<p>Should I start brainstorming my essay with a pen or on a computer? Any word of advice here</p>
<p>I wrote one of my essays in pen. It seemed easier to keep things going, probably because I wasn’t distracted with looking back and attempting to revise previous sentences. It also felt way cooler. I was like, “wow, I’m writing an essay, at a wooden desk, under candlelight, in a non-AC room, by hand.” Very nostalgic. If you are wondering, I was in those conditions over winter break in some rustic hotel down south of the border. So, if you go pen, go all out :).</p>
<p>I like to type it. It’s much easier to shift things around, edit out a word here, add a sentence there…etc.</p>
<p>Of course, it really depends on the person. I do find that the words flow better when I’m pen and paper writing. That might also be the result of having no internet to distract me!</p>
<p>^What you mentioned, that the “words flow better” when writing by hand, is essential when just starting an essay. There is no need on a first draft to revise while writing. For a first draft/brainstorm, your goal is to get an abstract idea down on paper as quickly as possible (so as not to lose train of thought and stuff). I do think it’s better to type later drafts, though.</p>
<p>Do whatever you usually do when writing pieces for school.
I personally like to type because I type way faster than I write–so I can get the ideas out of my head and on paper faster.</p>
<p>Basically, don’t overthink it. Do whatever feels most comfortable for you.</p>
<p>I think ideas come much more naturally using pen and paper. Regardless, you should ALWAYS present a typed document.</p>