Guest Post: "Computer vs. Pen" by Kimberly A. Bettes

There seems to be some discussion floating around the internet as to whether it’s better to write your rough drafts (or any draft, for that matter) on some sort of electronic device - I say it that way because I’m sure somewhere in a dank basement, a fella is cranking out a manuscript on a typewriter - or with pen and paper, Shakespeare style.

While it’s true that I’ve been known to write some things by hand, short stories, notes, things of that nature, my preferred method is - and always has been - computer. I started out as a teenager clinking on the keys of an old typewriter. I moved on to a new electronic typewriter, which made my life easier. From there, I found my way to my first computer and I’ve never looked back. I’m sure it helps that I type like a madman, fingers flying across the keys in a blur, but in my opinion, it’s the only way to do it.

I keep a pen and notebook next to my bed because that’s where most of my best story ideas come to me. I’ve even tried to write stories Shakespeare style. Unless they’re really short, I give up and turn on my computer. My poor little hand cramps up in a miserable attempt to keep up with my whirring mind, a challenge never won. Even as fast as I type, there are still times when my hands can’t type fast enough to keep up with my thoughts. My fingers are fast, but my thoughts are faster.

I know a certain someone (I won’t mention his name, but his initials are Brandon Ford) who says that writing by hand makes you choose your words more carefully. If he’s correct, and I’m sure he is, that would make the editing process a breeze. I see his point. I’m sure you would be more selective using that method. You’d almost have to be. But I like to write as the thoughts come and edit them out later. Plus, even after writing your story by hand, you still have to type it as there aren’t many places accepting handwritten manuscripts these days. So in the end, we’re at the same place, only I took the quicker, easier route.

I’m certainly not saying that either method is right or wrong. As long as you end up with a fabulous finished product, I suppose both methods are correct. I guess what it comes down to is whichever method you prefer, whichever method works best for you. To each his own.

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Kimberly A. Bettes, Author of The Good Neighbor and Annie's Revenge.
Available at Barnes & Noble, Sony, Apple, many other online retailers, and soon Amazon.
http://kimberlyabettes.wordpress.com