The Tyranny of the Delete Key

The process of writing, or any creative pursuit, is as varied as the human experience itself, with an infinite number of paths from a blank page to a finished piece. An unexpected truth I’ve uncovered through the evolution of my process is that the path to better writing leads through deliberate inefficiency.

This realization came from an unlikely source: joining a letter exchange group. As I began exchanging handwritten letters with members from around the world, I noticed an interesting trend – my letters possessed a clarity of thought that eluded the rest of my writing. What began as a curious affectation became a valuable lesson in writing.

I now begin every first draft on paper using a fountain pen or typewriter. Only until I begin editing do I digitize my work. Ironically, adding a specific amount of friction to the writing experience improves my output. Internalizing the idea that you can’t easily modify what you’ve written prompts deeper consideration before writing. This mental “pre-writing” results in more deliberate sentence construction and a stronger logical link between sentences. After all, clear writing only results from clear thinking.

It turns out I had been solving the wrong problem. The efficiency in writing isn’t the speed, it’s the quality of thought. Removing the safety net of the delete key forces more profound thought and, ultimately, more effective communication through fewer drafts.