How to write by hand

So, you want to write something by hand without any AI assistance. Ok boomer. But actually it's quite fun and rewarding, so I forgive you.

Before you write anything you need an idea, the rest of this process can be ignored, but you can't really write without an idea. It doesn't have to be good, creative, or innovative. It just has to be an idea. Don't overthink it. The biggest mistake I make is waiting for the perfect idea. By that point I have no motivation left to write, so I give up before the first character. The beauty of writing is that you can go back and edit it afterward.

Once you have an idea, you should probably make a plan. You want to answer the questions: what are you writing about, how long should it be, what topics you want to cover, and who the audience is. I don't do this for most of my shorter posts, but always my longer ones.

Okay, now we're ready for some actual writing. Where should you start? Anywhere. Want to add a quirky intro comparing gorillas to sodas? I'd read that. Want to get straight to the point? Yes please. Want to start with a beautifully descriptive forest covered in a light green fog pushed along by a briskly cold wind? I'd definitely read that. Just take your time and let the ideas flow. It's much better to write something, the force the first draft to be perfect. I don't want to read perfect writing, I want to read human writing.

You're almost done. There isn't some magical gap between a finished piece of writing and publishing. It just takes a little bit of self trust and confidence. You will get comments and thoughts about your writing, and some will be negative. You'll never be able to make every reader happy and that's a-okay. My goal is to help the people ready to listen. The rest aren't worth a second thought.

Still don't feel ready? Start off small, just a few words at a time. Speed is not of the essence. You're already going at a perfect speed, human speed.