I used to do all my writing on my computer. All my notes and drafts are stored in my Obsidian vault. But when I was stuck, looking at the blank screen did not help. I was clicking around, tweaking layout instead of writing.
This happens easily.
Working on a computer screen pulls you into premature editing, notification hunting before an idea even has legs. Time is spent managing the tool instead of doing the actual thinking.
Austin Kleon's Analog Desk and Digital Desk setup resonates with me. He keeps his physical workspace split into two, one for raw thinking, one for the polish.
I don't have the same physical Analog/Digital setup, but I have built a habit for it.
Here's what I do.
I start with a physical notebook. I write, I scratch things out, I draw flow charts, or just random sentences, until an idea is formed. I finish my first draft on paper.
I use my own LTN Capture app to transcribe my writing into digital form. You can use any AI chatbot like Gemini or ChatGPT to do the same.
I edit, format, and fact check all details of my draft on the computer.
The simple habit of starting on paper helps me to focus on thinking and forming the structure of my work without digital distraction.
Just another coffee thought from Gav.
