When I took creative writing classes in college, I was always fascinated by hearing about how other writers write, especially the famous ones:
- Whether they wrote in bursts or whether they planned
- Whether they were sober or intoxicated, depressed or happy
- Whether they wrote at night or during the day, daily or only when inspiration hit
- Whether they were a creative and flighty artist-type or a studious hard worker
- Whether they outlined or figured it out as they went along
- Whether they showed signs of genius early or came to it late
When I got out of college and started working in publishing, I realized there is no such thing as a “writer’s” personality type or a universal system that works or anything close to resembling one best way to write. Everyone does it differently.
There’s only one thing professional writers have in common: They get the job done, one way or another.
So please don’t take this post as how I think everyone should write. This is just the process that works for me. Some of these styles or tips may be useful to you… or not! The only way to know is to try them out. Just know that there’s nothing “weird” about the way you write. As long as you get the job done you’re a writer.
Brainstorming Ideas
My biggest ideas usually come to me in a flash, and from there I round them out one step at a time. I’m drawn to high concept book ideas both as a result of my personal taste but also because in an age of great distraction I feel like it helps if you can describe your book in a sentence.
The idea for JACOB WONDERBAR started as an image of a kid trapped on a planet full of substitute teachers, and I let that basic idea guide the entire rest of the process. The idea felt middle grade, so okay, I was going to write a middle grade novel. How did the kid get to space? Well, he’d need a spaceship. How did he get the spaceship? Maybe he traded a corndog for it. Maybe his best friends tagged along, and maybe they accidentally hit a huge stumbling block on the way that was making it really difficult to get back home. Maybe that stumbling block was breaking the universe, and maybe there’s more keeping him in space than breaking the universe, maybe the kid thinks he could find his dad while he’s there.
Then I sketched out the characters. I knew the main character would be a good-hearted troublemaker, I knew I wanted a strong female character, and a timid friend who is mildly scared of Jacob. I fleshed out these basic ideas before I sat down to write a page.
And I let the plot and characters drive the voice – a little wacky, some heart, and action-driven. From there it was just a matter of spending six months writing it.
Outlining vs. Writing Blind
I’m an outliner, but not an obsessive one. I try to have a definite but still-vague sense of the beginning, middle and end of the book, and don’t worry about figuring out exactly how the characters are going to get from Point A to Point B. I always want to leave room for things to work or not work on the page and for new ideas to creep in.
Still, I turned in a three page synopsis to my publisher before I wrote JACOB WONDERBAR FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSE, and it ended up being almost exactly how the book turned out. So while I don’t have everything figured out ahead of time, I definitely write with a map.
Frequency
I’m not someone who can write every day. For one thing I’m too busy, but I also need the break between bursts of writing in order to process, brainstorm, and let my subconscious work out problems. I try to always have a sense of the challenges ahead and questions I need to figure out, then I give my brain time to do its thing in the background.
On the weekend I’ll wake up, drink a few cups of coffee, respond to e-mails and maybe write a blog post or two, and then when I’m wide awake it’s time to write. I block out all distractions, but I don’t go into isolation either: I still check e-mail and Twitter from time to time and I can concentrate with people and noise around me (except for music, which I can’t listen to while writing.)
And for the next six to eight hours, I just write. If I hit a stumbling block I force myself to stare at a blank page until I figure out how to resolve it (or I don’t figure it out, but the staring time is still useful). If I’m really stuck I’ll work on my series bible or do something else that will get me just a little bit closer to the finish line. I don’t really have time for writers block, and I really believe if you just stare at the screen long enough you’ll figure it out.
While I was writing JACOB WONDERBAR FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSE I was often writing both days on the weekends and very rarely took a day off, but that ended up being too much for me, hence my new search for more balance. Now I try and break up my weekend with one day of writing and one day of doing something fun.
Location/Materials
I can write anywhere as long as I have a laptop and a couple uninterrupted hours. I usually write on my couch in my living room, but occasionally I’ll go outside or to a coffee shop. I don’t have a desk.
I write on a MacBook Pro on Microsoft Word, unless I’m traveling, in which case I’m writing on my iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard and the Pages app. I don’t own a printer and didn’t touch a piece of paper related to my manuscript until I got ARCs.
