Blog post 3: "My Writing Technologies"

When I feel compelled or am prompted to write, I use a small assortment of writing tools. The tools I use most are a pen or pencil, and one of a variety of sizes and types of notebooks--each with its own specific purpose.
Often I keep a small steno pad in my pocket for important daily notes, miscellany, and as an aid to memory (as Plato predicted, my memory tends to function poorly). Paired with the pad is a cheap, retractable ballpoint, my preferred stylus. In my backpack I keep one or two larger notebooks for notes, quotes, musings, doodles, poetry, and most of my school business. I take notes for class in several 8 1/2 X 11 spiral notebooks. I also keep a number of 3X5 index cards on which I write quotes or favorite poems. These I use as bookmarks. I also keep one of those black and white marbled composition books as a book journal. When I finish a book I record the date, the city I am in (or the one nearest to me), the title, author, and original publication date. Then I write a short summary and some personal reflections. (This is designed to be a semi-regular writing exercise, but is also another memory crutch.)
At any given time I am reading several books, and I like to underline certain passages and make notes in the margins. For this I use a pencil, standard or mechanical, depending on which is closer to hand. (I do not consider this destructive. Rather, I believe this gives a book character, and besides, if I own a book, I want to feel free to really use it.)
I always have a dictionary close to hand: A large American Heritage in my desk, and a small Webster's in my backpack. This is invaluable for spelling and, of course, making sure I use the correct word to say what I mean.
Perhaps several times a month I will use e-mail, and for that a computer is necessary. Because it usually turns out to be more practical, I also draft longer writings and school assignments on the computer--handwritten texts tend to be unsuitable for submission because they can be illegible, and are rarely accepted by most professors anyway. Frequently though, my initial notes or outline will be handwritten. In addition, I have recently begun keeping a blog, and will soon complete my third post.

My tools have changed over the years in that I keep a greater number and variety of notebooks. I started using the small, pocket pad only in the last couple of years. I've been keeping the book journal since 2004. The index cards are relatively recent as well. I have been using the computer for writing since high school. However, I have always kept at least one notebook for various scribblings, ideas, quotes, and anything else I thought important.

I tend to avoid using the computer because I find it to be detrimental to clear thought, bad for health, unreliable, inconvenient, and generally distasteful. I have a fountain pen but it can be messy. I don't avoid highlighters, but I personally don't find much use for them. I would never be without a Sharpie, but to tell the truth, I really don't use it very much either.