Writing can take many forms now a days. Some prefer pen and paper and others prefer word processors. I am curious what !writing@beehaw.org uses for their own writing.

For me I have used Scrivener before but found it too powerful for my style of writing. I now find myself using Google docs since it can sync to so many places and I can write wherever I go. (If anyone has a FOSS Google docs alternative I am all ears)

So, !writing@beehaw.org, what is your software of choice? If you prefer pen and paper, what does your process look like?

  • Maerman@beehaw.orgEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    My handwriting is barely legible, especially when I get excited. But I’m the only one who needs to read it, because I type it up before showing it to anyone. If you do try it, I would suggest getting a nice pen. It really makes a difference; trust me. Fountain pens are a whole rabbithole, so that might be a bit daunting. But a rollerball pen is a great alternative to ballpoints that doesn’t break the bank but writes so much more nicely.

    • Morgie@beehaw.orgOPEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      I have looked into fountain pens before and my head started spinning lol. It may be something that I need to check out, do you have any fountain pen basics or starter pens to look at?

      • Maerman@beehaw.orgEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Get yourself a Platinum Preppy, with a Fine nib. You can get them on Amazon (or, preferrably, a more ethical site like Goulet Pens) for under $10. It’s not a mortgage payment, but it writes really well, and the Fine nib is good for many people’s handwriting. I would also suggest you start with ink cartridges rather than bottled ink. The cartridges are more expensive for less choice in terms of colour, but bottled ink is a whole world on its own. You do not want to dive into that unless you feel ready.

        Also, there is now a fountain pen community on Lemmy. I am not sure what the URL is, but it should pop up in a search. You can make a post there to get some more input from people who probably know better than me.

        • Morgie@beehaw.orgOPEnglish
          2·
          1 year ago

          Thanks for the suggestion! I will check it out and look for that community.

          • Maerman@beehaw.orgEnglish
            2·
            1 year ago

            No worries. And sorry for the wall of text in my previous comment. I get excited sometimes.

            • Morgie@beehaw.orgOPEnglish
              2·
              1 year ago

              I get the same way so no worries there! I think I found one but gonna refine my searches to see if there are any others out there.

              Edit: Looks like the only one I can find is !fountainpens@sopuli.xyz

              • Maerman@beehaw.orgEnglish
                3·
                1 year ago

                That’s the one. I’ll see you over there. Good luck; I hope you find some good advice.

                • Morgie@beehaw.orgOPEnglish
                  2·
                  1 year ago

                  Just ordered the Platinum Preppy with two extra ink cartridges for $16 shipped. I’m excited to try it out when it arrived!