Motivation
I gotta be honest, I don’t always like the writing process. I sometimes find it tedious, and there are many times along the way I’d rather be doing something else. I’m drawn to that old phrase, “I don’t like writing, I like having written.” When it’s going well it can be really fun and I still enjoy it overall, but I’m honestly a little suspicious of people who think writing is always a blast. Because it’s really hard!
I struggled quite a bit with the “Am I Crazies” and the “Am I Really Good Enoughs” while I was writing JACOB WONDERBAR, and that was probably my biggest stumbling block. But I powered through because deep down I really believed in the idea and knew I’d regret it endlessly if I didn’t try and do it while I had the time to do it.
What gets me through the tough stretches is that feeling of looking back on something as hard and time-consuming to accomplish as writing a novel and being proud of the result of your effort. That’s what keeps me going.
Chapter Philosophy
I tend to write short chapters (3-6 pages double-spaced) that are focused around something happening. I try and map out my chapters in the same way I map out the novels: They have a beginning (hopefully with a hook or some piece of action to engage the reader and center them in the action), a middle section with conflict that builds toward a climax, and an end, which is usually either a pithy or sentimental moment, or possibly a cliffhanger.
Again, this is both borne out of my own taste, as well as my philosophy about reading in an age of distractions. I also have to consider my audience: 8-12 year olds aren’t exactly known for their lengthy attention spans, but keep them engaged and they’ll stick with you.
Miscellaneous
- I try to avoid adverbs and non-said dialogue tags (but don’t always succeed)
- One of my weaknesses as a writer is that I have a tendency to rush through scenes and have to remind myself to slow down and flesh them out
- Working out and taking showers does wonders for unlocking ideas
- Whenever I come back to writing after an absence I have to accept that the first day back isn’t going to be very productive
- I don’t write to a particular daily word count or even keep very close count of what I’ve gotten done. I just write as long as I can and power through when I’m feeling tired. I do try to leave off while there’s still some material left to be written in a scene so I can easily get back in the rhythm the next time I pick up.
- When I have an idea just before I’m falling asleep I force myself get up and write it down, otherwise I’ll only remember that I had a really great idea that I can no longer remember, and it will drive me crazy.
And when in doubt: space monkeys.
Whew! That’s my process, and I’m happy to answer questions about it (though please allow a bit of time for a response).
Also: What’s your writing process, and what works for you?
Need help with your book? Iām available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and consultations! And if you like this post, check out my guide to writing a novel.
Art: Still life with books by L. Block
David Kazzie says
Couldn't agree more with this: "I don't like writing. I like having written." So freaking accurate.
magpiewrites says
Nathan! Talk about peeling back the curtain to see how the Wizard does it! This is amazing insight – thank you!
Laurel says
I've done the "by the pants" thing and paid for it in revisions. Now I like flexible outlines. I also like accountability, like a crit partner who is expecting a chapter. It keeps me honest.
I have one habit that I know isn't unique but doesn't seem universal, either. I'll write out backstory that I know will not go in the book. If I don't have backstory on the characters, they read two dimensional. So for a 90 K book, I've usually invested 140 K in words. Not counting revision.
Elie says
If I can wake up and start writing, in pyjamas, that's the best thing in the world, only improved by a huge mug of tea.
Initial ideas are hand written in notebooks and on scraps of paper, and very soon I move them on to a mac.
I used to write without structure, but I have to admit things run more smoothly with an outline, and I'm always by amazed how different the editing process feels on paper rather than on the screen: it's almost like reading a different story.
Fadzlishah Johanabas says
It's good to know there are published writers out there who DON'T write every day!
Awesome post, great insight. I hope the book will come out in Malaysia.
Nancy Lauzon says
Thanks, Nathan, very interesting how everyone finds their own way. I start out by writing a flexible outline which changes as often as I need it to. I really hate writing first drafts, there's so much pressure, and plots are my least favorite thing. California writer Annie Lamott says you should give yourself permission to write a shitty first draft, and that really helped me. Just get it down, and then revise the crap out of it. I actually like the revision/fleshing out process the best, since I can just be creative and don't have to worry about where the story is going.
Mr. D says
Interesting how different writers have different methods. I've written three books now, and I've used a different method for each one.
As for when do I write? Every spare minute I can.
Kayeleen Hamblin says
"They get the job done, one way or another."
This describes my writing routine exactly. I'm a mom with three small kids. Some days, I don't get to writing at all, but I know I'm a writer because I keep coming back to it.
