Comments on: Guest Blog: On Disciplined Writing (1): How to Get Started Writing

By: J.Burkett

J.Burkett — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:36:15 +0000

Lance, Thank you for your kind comments and your question. What you suppose is what I think on the matter, namely that “pen and paper” is a symbol (technically a “metonymy”) for all tools and media of writing. I just like the alliterative phrase because “pen and paper” is so physical and easy for an audience to visualize. A keyboard serves the same functional purpose and certainly makes writing more efficient and often more effective because we can easily edit and shape our prose for an audience. This blog site seems to exemplify that idea.

When I started journaling with “pen and paper,” the process was slow and meditative, but I also crossed out many lines and pages as I condensed thoughts into phrases and sometimes verses. Now, like you, I prefer to draft in a word processor because with it we can type faster than we can handwrite and we have a backspace key. But what do we do when hiking on the Appalachian Trail? We revert to the physicality of pen and paper, which in a primitive way feels good, like now we are “really” writing. Let me add what my beloved German professor suggested: “Type your assignments because the tactile-visual medium of the computer will help you spell better.” I obeyed and now agree since my spelling did improve (a skill in which improvement is easier to notice when working in a foreign language). The typing motion plus the visual feedback on the screen has made me a better speller, for “muscle memory” now exists in my fingers so that I actually spell better while typing. That may be one example in favor of a keyboard and digital media.

You had asked about pros and cons of pen verses keyboard, which is a complicated question that someone somewhere should answer in a thesis or dissertation. Most importantly, no matter the medium, let this advice guide us: “set aside a time each day or each week wherein you just write.” You’ll be glad you did.

By: Lance

Lance — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:30:25 +0000

Mr. Burkett,

Thank you for your posts on writing. In this post you mention journaling with a pen while studying the Bible and suggest “[t]he best Bible-study tool ever invented is pen and paper.” I am curious to hear any reflections you, as an experienced writer, educator, and reader of ancient works, might have on the tools of the digital age. Is the journaling experience changed in any fundamental way by use of computer over pen and paper? Is there an intrinsic difference in the tools we use? Do the speed, form, and malleability of the digital mode affect the quality of the meditative experience? Do the media we use change the experience? What is gained? What is lost?

I, an admitted Luddite-digiphile (something akin to Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde) , would love to hear your thoughts.

By: Disciplined Writing « Radical Discipleship

Disciplined Writing « Radical Discipleship — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:29:42 +0000

[...] 1. On Disciplined Writing (1): How to Get Started Writing [...]

By: Bruce Ashford

Bruce Ashford — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:27:56 +0000

John, this is a great post. I want to follow up on your third point. I have found it helpful to read a handful of good writers, regularly, over a long period of time. This helps me to “have a feel for” their style and gives me a basic framework for how to approach writing an article or essay of my own. Also, closely related to your first point about keeping a spiritual journal is the idea of blogging one’s theological and devotional insights. Of course, not all insights should be put on an open and public blog…

Thank you for a very helpful series.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:21:18 +0000

I would just like to express my appreciation to John Burkett and the BTW guys for getting this posted. I often feel that as Christians, especially those called into ministry, we are often besieged with admonishments to read, but are infrequently called upon to write. Writing in either a personal context, such as letters, or in more public forums, such as books and blogs, forces us to exercise the information and ideas that we gather through reading and studying. It seems that too often Christians look at writing as the realm of the educated elite. Burkett encourages all Christians to write as a part of their disciplined walk with God. I can’t wait for the next installment.