The Enduring Value of Handwriting in the Digital Age

Today, I wrote a thank you note and a check. It’s a very uncommon day for me as I rarely use paper to write these things, preferring the convenience of digital payments and online correspondence.

Writing by Hand: A Time-Honored Tradition

While technology has certainly made our lives more convenient, there's still a lot to be gained from writing things by hand. For instance, I jot down notes for jokes and sometimes write entire books in this manner before having someone else type them up. Many authors I've spoken to mention a similar practice. Writing by hand, it seems, is far from dead, despite what tech lovers might claim.

Personal Note-Taking: Practical and Heartfelt

I make short notices for myself and family occasionally. We have a family calendar on the fridge where we pin up fliers and notes about upcoming events. Handwriting these notes helps me remember things better and makes the process more personal. For example, the last time I had a complicated meeting with a voluptuous blonde and a cute redhead, jotting down key points helped me keep track.

A Relic of the Past? Not in My Book!

Despite the digital world we live in, I still enjoy writing by pen and paper. About two months ago, I attempted to start a pen-pal relationship with my grandchildren. Despite my initial reluctance, I still love receiving and sending letters. There’s something special about letters that stand the test of time, unlike emails which seem to vanish as soon as they’re received.

Pen and Paper in My Daily Life

Every day, I use a pen and paper. I enjoy doing crossword puzzles in the newspaper and always use a pen for these puzzles because I don’t have pencils. Even today, right now, I use a pen. The other day, I wrote a list of chores and also jotted down the titles of books I want to read. These simple acts bring me joy and a sense of accomplishment.

A Personal Note

A couple of days ago, I used a pen and paper to record more of the story I’m working on for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which requires a writer to draft 50,000 words in a month. Although I share my thoughts here, I usually don't share the actual content for fear of someone stealing my work. So, that’s about all I have to share for now. Until next time, keep writing!