Teralyn Rose Pilgrim says
This was really helpful. Thanks!
Tana Adams says
I loved this! And yes, when in doubt space monkeys.
I work from a loose outline. A part of me still needs to pants, but just a small part. š
Austin says
I'm an outliner. I outline the premise, the acts, then the chapters. Then I follow the map, taking detours and scenic routes when necessary. I detailed my process here on my blog.
I also write in bursts and try to leave time to let my brain process things. Since I'm also an artist I find helpful story ideas pop into my head while doodling. In fact I think flexing a different creative muscle is incredibly helpful when it comes to writer's block. I work as a copy writer by day, and I'll often pause and doodle a picture on a note pad if I feel my writing creative tank emptying. Also, like you said, working out and showers are good too. Most of my last book came to me while training for a half-marathon.
Thanks for sharing Nathan!
Katie Mills says
Thanks for sharing your methods and writing habits! I find I do a lot of the same- especially the writing on the weekends (on my couch). I can bock out most noise and my kids have to say 'mom, mom, mom' about ten times when I'm really into it;)
Anonymous says
In writing a zany sort of fantasy, do you have an advice about maintaining believability while essentially violating the rules of reality?
For example, do you ever have a moment where you think that the philosophical ponderings of a whale plummeting to its demise are totally believable but are perhaps a little iffy about a computer being able to reconstruct a cup of tea based on a verbal description?
ce says
If you are worried about the philosophical ponderings of a whale not going over with an audience, just read “The hitchhikers guide to the universe”. Those are good books, well received, and even made into a movie.
Erik says
I love getting a peek at how other writers write. It helps to know that everyone does it differently. That way I feel less crazy. One thing I'm trying to work on is not editing too much while I write. I need to throw the mental red pen across the room sometimes and just let the words flow.
Roxanne Wilder says
Your blog is such a great resource! Thank you. Much of your process is similar to mine. However, a while back I read that the optimal amount of time for a human brain to focus is 90 minutes and then it needs a break. So I go for ninety and then jog or phone calls for 15, and then back to writing. Couldn't agree more about working out and showers. For me jogs, showers, coffee = ideas. I like an outline to be organized somewhat, but loose enough to allow for chaos and surprise.
Nathan Bransford says
anon-
I think it's more important to be consistent within the rules you've established within the world you've created rather than making things strictly believable. If you have a wacky world you have a little more leeway for "cartoon physics" because it feels consistent with that world. If the world were more sober and realistic you wouldn't be able to get away with stretching things quite so much.
BellaVida says
I also find it interesting to read about other writers and their process.
Fav line:
There's only one thing professional writers have in common: They get the job done, one way or another.
Beth Navarro says
Thank you for posting this! I am also facinated by other's processes. I write everyday at my very not exciting, falling apart, IKEA desk (this I must remedy). I write during my girls nap time in the afternoon. I find since I've become a parent I get way more done since I only have a small window to do it in. ALthough I have to force myself to only use that time. If I have an idea in the morning it is so tempting to just write and ignore my wonderful kids! So I caryy paper with me everywhere and write it all down until my office hours. I outline though sometimes I feel too married to it and feel like it holds me back.
Kim Batchelor says
About two years ago I was driving at night listening to Celtic music on the radio and learned of the very bleak side of "fairies" (songs of captive women, kidnapped with their babies, singing from caves to their loved ones). I then thought, "What if there's a girl who finds out she's half-fairy?" and the story began. Only after it was finished did I find the comments of many agents that they're "tired of fairies." Oh, well.
Distraction is the biggest enemy of my writing, but I take time most lunch hours at work or just after work to write–read the chapter I'm working on from the beginning, sometimes the chapter before to the point I begin writing, then leave off where I can easily pick up again. (One suggestion I've heard: stop mid-sentence.) I also like to read well-developed drafts outside my home: e.g., on a plane or in the library.
Nicole says
Great post, Nathan! I'm also a huge fan of the "stare at a blank screen until the answer comes" approach. I've found that screen-staring or day-dreaming are often my best brainstorming times. Even if the answer doesn't come in those hours staring at the screen, it usually does hit me within a few hours of walking away. I think our brains just sometimes need that processing time to click into a fabulous fix for our plot or language. I count it as time well-wasted. š
KAWyle says
Nathan, I heartily second your advice to get out of bed and write down that idea that comes to you when you're falling asleep. I have a pad right next to my bed so that I don't have to haul myself all the way out! Some of my best ideas pop up when I'm in that half-asleep mode.
