Try Something Different: Write by Hand

You want to hear something tragic? Here you go: they no longer teach cursive handwriting in elementary school (at least in the schools where I live, in Portland).  The thinking is likely, who needs it, since we rely so heavily on computers and their keyboards these days. But it is a terrible oversight because writing by hand is not only a pleasure but it’s good for your brain—and your creativity. 

Google “benefits of writing by hand” and you’ll come up with a gazillion articles that quote all kinds of studies that prove hand writing is good for you. A short list of reasons gleaned by a quick glance at the search results include:

 --It boosts your memory

--It results in improved composition because you have to think harder

--It lights up the brain, particularly the right hemisphere which is responsible for creativity

--Speaking of which, it boosts your creativity

--It gets you away from the ubiquitous freaking computer!

 Many accomplished writers attest to their love of writing by hand, including Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, Susan Wiggs, Mary Adkins, and many more. In my own experience, there is just something about writing by hand that takes me back to when I first started writing—and loving it—as a kid. There’s a sense of flow and wonder and being in my own little world, tuning out everything else, that I find very hard to get when I’m pecking away at my computer. For first drafts, this is a wondrous thing.

 And honestly? Anything that gets me away from staring at a screen is a win in my book.  I’m an obsessive notetaker, but lately more and more I find myself writing drafts of whole scenes and chapters by hand. I enjoy the process much more. If nothing else, a different approach keeps the brain alert and lively! Give it a try.