When I pick up certain pens to take a message or to jot a note to myself, I get the sudden itch to write. Usually this happens when I simply don't have time to devote to literary greatness. When the opportunity presents itself, though, there are a certain amount of pages I can write before my hand gets tired, at which point I decide to do something else. What a baby. I was watching "Pride and Prejudice" (the Firth version, sounds like I'm lisping) and I noticed how many times a writer in Austen's time would have to dip their pen into the inkwell whilst writing a letter. Sometimes this happened a few times in a sentence! How did anyone write full books in those days?
How spoiled we are now, with our laptops and soft touch keyboards. How can we not write when inspired? Still, I do love the feeling of a fine pen on actual paper. It's lovely.
4 comments:
I've been trying to teach myself how to write with a glass pen and ink and I'll tell you it's incredibly difficult. But I think there's a lot of value in writing on paper vs. typing on a computer. Writing on paper somehow gives the words more weight...it's more contemplative. Whereas on a screen the Ctrl-Copy, Ctrl-Paste, Backspace etc. make everything so easy. I know some writers who refuse to write their drafts on computers just b/c it cheapens the experience for them. Anyway, I'm ranting, but I'd agree that the ink-paper version of writing is far more about the writing PROCESS rather than a flash of fingers across an automated keyboard.
As you say, "Word!" haha
Seriously, when I got the true calligraphy tools (not the cartridges, the dipping ink like the old days) it was the coolest thing. I spent hours copying my favorite poems into a book with that pen, and it was so soothing. I'm glad we have all this technology, but it's important not to discount pen and paper.
I wrote an angry letter yesterday. Felt great. Words are more meaningful when angrilly scratched on the page....
Yes! Good point!
Post a Comment