Like Erik, I try to silence my internal editor when I'm writing a first draft. And like Nancy, I enjoy letting that editor loose once it's time.
Barbara Kloss says
Wow, I really enjoyed reading all of that. Thank you for sharing! It is always helpful to see how others write, and I found your method very encouraging.
Sometimes I feel like I can't start writing because I don't have those details fleshed out yet, but inevitably they work themselves out when I'm in a scene. (I also sit on the couch with my Mac. There's a permanent divot in the cushion.) I also have the same issue – forgetting to "slow down" in the midst of everything.
And you are right – working out (running for me) and showers seem to be a constant in figuring out "issues".
Looking forward to the rest of your week in blog posts!
Josin L. McQuein says
I can't imagine writing paperless. Even with editing on screen, I've found so many more mistakes or places that could be tightened by printing the pages out and threatening them with a red pen.
Ted Cross says
My style is very close to yours. I kept nodding as I read along, especially about getting up before falling asleep, and not fully outlining even though my mind has come up with a pretty decent idea of where it all will go.
Kevin R. Bridges says
"As long as you get the job done you're a writer."
That's wonderful, and I'm considering putting it on my wall. It's much better than my previous philosophy:
"If you don't write every day, you're a dumbass."
I don't write with any kind of outline. I might sketch one out if I'm just uber-excited and want to do something, but I generally can only see about a chapter ahead, if that (though there is generally one, or a few, moments that I want to get to, in one way or another). I usually think of the ending as I write it. It's all very exciting and surprising, like reading a book.
Also, I blare an Offspring playlist in my headphones when I write, to block out the world around me.
Stephanie {Luxe Boulevard} says
I like that you started with an image-idea. I started my MS that same way. For two months last summer I had one solitary image in my head. (I intend to get it tattoed on my upper thigh!) It was an exact image, but vague just the same, and I didn't know what to do with it. Then, after two months, one of my protagnoists appeared from it. From there it was one bit of research leading to another that brought everything to life.
Munk says
You and I have a very similar writing method. The major difference is that though I do find writing hard, I really like the process. Perhaps it is my hatred of selling it, or perhaps I just like hiding, I don't know. But, I can say that on good days I have lots of little celebrations.
Each time I find a new and better way to say what I mean, I thrill a little.
Kathryn Packer Roberts says
I'm so glad you said you don't have a writing schedule. I get pretty discouraged when I hear people say you have to write every single day or you basically have failed. I go in stints. I may take a week off because life happens but when I come back I write about 4-6,000 words in two days, getting everything out that I have been thinking about (because you are always thinking about the plot whether you are writing or not). And I find that if I am writing every single day, after a while my brain turns to mush and I can't think of a thing or it all sounds the same or I'm just plain old not inspired. So, I need to relax. Plus, I read a lot in those down times to recharge and learn from others. Which opens me up to knew ideas or ways of writing. Very helpful. Always.
This week is going to be great. Can't wait to hear more from you on your writing process!
Chris Phillips says
"I don't like writing, I like having written." Hadn't heard it before. LOVE it. I can't write anywhere, I need to be home. I do listen to music most of the time when I write and sometimes my characters blurt out "Never say never" because of it. I sometimes wear a propeller beanie while writing and alcohol makes writing easier but editing harder.
BP says
SPACE MONKIES! Aha! So THAT'S your secret! š
Rane Anderson says
That pose for 8 hours? I guess you can type one handed? hehe
Mercy Loomis says
Fun post. I'm always curious about other people's processes as well.
My first novel was completely no-outline, and has involved the cutting and rewriting of several hundred thousand words by now. I'm experimenting with other methods on subsequent work. I have a novella that was not formally outlined but basically had a loose framework, and that went pretty well. I'm working on a YA that is also completely no outline, basic concepts but no real plot points set in stone. I'm having fun with that one, doing things like *add description of city here* so I don't get bogged down in the details on the first draft. It's already made one huge plot turn that I totally wasn't expecting. And I have another novel that I want to try plotting using lots of colored post-it notes on a whiteboard. It's a method I used during my current novel's revision and it was really helpful. (Hoping to get a blog post up about it this week, if I can get my husband to get my pictures off my phone.)
