The Joys of Pen and Paper: Returning to Handwriting

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5 min readJul 9, 2020

When was the last time you wrote something by hand? Do you know that writing by hand can help you find calm in the chaos of daily life? In the first part of this four-part series, we delve into the art of handwriting, and explore the joys of using pen and paper.

Dear Reader,

How often do you notice that you actually meant to type when you said you are ‘writing’ something? Has writing by hand been reduced to a finger on a cold glass screen or a hastily scribbled signature on a cheque?

In the present day, typing has become our main mode of communication. All these typed-out messages are fired away multiple times a day. Some are carefully crafted and considered, while for others, the ‘send’ button is pressed immediately.

Even though handwriting may seem archaic or historic in our present era, we need it more than ever. And it is precisely because handwriting has endured a long time in human history that makes it one of our most phenomenal and influential inventions by humankind.

Personally, I feel connected to others when I text them. However, at times, typing doesn’t suffice. Fortunately, today’s technology has allowed me to ‘write’ a message on my phone without having a single pen or sheet of paper within arm’s reach.

Sending ‘hello 💙’ feels different when it is typed compared to writing it out using iMessage’s digital touch feature. [Image source: Giselle Lim]

Despite the convenience of digital handwriting, I feel that the humble act of putting pen to paper can never be replaced by digital means. Without the ability to hit backspace and undo mistakes, writing by hand requires a different level of focus. In fact, it takes careful consideration and thinking before immortalising thoughts from the mind in ink.

For Mental Clarity and Mindfulness

The treasured charm of handwriting is in its simplicity and slow pace. I find it easier to get ‘in the zone’ compared to typing. And, when I become absorbed in the writing process, my thoughts flow smoothly as the pen glides across the paper.

Slowing down to write can bring calmness and clarity of thought. Artist and calligrapher Barbara Bash revel in it as a meditative practice, finding joy in this mindful practice:

“When I write by hand I come under the spell of the forms and the magic and mystery of who I am and how I show up in this world — the confused, shaky self, the graceful easy moments, or the part that doesn’t know what to say next. The letters are the marks left behind, the tracks of my inner journey through this life. When I write by hand, the familiar shapes tumble out and make new combinations.”

For Cognitive Development and Memory Retention

There are many other benefits of handwriting that span across various aspects of our lives. Handwriting aids in learning, self-development, creativity, maintaining focus, and expressing ourselves:

“Put simply, handwriting is not just an analogue alternative to typing — it’s a more complete way to use the subconscious powers of the brain to create more creative work.”

According to studies, handwriting is essential for cognitive development and mental connectivity. In a meeting or lecture, taking notes by hand compels the brain to process information instead of making a verbatim transcription. In such situations, choosing the pen and paper over the laptop can help you remember things better.

At university, I’ve always felt like an odd one out because I take notes by hand. In a sea of people typing away on laptops, a pen is a rare sight. [Image source: Pinterest — Elle Woods from *Legally Blonde*]

Besides fully engaging the brain, writing by hand involves multiple senses. It’s especially tactile and I feel that one of the most rewarding parts of writing by hand is the physicality of the experience. Think of the texture of the paper, the smoothness of the pen, the smell of ink, and so on…

As an Outlet for Creativity and Self-Expression

In these times where typing has become more prominent than writing, handwriting has become a huge outlet for creativity and personal expression. At present, there is a revival of handwriting as a pleasurable activity in the form of calligraphy, lettering and bullet journalling.

Part of the attraction to these activities is how personal it can get. A handwritten note feels more sincere or personal than an email or text especially when you know someone took the time to sit down, think carefully and put their thoughts into words.

Using our hands to create something also celebrates who we are as unique individuals. For instance, there’s so much of a person’s personality and life that can be revealed by looking at the details of their handwriting. Famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh had idiosyncratic ways of writing that open up intriguing windows into their personal lives.

How has your handwriting evolved since the first time you held a pen? Practice makes perfect, but for some of us, it has been a long time since we last practised. If you’d like to get back to writing with pen and paper, or are looking to perfect your penmanship, there are plenty of books available from NLB’s eBook collection: