So Why a Paper Journal?
February 12, 2009 by B J Keltz
Why do so many journal keepers, writers, and writing instructors insist you keep your journal in longhand form? Rather than try to convince you, I’ll just give you the discussion points.
Why Paper Over Electronic?
- Physical Writing slows your thoughts; allows for reflection and better capture.
- Satisfies the need for tactile sensation of pen on paper.
- Makes journaling personal and separate from daily and computer routine.
- Never confuse journal time with “work time” or surfing time (important for those of us working on computers).
- It’s portable.
- It doesn’t require electricity or outside power of any kind.
- Paper is easier on the eyes and body than sitting in a chair looking at a screen.
- There is a closer connection to the right brain if you are writing by hand.
- Often we are less tempted to edit longhand than we are typing.
- You have a physical record of your work that is attractive and easy to reference.
- Margin doodles can generate great things.
Why a journal instead of a discount store notebook?
- It’s definitely more attractive.
- It’s much more durable, especially in the covers and binding.
- The paper is of better quality. This means less hand fatigue and a longer lasting record.
- It might cause you to take your commitment to write a little more seriously.
- It’s better for the environment than a discount “paper mill” notebook.
- Your archives are identifiable (and attractive); “I wrote in the William Morris journal in June.”
- You can develop an attachment to the cover and appearance, kick-starting the “write” frame of mind when you pick your journal up.
- Your journal should be personal, distinctive, and reflective of you.
- You and your commitment to write are worth it.