I've tried doing regular outlining and I can never get it to work. Usually before I start writing something I get a basic premise, a couple of characters, and a setting, and I shake up all the bits in my head until enough bits stick together that I can make a story out of it.
Victoooria George says
I have a confession to make. Iāve always insisted to those around me that I can write anything. After all, Iām a writer, am I not? However, this isnāt true. May all the gods of writing please forgive me, I have never been able to craft an outline. I think this makes me what they call a āpantsterā. When my story begins, there is a definite direction that presents itself and I can see where I want it to end, but I donāt know what will happen any more than anyone else does until I get to the next page and I like it this way. Because this is what is comfortable for me, I rely on my story to tell me when itās time to write. Iām not always writing a novel, but I am always writing. And, on rare occasions when ideas are not churning in the ether around me, I can always fall back on my many grammatical errors that need correction, query letter crafting and hours of self doubtā¦erā¦meditation, to keep me focused on my writing every day. I am, as yet undiscovered talent but I believe that this is what will ultimately work for me. PS ā I plan to claim this post as publication to shut my family up. If my mother calls you, just tell her youāve read my work. Thanks!
Cynthia Lee says
I make it up as I go along. I have a misty idea of the beginning and end but that's it.
I actually like the writing itself, even on the crappy days when I hate every word in the English language. I love the quiet (I write very early in the morning) and the feeling of my mind going quiet and focused. Whenever I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed by real world stuff, I imagine myself sitting on my bed, writing on my laptop as the sun comes up and I feel better.
Stefan says
This was some nice reading and I must say, I can see myself in a lot of what you said(wrote). And the Shower, isn't that the best place ever to go to when lacking of inspiration? I was almost on my way to buy a waterproof computer just because when I finally had gotten out of the shower and toweled myself the ideas were lost š Anyways, I haven't read any of your books and I don't know of you in any way, just stumbled in to you on Twitter… and if anyone of you feel like it, check out a few of my poems at https://www.nattstad.se/MALEMUSE
TL Conway says
Thanks for giving us a tour of your process! There's something calming about knowing you don't keep a rigorous schedule or stay slave to your word count. It makes me feel like there's a shot for me after all!
My process? I have a working outline before I start writing. (I need to get going on that series bible you suggested!) I'm most "in the zone" when I'm away from my couch, tv, and kitchen. So, I hide away in my study with classical music to provide background noise and I start writing in hopes something decent comes out.
Matthew MacNish says
Wait. So after all that, it turns out that you're human?
Who would have known. Still, this is all very interesting, can't wait to hear more!
D.G. Hudson says
Thanks for sharing your process, Nathan.
My writing process is a lot like yours:
I jot down ideas all the time and retain them in one file online
I map out loosely from beginning to end with space for growth in the story (keeps me on the story arc)
Writing in chapters a bit at a time, especially if I'm having trouble with another chapter. (It keeps the ideas flowing.)
I write something everyday, but on some days I wallow in editing, not liking any of it. I just get another coffee and look at something else in the book I can do like sketch out scenes, remind myself of how I want the characters to react, etc.
I have a space to write, a sort of desk with a lamp, a laptop, helpful books and notes galore, I have a file bin for writing info, keeping track of submissions, and I face a window (so if I get tired of looking at the screen, I can look outside and imagine that other world). I can shut the door if I need to.
I need quiet to write, no music, no other distractions. Working out is great for allowing the mind to simmer.
Like you, Nathan, I think being able to craft a novel is an accomplishment in itself – it shows tenacity, willpower, and persistence. Then the second part of the hard work kicks in – getting it published.
If you stare at your screen long enough — will it suck you in? That is the question…(yes, images of Tron).
Looking forward to your next posts and all the reader comments.
Emily S says
I write when I can…like a lot of writers, I have 2 kids, a husband and a day-job. I was scheduled to go away all by myself (weeee!)this week on a writing "sabatical" but, life got in the way. I've rescheduled it for the fall. In the mean time, I will keep writing whenever I can.I like to write at home in my office with a pot of coffee on my left. I write at work (in a call center for a major insurance company) on Sunday mornings when its slow.It makes feel like I'm getting away with something! I really prefer to write when my kids are otherwise occupied/cared for because I totally neglect them when I'm in the groove.
