I have always loved notebooks….they follow me everywhere.
Sometimes songs end up in notebooks…sometimes napkins, placemats, candle wrappers, the big sister’s homework….sophisticated things like that you know. I think most writers will agree that when a lyrics or phrase comes upon you though, most anything will do. I wrote a tune off the Highway 80 album called Winter Blues all up and down my hand and arm while horseback in Canada….It’s all about what you have at that exact moment and time. (its also always handy when your ink doesn’t freeze at a very important moment!)
At Christmas time, birthdays and graduation-I am always sure to find more than one small little blue book, leather engraved lined paper filled tally-book, or a simple wire-bound space to jot-down thoughts and ideas from a family that understands how weird I am about paper.
I’ve always been picky about things to write on…. it’s funny because mostly my handwriting is so terrible that sometimes even I can’t read it. Rivaling the blasé devil-may-care attitude of a 5th grade boy, I neglected my penmanship when younger and still haven’t quite seemed to find the time to work out all the kinks….funny enough this sometimes can come in handy. While sitting next to overly nosy classmates (When I know I should be studying but I’m writing instead!) the impossibility of deciphering my scrawl affords me the ability to not have to hide my paper from said nosey fellow student. On airplanes the guy who forgot to bring a book and decided to read your writing instead will soon become frustrated and realize sleep is the best option. And although it will never win me any points for “best calligrapher of the year” it’s almost comforting to me when I write. The familiarity of touching favorite pen or pencil to paper can bring about more words for me than any computer screen could.
I know and respect so many amazing writers who all have beautifully distinct methods of writing, and I always love hearing about them.
One of the most interesting reoccurring things I hear talked about is the preference for a technologically advanced and fast way of getting the words down quick and sweet…..or an older, more thought provoking and methodical way of putting them down on paper…for me, it will always be paper and pen I think….besides, when you’re horseback-a tally book is easier to carry than a Mac! :)
Xoxo
~Adrian
Hey kiddo, I totally hear you, I also write on arms, hands, paper towels, paper bags, whatever I can grab, but do like a particular type of legal pad the most. But a few weeks ago, Waddie Mitchell surprises the whahoo out of me by sitting down with an I pad, while we were working on some projects, using it’s program. He lifted and moved and shuffled verses like a pro. Who’d a thunk it?
I have to agree with ya Adrian on the whole paper situation!!
Keep on writing!
-Ty