Why I’m writing out my new book by hand

Ever thought about writing out an entire book by hand? It’s probably a crazy idea. Probably one that causes a whole lot of extra work down the line. But something in me decided it would be a good idea for this project.

How on earth did this come about Nika?

If you’re wondering why on earth I’d even consider such a thing in the first place, I didn’t really. I just had this new inspiration for a book idea, and wanted to write out a scene to help me get a feel for the characters and world a bit more.

I couldn’t be bothered to set up my computer, so just turned the page in the notebook I was already jotting ideas down in and wrote this: Chapter One.

It was meant to be a one chapter event, just a writing exercise. But I found that as I started writing I was enjoying it more and more.

Not only do I love a chance to stay away from screens and all the distractions it holds, that feeling of turning the notebook page to a new leaf, starting a new page – it just felt different than hitting “enter”.

After this lovely trip into handwriting, I decided I was here for the long haul. Even after my husband reminded me of the copying out onto my computer I’d have to do later. It did not deter me. We shall see if it comes back to bite me later.

So thus I found myself at the end of chapter one, ready to delve into chapter two, and no plan of transferring onto the laptop.

Getting truly dedicated to my new love of pen and paper

Now that I’d decided to commit fully to this perhaps old fashioned scheme, I knew I needed a proper place to write the rest of the book. This half used notebook wasn’t going to make the cut.

Of course the idea of buying a brand new notebook crossed my mind. But the truth is, I have multiple empty notebooks and exercise books in storage. I was reminded of these and pulled one A4 size lined pad of paper from the box. That’d do. It has lines, and one of those somewhat sticky strips to hold the pages a little bit in place.

After returning my storage box to its place, I sat with my new pad of paper (actually not new at all, I think it was even partly used by my husband in school). After tying some wool through the holes in the left edge, it was ready to be used as my official first draft book.

I wrote On Bird’s Wings on the front and that was that. It was ready. I settled into writing my second chapter not long after.

Why writing a book by hand is wonderful

If you haven’t already been persuaded over to the handwriting side, let me romance you into belief further.

Writing a book by hand holds some cons, it is true. But the only big one I can think of is that the draft must later be copied into a word document on a computer. A somewhat laborious task I am sure.

But for that small inconvenience (ask me if it’s small in a few months time when I’m slaving away trying to read my handwriting and I might say different) I would say there are profuse positives.

Writing a book by hand is wonderful, not just because it’s romantic and peaceful and raw, but also because it’s more focused, more flexible, and easier to take with oneself wherever one should go.

I have also heard rumors of handwriting (cursive in particular) having very excellent effects on the brain. What, I am not sure, but I know it is excellent. Give it a Google.

Being able to take your simple pad of paper with you wherever you go, with nothing else but a pen or pencil is perhaps the most valuable aspect of this handwriting endeavor. It makes me smile to think that I can easily slip my book into any old bag and go off any old where to write. No power, no trying to look after equipment, no setting up and packing down. Just whipping out the paper and pen at any given moment.

The other delightful part of writing by hand which I would like to cover is the lack of distractions held by a piece of paper. Computers have endless ways to distract…googling rabbit holes, YouTubing tunnels, and a number of others. A piece of paper holds absolutely nothing, and that’s the whole point of it. It is simply there to serve you, offering itself as a blank canvas for a splendid chapter.

Writing a book by hand is wonderful, not just because it’s romantic and peaceful and raw, but also because it’s more focused, more flexible, and easier to take with oneself wherever one should go.

The things I’m looking forward to about writing my book out by hand

I have many a dream of how it will look to write this book. Some of which I hope shall come to pass.

Road trip writing sessions. This sounds amazing, sitting beside my husband coasting across the country, pen in hand, writing my story. The one thing that may inhibit this dream from becoming a reality is my carsickness which likes to show up at times. We shall see.

Writing, writing and all without screens. The fact that I can write my whole book and it be countless hours away from a screen truly invigorates me. Spending less time on a screen has been a goal of mine almost as soon as I got a phone. Hopefully this can prove a good way to spend a little less time there.

Writing, yet still social. I think most would agree that sitting at a computer is not the most social thing to do, and not something people do in a room of others who are gathered to see each other. Writing a book on paper feels less like shutting people out and more like saying “hey, I’m working on something, but I’m still very much present”. This vision may crumble when I get deep into a scene and the world around me fades away.

Being able to hold my book throughout the process. Printing off a finished draft is one of the most exciting things I do as an author. So to be able to have my book in physical form the entire way through sounds amazing to me. To be able to flick through the pages and see progress in realtime.

Join me in this wild endeavor

It seems funny that writing a book out by hand feels wild to me, when it was how all authors penned their works not that long ago. If you’d like to join me on this adventure, leave a comment below telling me your plans for how you’re going to undertake this adventure.

If you would like to learn more about writing, following big dreams, and living life with Jesus, feel free to browse more blog posts here , or contact me if you have any questions. You can also find me on YouTube at The Windy Wildflower, or the podcast at The Windy Wildflower Podcast. We talk about writing, songwriting, and being a Christian creative in all these places. I also have a free writing resource you can grab on this website here! Join me on the journey of learning to glorify God with our creativity and making dreams a reality.