Blog Hiatus Day 3

By Susan | Published: April 22, 2011

Writing by hand–unless the house burns down or my dog get’s a hankering hunger for paper, it’ll be hard to lose these words.

Of course, I always do revisions by hand. It’s time consuming, but it’s also a different way of thinking–and for me, that “different way” is the only way to solve story and character problems.

Additionally, I think it’s CRITICAL to read a printed version of you manuscript. Editing on-screen can only take you so far.

Trust me: print your entire manuscript and just watch as revisions miraculously unfold before you.

(I also stand when I write by hand. This “desk” is actually a book shelf I converted so it’s top would reach just below my chest.)

~~~~

“Tomorrow may be hell, but today was a good writing day, and on the good writing days nothing else matters.”

-Neil Gaiman

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http://theflightytemptress.wordpress.com Kat

I don’t have a printer. <_<

[Reply]
Susan Reply:
April 22nd, 2011 at 12:11 pm
I know… BOO. One day, when you’re rich and famous, you can get a printer. And you’ll be like O_O “Whoa, this is awesome.”

[Reply]
http://lo-hughes.blogspot.com Laura Hughes

I have to ask, why do you stand when you write by hand? Is it a comfort thing? Regardless, that table looks perfect for it!

[Reply]
Susan Reply:
April 22nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I sit when I type, but I’ve had a lot of back and neck pain in the last few months. As such, I decided to stop sitting whenever I could–so when I’m revising by hand or just doing something that doesn’t require my laptop, basically.

Standing was something a friend of mine suggested (her whole office uses standing desks), and I LOVE it. I make sure to wear my best shoes (Birkenstocks), and I can stand for hours–I don’t even notice it! Plus, the neck and back pain have almost gone away! I made sure the top shelf of the “desk” was at a height that didn’t require me to bend my neck.

It’s a really nice contrast to sitting at the computer.

[Reply]
Laura Hughes Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Sounds amazing! I have to sit behind a computer at my day job, so I’m totally going to give this a try at home when I’m revising!

[Reply]
http://ronempress.blogspot.com Victoria Dixon

I’m the same way, Susan, she writes as she types beside a handwritten page of paper…

[Reply]
Susan Reply:
April 22nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Awesome! I love hearing when other people use longhand still too!!

[Reply]
http://www.hddodson.blogspot.com Holly

I seriously don’t know how I’d revise if not on paper, by hand. You’re right — the paper puts my mind in a different place, and the solutions seem to jump off the page at me.

[Reply]
Susan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Yeah–I can’t NOT do it by hand! I’ve tried to save paper and do it on the computer…totally didn’t work.

[Reply]
http://brandimziegler.wordpress.com Brandi

I know EXACTLY what you mean by printing out your MS and revising by hand. I LOVE that part of the ride. It’s amazing what you see and I get so giddy making improvements that *gasp* I might not have known about otherwise. And you’re right – it can’t get lost! Yay, I’m stoked for you!

[Reply]
Susan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Barring the house burning down or my dog’s paper-hunger reaching ridiculous proportions, these handwritten revisions should be safe! And yes–it’s my favorite part of the writing ride!!

[Reply]

About Sooz

Hi! I'm Susan Dennard. I'm a reader, writer, animal-lover, and cookie-eater. My debut novel--a YA gothic mystery called Something Strange and Deadly--is now available in stores!
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