Thanks for sharing your process, everybody! I am working on my first novel and connecting with other writers is helpful!
Tofu2 says
Loved the post. I totally think its fascinating to hear how other people do the job. I particularly liked your line about how working out really helps to unlock ideas. As a runner who solves plot problems while on long runs, I couldn't agree more.
Sommer Leigh says
Thanks for sharing your process with us Nathan!
I don't have a set time every day, but I usually do some writing every day, even if it is for me to stare at a blank screen (or the wall) for a couple of hours before deciding to go to bed.
I can write anywhere so long as it is on a laptop. I long ago lost my ability to hand write anything longer than a post-it note.
Will says
Very similar to my writing pattern, though I still need to kick the habit of adding adverbs everything…indubitably.
Javid Suleymanli says
great post. I like your tips š
https://javidsuleymanli.blogspot.com/
Brendan Gannon says
Wow, what a comprehensive description! It's nice to see that you don't write every day. So many people giving writerly advice say "write something every day, regardless of what it is or whether it's any good." Good advice, but sometimes there just isn't a spare hour to be had.
Samantha Manzella says
It really is fascinating to see how other writers write, isn't it? I loved this post, and I have to thank you for including all the links to posts that elaborated mentioned things. The series bible mentioned here sounds like a fantastic idea I might have to try.
Oh, and that quote? So true. Writing isn't always the most fun and lighthearted thing in the world, but it's definitely one of the most rewarding in my eyes.
Bryan Russell (Ink) says
Fascinating. Let us say that our writing processes are not very similar.
Must be something to do with the influence of the Sacramento Kings.
And I feel the sudden urge to write a blogpost…
Cambria says
I cannot write with an outline. It makes me stress out, I feel like I have to write it the way the outline says and often times my characters have other ideas. So I start with an idea-usually a flash of the main character doing something in my mind(my newest series is on a girl who had been disfigured and couldn't remember how she got that way)-and I go from there. Alot of times i will stress half way through the book or right at the beginning and think how will I fill all these pages?? But ya know, my characters always surprise me. I have written 8 books now and the process is always a little different. Up until this last book that I wrote I never wrote the chapters in order. A lot of times i wrote the first chapter and then would see the end in my mind so i would start at the end and work backwards. Then when i burned out on the end i would go back to the beginning and work until there was just a big space in the middle to fill in. It worked for me but it made me crazy!! I was so scatterbrained. lol. This last book I just finished I made myself write in order and even labeled the chapters as I went. I thought it was going to be hard, but it worked out!
Hearing how other authors write is fascinating and I think it is a personal thing that only a fellow writer can understand.
Ella Schwartz says
I am so so so glad you said that you don't love the writing process. I read so many authors who equate writing with pleasure. Some say things, "I have to write like I have to breathe". And I say to myself, really? I simply do not feel this way. Sure, I love dreaming up stories. I love the make believe words I create. And I love the finished work and only hope one day someone will want to read the fruit of all my hard work. But do I love the writing process? Well…no. When I read people talk about how writing = life I begin to doubt myself as a writer.
Writing is HARD!
I write in a similar way as you do. I don't have a desk either. I tend to write on the couch or at my kitchen table.
And you are so right! I come up with my best inspirations in the shower. Sometimes I completely lose track of the time. Only when I run out of hot water do I realize I have been in the shower so long!
I really look forward to reading your posts for the remainder of the week.
And yeah to Jacob Wonderbar!!!
Karen Peterson says
Nathan, thank you. Thank you so much. I sometimes feel like something is wrong with me because there are a lot of times that I just don't want to write because it feels tedious. I am SO glad to know I'm not alone.
Anonymous says
I completely understand, when you said you want to know how other writers write. I try and do the same.
I've found that writing long-hand is the best for me. It is tedious and makes sharing the latest chapters with my reading group more difficult, it works, at least for now. There are a couple of reasons why I've changed from writing directly into the computer. First, my brain is faster than my hands flying across the keyboard, and because I can't spell for the life of me, it's easier to write it out then type it out, plus spell check sucks! But, the main reason why I switched to handwriting is to force myself not to edit as I go. I found myself, when I would transcribe what I wrote, that I would edit as I was typing, and i was concerned that it mess it the continuity of thought.
I'm also a night person, so most of my best writing doesn't happen until after 1:00 am.
Hope the post wasn't too long.