Sunday, November 06, 2011
NaBloPoMo Day 6: Prompts
I've been participating in NaBloPoMo for past few years, and I have never needed a prompt. This year, however, I'm finding it a challenge to come up with things to write about.
For those participating in NaBloPoMo this year, do you use prompts or prefer free-writing?
For today's post, I'm going with Friday's prompt:
Friday, November 4, 2011
When you are writing, do you prefer to use a pen or a computer?
When writing, I usually prefer the use of pen and paper. Growing up, I kept a journal. I'd write in it every day even if I had nothing of interest to say.
There is something so natural about writing. It's almost as though your pen is a natural extension of your body and can connect the thoughts from your mind to the paper by way of your hand. Also, the cracking sound of the spine of a book/journal/diary and the smell of paper add to the sensory experience of writing.
A friend and I once commented on how it feels like the art of letter writing in the paper and pen form is dying. I often feel guilty about sending out Christmas/Holiday cards every year because of the amount of paper used. People don't always keep the letters or cards. Oftentimes, they just throw/recycle them anyway. To be more environmentally conscious, I decide to go with the "Save a tree and e-mail me" mindset. I received tons of criticism one year with people saying how impersonal that was and how they'd enjoy an actual letter.
I agree. There's nothing greater than receiving a personal letter written to you by a friend or family member. My mother-in-law's generation is one that keeps up the letter writing tradition and continues to share information, news, thoughts, and insights through letters.
I feel conflicted because I love nothing more than receiving and sending personal letters (by way of pen and paper), but I am in a time where everything is digital. Much of the work I do from home is on the computer. When teaching, a lot of the non-textbook activities require the use of the computer and/or internet. When working on freelance jobs, much of it is done on the computer.
These days, I find myself typing more than actually writing.
I find myself sending e-vites, e-mail, and text messages more than writing actual letters. Sadly, I sometimes even prefer texting than talking on the phone. With limited time, it's just faster.
Though I appreciate that using a computer to communicate with others is faster and often more convenient, I prefer writing with pen and paper. In theory, pen and paper would be my ideal choice, but in practice, I find myself using the computer more.
I do realize that we need to make time for our loved ones and even if it takes a little more effort, try to add a personal touch - be it through a handwritten letter or a phone call.
What do you prefer? Writing with paper and pen or computer?
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City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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10 comments:
I think that it depends on what I am writing and where I am at. Sometimes I don't have access to my computer so in those cases it's whatever I can grab to write on or with. For journaling I use a book and pen. Lists need to be on paper. Blog posts need to be on the computer either in draft for or first in word and then transferred over. In some cases on-line evites or facebook events are okay (my kids birthday party, planning out our Christmas Eve celebration) in other cases it's not (sympathy cards, Christmas cards).
Good post and use of the prompt, I haven't tried them yet.
http://educational-anarchy.blogspot.com/
Steph:
Thanks so much for popping by and commenting :)
I agree with you completely. There are some things that pen and paper are better for and other things that are best done on the computer.
I also think sympathy cards need to be handwritten. I did try the mass e-mail and family Christmas photo thing one year. It did not go over well. People wanted an actual/physical/tangible family photo and card. Needless to say, that was the only year I ever did that! LOL!
Off to check out your blog now! xo
I've always preferred pencil and paper to a computer. It seems my thoughts flow at a more natural state than with a computer. Plus I can see it in front of me. I can cross something out, still leaving a trace of what I had once written, in case I should need to pick the thought back up again. I'm not in a world of having to create written materials that solely consist of my conscience creation. My reports these days are all based on researched fact and its up to attorneys to place their opinions within them. Sad really, but I'm not a creative writer by any means.
As far as personal notes/cards are concerned, I am a total believer in the personal item every once in awhile. My Christmas cards include a picture of my husband on the card is some manner. I've noticed that when I visit the people whom I send these Christmas cards to will keep them out on display all year long due to the fact that I've place a picture on the front. Plus I hand-make all of my cards, so not only do they receive a handmade card but it includes our picture. :)
Have a great rest of your weekend! Enjoyed your post!
taylornorris.blogspot.com and my etsy store: cardsbytaylor
I meant to say a picture of my husband and I...watching football and typing comments aren't working so well this afternoon. :) Sorry for the double comment. :)
hi c - i prefer writing things like thank you cards, sympathy, holiday cards and invitations by writing/snail mail.
but yes, in the interest of time, if i want to say hello to someone, i will usually use email. for blogging, i will use the computer of course.
i don't like to text too much. i don't have a smartphone, i have a really elementary phone and it's a hassle to use text.
This is my first year doing nablopomo. So far I havent needed a peompt, but we are early in the month still.
I love writing. Letters, poetry, essays, etc. But I actually prefer typing it. My penmanship is not the best & its easy to cut & paste & rearrange. Plus Im left handed & always smear the ink all over the paper & my hand when writing with a pen.
As a teen I actually had a lot of pen pals & loved writing letters. There was no internet back then.
Taylor:
Thanks for commenting :) You make all your cards? I do some, and wish I could do more. I love the idea of making cards and giving something special to our loved ones.
Just noticed you have an etsy shop! Off to check out your blog and shop!
Canine:
One of the things I love about being friends with you is...SNAIL MAIL! I love that we send each other care packages and handwritten letters/cards every now and then. It really does make a difference when you receive something personal like that. When Little One learns how to write, she'll be sending TC letters! lol
Frau:
My brother's a lefty too! I remember the ink smears on his hand when he wrote with pen! :)
hi c- me again...i am left handed (so is TC) and i always gets smears on my left hand! it's also hard for me to write on blackboard/dry erase boards because the chalk/markers also got on my hands. what a mess!