Writing a book, or typing a book? The brain science authors need to know

How to be an Author

Mark Twain was one of the writers who experienced the seismic shift in technology that saw authors transitioning from wriitng their books by hand to using a typewriter, then a word processor. The celebrated author was documented as reporting on the advantages, challenges and frustrations of these new methods. Other authors embraced the technology, while some stubbornly insisted that there were advantages to handwriting.

Maybe they had a point.

Today's authors, who have more technology than ever at their fingertips with which to draft, wrtite, edit, and promote their written work, may also experience both elation and frustration as they grapple with tech.

As a writing coach with decades of experience, Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., encourages her clients to get comfortable with basic technology lest they get left behind. Authors need to know how to type, how to use a word processing program to write, edit, and format, how to create basic social media posts, how to build a mailing list, how to save and share documents, and how to maintain a basic website...

BUT...

Technology is not always the best. There is still something to be said for the old fashioned pen and paper, which is why my programs such as From Idea to Published in 6 Months and DIY author include workbook and journaling exercises designed to be done by hand.

In this fascinating episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writers will learn the brain science behind handwriting, and get inspired when it comes to adopting a hybrid approach with both typing and handwriting, as it might work best for your unique case.