Ink and Inspiration: Why I Handwrite My Stories

There’s something about putting pen to paper that just feels different. For me, handwriting a first draft isn’t just writing; it’s entering a space where the story flows freely, unfiltered and alive. My love for journaling started young — I’d fill journals with poetry and thoughts, often sharing them with no one. My dad would take me to Barnes & Noble to pick out a new one whenever I needed a fresh notebook, and that ritual of choosing, buying, and opening a new journal has stayed with me. Today, I still reach for a hardback A5 notebook and my favorite Sharpie S.Gel 38 pen to craft my stories, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why I Handwrite My First Drafts:

Typing is clinical. Handwriting is alive. When I handwrite, I feel like I’m telling the story to myself, letting the words flow without worrying about spelling, grammar, or word choice. It’s messy, sometimes hard to read (blame being left-handed!), but it’s freeing. I’ve found it easier to get the first draft down this way — the story grows organically on the page.

My Handwriting Ritual:

I write wherever inspiration strikes — on my comfy blue couch in the garage, in the pickup line, at a coffee shop. Distractions just fall away. A cup of coffee is almost always nearby, and my favorite crackling candle (White Teak, if you’re curious) helps create a cozy, focused atmosphere. I sometimes use notecards for notes or fleshing out scenes before transferring them to my notebook. It’s a mix of structure and flow, letting the story guide me while keeping the details organized.

The Process:

I usually draft for an hour or two a day. Over a few months, I fill two A5 notebooks per story. I plot as I go, letting the characters and story reveal themselves on the page. After finishing, I type it up, using the typing as an opportunity to edit lightly, spot plot holes, and transfer notes. I add sticky notes for sections that need reworking or to mark pages I feel no longer fit.

Why It Works:

Handwriting helps me avoid distractions, dive deeply into the story, and connect with the creative process in a way typing never fully allows. The messiness mirrors the raw energy of the first draft, and that’s beautiful.

Sharing the Story:I rarely share my handwritten drafts, except sometimes with my sister to talk about a new story. The notebooks are personal, private, and sacred until they’re ready for beta readers. This privacy allows the story to grow organically and remain true to its essence.

Advice for Writers:If you’ve never tried handwriting a first draft, give it a chance. Let the pen guide you. Don’t worry about perfect handwriting, spelling, or order — the first draft is for you. Embrace the mess; there’s beauty in it. Let your story unfold naturally.

Want to see how these stories come alive? Follow along here for more insights from my writing desk, my journey with characters, and the little rituals that keep creativity flowing.