Does it matter whether we type or write with a pen? I was thinking that maybe it does.When we type, we can write anything, the same as when we write with a pen or pencil. But it’s not a fluid way to write. We can go back and delete quickly. We can overthink something and not type it, whereas if we write something with a pen, we’re more apt to get it all down on paper and not leave anything out that we wanted to say, in the exact way we wanted to say it. Plus, when you type, you don’t feel as connected with the words like you do when it comes straight from your hands in the form of ink on paper. At least, I don’t. I can’t speak for all the other writers in the world.

I recently got a laptop that lets me physically write with a stylus on the screen and it is almost exactly like writing in a real notebook. And then the program can convert what you’ve written into typed text. I’d love to do an experiment where I do some writing and compare what I’ve typed versus what I’ve written with the stylus. I’m curious to see what the outcome would be. Maybe typing is a better form of writing, because you may be able to edit and rearrange more so than handwritten text. But I feel you may be missing something if all you do is type.Your brain may not get a chance to be as creative when you’re just typing. It’s weird, but at times I think my hand has a mind of its own when I write, whereas when I type, it tends to freeze up and not know what to do when my thoughts run out.

I’d love to hear what other writers think about this. Have you experienced any difference in the way you create when you type versus handwrite? I can’t imagine that there’s a study out there about this, but I could try to find one.