Link: https://blogs.ubc.ca/etec540gregpatton/2021/02/07/task-4-manual-scripts/

In Greg’s reflection on the Manual Scripts task, he talks about how he usually writes by hand as it allows him to express his thoughts faster compared with typing. This extends to his formal writing that is completed on a word processor, but starts off as handwritten rough drafts. He also mentions that he has a favourite pen to write with (one gifted to him by his in-laws) and that he likes having a physical copy of his work in his hand when he completes a piece of writing.

I really resonated with Greg’s reflection and his preference to work with the medium that helps him achieve his tasks faster. For Greg, it is by writing rough drafts with pen and paper, and then converting those over to a digital form. For me, I tend to produce written works quicker with typing, so that is generally my go-to. That’s not to say that I can’t handwrite quite quickly, but the fact that I would then need to retype anything I’d written would likely make the process feel redundant and too slow. At the same time, I’ve always wondered what methods I would take if I were to delve back into the world of fiction writing. I like the idea of creating rough drafts by hand that can’t be easily be edited as a way of just pushing out a lot of content and getting the creativity flowing. It can be so difficult when typing to create content because its too tempting to initiate the editing process immediately before full thoughts have even been formed. Reflecting on this making me curious as to how much Greg edits and alters his work when he converts his rough handwriting into what he refers to as his formal writing.

I also really appreciated the romanticism that Greg has for physical copies of books and other writings, and the fact that he has a favourite pen. Though I don’t have a special pen myself, I have definitely had my preferences over the years, and I actually have a favourite kind of paper that I often buy in large quantities. Just like typing with a keyboard that you aren’t quite used to, the type of pen and paper that you’re working with can make a world of difference. If the pen I’m attempting to write with doesn’t glide the right way, or if the paper doesn’t have just the right firmness and thickness, then I’m off in search of something that will do the job better. If you try to hand me a pencil for anything larger than a grocery list, I’ll be up and hunting for a pen within seconds (or just whipping out my laptop).