Richard Hugo says to write with the tool that brings the writer the most sensual satisfaction. For Hugo, it was a number 2 pencil. He felt good putting the words on paper when he used one or two or more. Hugo liked to be prepared. He would sharpen about twenty pencils before settling into the act of writing. When one pencil dulled, he grabbed another.
Other writers might not feel the same way. Pencils might not bring them the satisfaction they brought to Hugo. In that case, they should seek other tools. They should find the ones that make putting words on paper or a screen easier. They even should go so far as to evaluate different pencils, pens, or keyboards. They need to find the tools that ease the writing process not impede it.
In my case, I use a number of writing tools. I use mechanical pencils when I write poetry or draw, and I use .05 lead. It’s the finest grade I’ve yet to find although I’d like to find .03, mostly for drawing purposes. I can be heavy-handed with pencils, a reason that I use mechanical ones instead of ones I have to sharpen. The lead in mechanical pencils breaks easily, which reminds me not to etch into the paper.
When I take notes or jot ideas in my business notebook, I use a pen. I’m not always particular with the pens attached to those tasks; I’m writing fast and trying to keep up with the thoughts in my head. If I’m writing in a journal or penning a letter, though, I’m conscious of the pen I use. I’m particular because the purpose in those activities is a little less frenetic and much more directed than when I’m taking notes or writing down ideas.
Blog posts and articles? I use my Macbook Pro. It’s comfortable. I’ve become accustomed to writing the words on the screen, mostly because I had to cut out the by-hand draft during my college days. I just didn’t have the time to write a paper by hand, translate it into print in a computer lab during lab hours, then edit it several times. Unfortunately, I think I merely have flipped the order of things. Printing out the paper inevitably results in a complete rewrite by hand, in pen.
Perhaps it’s strange to use a multitude of writing tools, but it’s a process that works for me. The different tools help me to acknowledge different writing tasks and to prepare my mind and hands for those tasks. They help me to find satisfaction in doing the work.
What about you? Do you use one tool or several? Do the different tools affect your writing process and what you’re writing?
Image: Saxon Campbell (CC BY NC SA 2.0)
I felt compelled to comment on this post, particularly because I’m so picky about my pens. My friend gifted me the perfect pen for my birthday this year: a Muji .3mm pen…found here: http://www.muji.us/store/stationery/pen-pencils/gel-ink-ballpoint-pen-hexagonal-0-3mm.html . I blame some pens on giving me bad handwriting, but this one guarantees perfect penmanship! More organized handwriting makes for more organized thoughts…imho.
elmingy You and I have a similar mindset when it comes to writing things down then. I find it helps me to exert some control (even if only imagined) over the chaos.
I have a Pilot Pen that I absolutely adore. My brother tried to steal it from me, and I told him I’d buy him one before I’d let him take mine.
Hi Erin
I don’t tend to use a pen or pencil to write any more. I miss them but technology has taken over my routine.
If I’m at home, I add ideas to the WordPress editorial calendar and if I’m out and about I use Evernote on my iPhone.
I read an article the other day about what to do if you get an idea in the shower and the types of things you can buy to write things down in that enviroment.
I’m not sure whether I’d go that far but I may regret it if that eureka moment happens!
timbo19731 I’ve tried and tried to make Evernote part of my process, but I find myself fighting with the tool. I think the idea is to find the tools that help us to be more productive and to get in the right mindset.
I often write on my desktop, but it doesn’t bring me the joy I get from writing on my blue tooth keyboard and my iPad. I love the feel and especially enjoy using it at a diner that serves bacon!
Sometimes I feel like writing with a pencil. It is slow and I don’t do it often, but sometimes I need an easier pace.
ExtremelyAvg That’s funny! I find I write faster when I use a pencil and paper. I think so anyway. It really just depends on what I’m writing. That often determines the tool.