Aim for Quality over Quantity

In this new technology era, it can be tricky to create deep quality writing, rather than just a lot of mid-grade work. We are living in a speed focused digital era, and people are pumping out endless reading material online for our readers- for free. This has led to a productive 'hustle' culture among us creatives, and an unhealthy urge to make more and more. As a writer, of course it is important to produce writing. A huge chunk of our time should be taken up by nothing but writing. But let's not lose sight of creating good work that we can enjoy in the process. So many of these hyper-productive people would also argue that a word processor is better than traditional pen and paper, citing the speed and efficiency. But fast does not equal better, and as 21st century creators, we could all stand to slow down our process. Try this next time you sit down to write your next piece. Write with a black pen and notebook paper, even though it may take more time and cramp your hand a little. Do things come out that you didn't expect? Is your writing better because of it?

Slowing Down = Better Writing

The complete written work is the goal of any writer, and their main focus should be on what is being presented to the audience. Making sure that you are proud of and passionate about your work is vital to being true in your writing. With the pressure to create, create, create, there is a danger of losing the integrity and denseness of your intentions. In The Artful Edit by Susan Bell, Bell says that writing longhand can actually be productive, "(Judith) Freeman proved that longhand can be as or more efficient than a word processor. Her editor made far fewer suggestions on Red Water, for instance, than on her previous computer-written manuscripts.... slowing down in the writing stage made her first draft more thought- out."1 Similarly, Julia Cameron writes in The Vein of Gold (a Journey to Your Creative Heart), "Writing by hand is like walking somewhere, instead of whizzing there in the car. We notice landmarks. We retain a sense of direction. (It) will show us True North and the false directions and switchbacks that have occurred, the shortcuts that saved us nothing and took us nowhere."2

Prepare to Never Go Back

As a rule, we all could do better by slowing down and going back to simpler roots. It may be outside of your comfort zone at first to work with pen and paper, but in the end you will have quality writing that is engaging and inspiring to your readers. Writing longhand should lead a writer to discover all of the exciting things they are made to write, and blossom their ideas into beautiful works of artistry. It can be tempting to produce as much as possible to keep up with the hustle culture, but the prospect of a deeper connection to your reader and your craft should be more rewarding to you. Give longhand writing a try and prepare to be shocked at the difference it makes in your writing over the years.