: Should I start writing on paper first or start directly on the computer? If I have an excellent idea for a story, would it be wiser to write on paper first or start directly on the computer?

I think you can use paper just to point some ideas. I mean, PC is usefull today, especially in writing. Ex: you can fix something without effort.

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I like to write on paper first because it's more difficult to edit.

I write on paper when I'm away from my computer (and the most significant advantage of paper, of course, is that it's possible to bring it pretty much anywhere - I've even been known to write in the bath, on occassion, which I'd never dare do with a laptop, but I digress...).

In-between writing on the paper and getting a chance to type it up, I have a period of reflection, wherein it's not really practical to make any major changes to what I've written.

Sometimes I consider what I've written from memory, sometimes I have to re-read it, sometimes a little of both, but the end result is the same. By the time I come to type it up, I already have a fair idea what's wrong with it and where, and what I type up is almost always a significantly improved version.

Whether or not this approach will work for you, of course, is a different matter. As can be seen from the other answers, this is a very personal thing, and you'll find the normal workflow from one person to the next may differ drastically.

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I always write on the comuter because frankly, I can type about as fast as I think. The same cannot be said for writing with a pen.

If you can type, there's no reason to start on paper unless you're just jotting down random notes etc.. which are easier to scratch out or just doodle.

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Depends on you. What are you more comfortable with writing? Which way you can avoid distractions better? Or which gives you enough distraction to get inspiration or overcome writing block if needed (if it helps)? I think you should try it out, if paper or computer, or a mix of both works best for you. Sorry, that I cannot give a simpler answer here.

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For writing fiction I always start on paper (with the unfortunate disadvantage of typing it later).

The reason for using paper is because the computer is a distraction and it's harder to become fully engrossed in the story I'm spinning. The temptation to jump on the internet is far too great. The importance of getting into a zone of creativity while writing far outweighs the negative of retyping later.

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I would recommend to just go with what you find most productive for yourself, but since you wanted a list:

Paper:

Pros:

Can be used almost anywhere
Cheap, simple, reliable
Easy to arrange how you want it
No sudden data loss (unless actually lost)
Lets you draw a little sketch on the side
Won't die on you if it gets a bit wet
Probably wont get stolen

Cons:

Can cramp your hands faster
Harder to edit
Often doesn't leave room for inserting new things in the middle
Increases in bulk over time

Digital:

Pros:

Insert, update, rearrange (or the dreaded delete) at any place in the document
Quick access to spell check, dictionary, thesaurus
When combined with something like Dropbox, all your internet-enabled devices can be used

Also works as a backup

Instant word count
Can format it right then and there (if you're into that)
Instantly sharable over the internet
When combined with a Version Control System (Git is a favourite of mine), it's easy to branch/fork/draft a story in multiple directions.

Also lets you share and edit with multiple authors easier

Cons:

Need to keep a device on you and charged up
Distractions said device can bring along with it
Can sometimes be a little too helpful (red squiggle invasion!)
Gives you too many formatting options to waste time on
When it's gone, it's gone! Backups might not always be there
Inadvisable to use in wet environments
Could get stolen
Microsoft Word is a terrible file format (don't use it!)

I myself prefer digital (Dropbox + iPhone!), but YMMV.

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For me, the advantage of using paper is that I often make rash editing decisions early in the process, and lose things I may have wanted to hang on to.

Using some sort of version control might be an interesting solution to that particular problem though.

The other reason I use paper is that it forces me to go over the text at least once in order to find major problems while entering it into a computer. I suspect a more professional writer than I would be doing that a few times anyway, regardless of which medium he or she started on.

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