I started writing more on paper a couple years ago when my laptop died. When writing via computer, it was easy to jump from thought to thought, as my fingers are as fast as my mind. But, with the pen, I simply couldn’t keep up. It forced me to delve deeper into a singular thought pattern. Instead of linking independant thoughts together to make a point, I had to string one idea out until I had reached its end. It vastly improved my writing and my thinking. The one-take thought is hard for others to comprehend in conversation because of our nature of quick rebuttal. To stretch a thought in speech leaves openings for impatient listeners to jump in. That has been one of my greatest challenges. Yet, it has yielded great results. I often have realizations as I’m speaking, letting my thought grow naturally, leading me to a definitive conclusion.

I strongly urge anyone looking to improve their writing, or thought process, to do so with pen and paper.