Do You Still Write With a Pen and Paper?

I do nearly all of my writing on a keyboard. If I’m using a pen these days it’s usually to jot notes on a Post-It or a gum wrapper or a receipt, which I then stuff in my pocket and maybe work into an essay or book somewhere down the line. If I can read it, that is. And if I can read it, if I can remember what my point was.

The other time I’ll sit down with a pen and paper is when I’m trying to break something loose, be it a lyric or a concept or a scene or a character. I just start writing and don’t let myself stop. Just get the ink flowing and keep going. Eventually something useful comes of it. Even if it’s just one line in all those pages.

Having a disgusting old green chair and grandma’s avocado ottoman helps.