I used to just sit in front of the computer and type without having any pre-written thoughts on paper. Although this method of writing might seem faster, there are several disadvantages. The first thing that I noticed was the strain it put on my eyes. Then my shoulders would ache from not sitting correctly. My thought process was disturbed by the many distractions that comes with being online. I would see right away when there was new email and the temptation to leave my work was too great to avoid. After all, I thought, it won’t take long. So, I’ve read my email and now have completely lost my train of thought. What to do? What to do? Of course, I could answer the email or surf the web. I wasn’t getting any work done fast.

I bought myself an 8×11 lined notebook with the kind of binding that makes it easy to fold the pages back. I also bought a smaller notebook for brainstorming and recording new thoughts. I noticed serval advantages. I could use the margin of the notebook to write down my train of thought. I could spend a longer time writing without getting tired. There were less distractions and I could double check my work during the typing phase.