I call it old school!

I thought this week I would dive into my own writing process. I like to call it the old school process, since I still use paper and pen on my first draft. I prefer a specific pen and a leather bound notebook, and I carry it with me everywhere. My typing has never been fast, but my brain and hand seem to be at the same speed. I can take out my notebook anytime and get some words down on paper. Now, according to my 9 year old, my handwriting is in some sort of code, but I do write in cursive. So a shout out to my elementary school teachers who drilled writing in cursive in all my classes, I actually do use it! I feel I have the freedom to write anywhere, no need for power or WiFi, just a pen and a place to sit. For example, I spent my last flight working on a short story. I had four hours of sitting in a small space, and had inspiration so I got to work and got about half way through the story.
When I am done in the notebook, I get an early edit in as I type it up. I catch somethings, like a change in a name or a continuity problem, I can catch it on this first run through. I then go back to the old school methods and I print out my first draft and mark it up. I have a binder with that copy, and I like to go back when the novel is complete and see how far it has come. In the print up, I can add notes all over, and get a bit of a break from a screen. I also find reading it in print brings it to life without the distractions of the screen.
This week I take the step on my newest novel, from the first draft and add the changes I have found, and I get to see the book morph closer to a final product.
So raise a pen or pencil to the old ways, and bring back cursive!