Leaving My Computer Behind
Sometimes decisions have to be made. I've been struggling with writing the first part of my book, mainly because it involves a lot of research and is different from my usual style of writing. I've also been paying far too much attention to my online writing, eating in to the valuable writing time I do have in my day. Things are going to have to change.
In order to move forward with my book I need to do a lot of free flow writing, which I do on paper. I need to explore a few ideas I'm stumbling over, try out different ways of expressing myself, rather than the forced writing I've done over the last week. I need to make more of a commitment.
Consequently I won't be taking my computer with me when I go to Wellington. Two days without my computer will mean any writing I do will be done in my notebook. I haven't had a total separation from my computer for a long time. But this will enable me to totally focus on my book.
I'll be back online in a few days, with plenty to report from my time in Wellington. In the meantime I shall be an old fashioned writer, writing with pen on paper.
Image Credit » Personal photo of Val Mills
Comments
BarbRad wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:07 AM
I wish you a productive time in Wellington. We will miss you, but we will be waiting when you return. Good luck with that book.
bestwriter wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:23 AM
All of us need to do this with pursuits that are hanging fire only because we are glued to our computers. Wish you well in your endeavor
celticeagle wrote on February 15, 2015, 3:43 AM
This sounds like great fun. I love to do research and I used to write all my stories by hand.
cheri wrote on February 15, 2015, 3:57 AM
I hope that you can still bring it with you so you can work on your book. I could not imagine how you can manage your writing without it. Computer or laptop is better than paper and pen, just a thought
FernandoSHA wrote on February 15, 2015, 7:19 AM
Enjoy your Wellington visit, Ms. Val! I hope you make progress with what you're writing even without the computer.
RonElFran wrote on February 15, 2015, 9:10 AM
Writing on paper is a different experience from writing at a keyboard, isn't it? I remember when I would always write out a piece on paper before typing it (remember that?) or entering it into the computer. But those days are long past for me. I hardly ever write out anything on paper anymore.
valmnz wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:02 PM
Not for me, free flow writing still does it for me 😊 there were no computers when I started writing
valmnz wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:03 PM
Thanks, I'm using the time to let a few ideas sort themselves out
valmnz wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:04 PM
Thank you, sometimes our computers need to learn they can't rule our lives
1valmnz wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:05 PM
It's how we did things, isn't it. I'm grateful I don't have to do it all by hand though
valmnz wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:06 PM
It will be more brainstorming and sorting of ideas than anything, plus a bit of library research.
valmnz wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:08 PM
I do a lot of my serious writing by first exploring the ideas on paper. I guess it's a kind of brainstorming in long form. But yes, my early writing was all by hand until I typed it up on the computer.
rosepetal wrote on February 15, 2015, 2:14 PM
Enjoy your time writing in your notebook. It never use to bother me to just use a notebook. Now, with a computer so handy, I choose the lazy route. Hopefully, the time away from the computer will help you refocus on your book.
bestwriter wrote on February 15, 2015, 7:40 PM
Writing by hand could be quite tiring. Don't you think so?
snerfu wrote on February 16, 2015, 6:54 AM
I like using a pen and paper. It is nice to write the fashioned way. I am bad at drawing though.
nbaquero wrote on February 16, 2015, 12:50 PM
valmnz Have a great time in Wellington, and yes sometimes breaking from the online world is a way to recharging our creative side. Good luck.
DarkSinistar wrote on February 16, 2015, 11:46 PM
You are braver than I am. Even when I know I will not have time to use it, I feel a part of me is missing if I get too far from my computer. LOL