 page paper that I wrote in 20 hours with a 6 hour break for watching football. Got A's on all of them!).

I find it so much more convenient typing, because I can go back and fiddle with things structurally quite easily as I go along. This results in usually one draft where I make minimal changes. Then I just need to proof read and then I'm done.

[mothmonsterman]

well by default you have more experience in writing by hand so the words flow more easily on to it, or at least IMO.

[*smb]

I've only used a pen once in the last year. An empty page intimidates me, and my writing is near illegible anyway so it's a waste of time.

[hbarcat]

Writing occupies different areas of the brain than typing does. It's possible that this difference affects the creative process.

[Pilgrim]

I'm the opposite. I can type MUCH MUCH faster than I can handwrite, and that allows my thoughts to flow more freely while being captured. Handwriting is a slow process that frustrates me. It's also much easier for me to modify the text on a computer, so I can tune up my writing more easily. There's also the issue that I HATE wasting the time required to transcribe handwritten material into the computer - IMO a complete waste.

I haven't written anything of any length on paper in years.

[tZer]

OCR - If you written page can be parsed - scan it and OCR it... I could save the typing step...

[Pilgrim]

You couldn't OCR my handwriting with any device invented or that WILL be invented - and for that matter, you can't use OCR on handwriting anyway.

[Rune Bivrin]

My experience is that the ease with which you can change things around on the computer is a benefit to most people, but to some it's more of a hindrance. It prevents them from comitting to what to write, and so they just walk round in circles with what little they write, particularly when there's a stylistic requirement.

[tplyons]

Other way around for me. I write so slow that I lose my train of thought when I handwrite. On a computer, I type so fast that I often outrun my brain.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by tplyons

On a computer, I type so fast that I often outrun my brain.

I'll admit that IS a potential downside. I think that the ease of writing on a computer leads to being less considered and selective in what we write. Editing that material down is a learned skill.

[tplyons]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I'll admit that IS a potential downside. I think that the ease of writing on a computer leads to being less considered and selective in what we write. Editing that material down is a learned skill.

More revisions and editing. But less missed material.

[peterbright]

Dictation might be an acceptable alternative...try it.