The best and most effective way for me to get the most out of writing is to use a notebook and a mechanical pencil rather than sitting behind a screen. I get that it’s much easier to do the latter, but without the light emitting from the computer or even the phone screen, the mill within my head turns faster, and I’m able to think more openly without hitting road blocks. Plus, using paper is, in strange ways, more appealing for me. I do, however, copy and revise what I’ve written in my notebook down on a Google Doc or Apple Pages so I have both a physical and digital copy. But I don’t do this all the time. And because of this, I have paid the price of not keeping a backup and therefore losing hours of work. Such mistakes won’t happen again (they probably will).
As an English major, it’s easy to say that you should always carry notebooks and journals with you no matter where you go. I’ve also seen and argued the side of the less stuff you shove into a bag, the more space you’ll have for other things you might deem more important. Which is why I have two backpacks: my Doane one for school supplies and classes, and an older and bigger backpack for everyday use. Unless I’m going home for special occasions, this one sits in my room, waiting for the day of getting packed with the essentials. Of course, my laptop goes into this one as well.
I am not saying that technology is a bad thing. For those less tech-savvy than I am, it’s probably preferable to pen and paper. You may use it for note-taking. I, personally, use an AI note-taking app that listens to conversations and summarizes them, but I only use it for one class. Or you may prefer to write notes down yourself. I’ve found it easily tires my handwriting. This makes it incoherent and untidy, thus the reason I avoid it altogether.
The only reason why I don’t ever write or type on the phone is because, unlike my laptop, it’s a much bigger candidate for distractions. It’s where I get notifications the most and it’s where I usually use it for doom-scrolling on either TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or even the degenerative iFunny. Funny enough, I still use it for comedic purposes and entertainment.
I guess there are many options available for writers, whether they want to save the trees or fill the air with carbon emission. As much as I love nature, I will never let these blank pages go to waste. Therefore, for as long as they’re available, I will make story after story on the refinement of a tree. And I think that’s pretty cool.
