My Writing Mediums

Just like an artist, writers have their different mediums as well. I use three different mediums to write. The first medium is, of course, my computer. When I am at home, it is my go-to medium. I can have four or five different stories open and bounce between them with ease. Speed is also a nice advantage with the computer. I can type as fast, or slow, as I want. The only downside is that the computer is connected to the internet, which means the temptation to surf the web watching plant videos or cookie decorating videos is very real. I have to stiffen my upper lip and refuse to open Firefox, telling myself that I need to focus on the task at hand.

My second medium is a notebook and pencil. There is something about watching the words flow from the tip of my pencil and appear on the paper that makes my imagination fly! Not to mention the sound of the graphite scratching the surface of the paper that brings whatever you are writing to life. For me, there are three downsides to pencil and paper. First of all, I am left-handed, so as the words appear on the page, my hand follows and smears them. Not enough to make them illegible, but enough to cover them in a gray fog. The second downside is that notebooks are hard to tote around. There isn't always a place to set it down and write. It is nearly impossible to write as you enjoy dinner at a restaurant. And don't get me started on movie theaters. The lights are low and people are talking or munching on their popcorn before the previews even start. The third is that it is hard to bounce from one story to another in a single notebook. I know there are dividers to use, but by the time I locate the correct story and where I left off, I usually forget half of what I wanted to write. There isn't always a place to set it and write. Plus, there are many dangers to a notebook out in the real world. A spilled glass or forgetting it in a public place are two such dangers that threaten them.

My third medium is my phone. Yes, my phone. I downloaded a Notebook app and it has been AMAZING! No matter where I am (aside from the shower), I can write. At a restaurant, I can pull out my phone and write a few paragraphs as I wait for a table or my food (as long as I am not out with anyone). In the car as a passenger, I can pull up my story and continue writing. Even if an idea strikes me as I am sitting at a red light, I can pull it up and write a quick note to myself (just pay attention to the light changing). Let me state that I do NOT drive and make notes. That would be selfish and idiotic! But as a writer, I know that if I don't write the idea down immediately I will forget it. This isn't unique to only writers. How many times have you thought of something you needed from the grocery store, walked out of the kitchen to write it down, and discovered that you have no idea what you needed. A few words can do a lot to remind of my thoughts later. For example, I may type: Fight, stone, and injustice. And right there, I know nearly the entire premise of my story. (This actually describes one store I am writing now).

So, as writers, we do not have to be limited to one type of medium. Using different types of medium may get the creative juices flowing in different aspects of your story. Writing in a notebook may drive your fantasy story, or using a computer could drive your thriller, or using the phone may inspire your science fiction novel. When writing, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and use a different medium. As writers, we are lucky (or maybe cursed) because we can write ANYWHERE!