Hard Decisions

Pen or pencil? Screen or paper? Coke or Pepsi? Writers have to make a lot of choices. And while people are curious as to what's best when it comes to platforms, writing utensils, and the great paper/screen debate, I can only answer their questions with what works best for me. 
​I started writing my first book in a notebook. I was ten when I started, and I remember sketching the single illustration at my sister's kindergarten graduation. I also remember walking dogs and saving money to buy my own computer, because my notebook was a pain in the butt. My grandmother actually bought me my first computer--a purple HP Pavilion which faithfully served its purpose for six years.
​I prefer writing on computers for multiple reasons. It's faster to type than it is to write, it's a whole lot easier to edit your work, and it's easier to share with others. I'm not picky when it comes to my choice of computers. I currently use a Dell Inspiron. It's nice, and I like that it's a touchscreen, but you have to remember to turn it off periodically or it goes a little crazy. It also doesn't have a DVD drive, but I'm pretty sure they aren't standard anymore.
​And as far as writing programs go....Word really is the best. I'm still using Office 2010 because my dad bought it a long time ago. OpenOffice is a good alternative, but for novel writing, I'm actually starting to use yWriter. (You might have heard of a similar software called Scrivener. yWriter is basically the same, just free and more dated.)
​All this isn't to say that paper doesn't have its place. I use paper for outlining plots, character development, and drawing things like maps and timelines. I also store random notes on sticky pads. At the moment, I have a sticky pad listing the full name of a Welsh character (their patronymics go back five generations).
​And when it comes to paper--pens or pencils? I had someone ask me this question on Quora once. I typically use mechanical pencils. I can't stand not being able to erase things. But pens have their place. I actually have a pen with a llama topper sitting in my pencil holder right now. I probably named it Kuzco. I watch too many movies.
​I personally listen to music while I write. I don't know why. Instrumental music is supposed to boost creativity, but at the moment I'm listening to Thousand Foot Krutch, which doesn't exactly fit into that category. It still does a good job of masking the sounds of my sister playing with her friends out in the loft and my dog whining outside.
​And for the age-old debate, Coke or Pepsi? Forget it. I don't do caffeine. (So don't even bother asking me if I drink coffee. I don't.)

What's your favorite writing medium? Do you drink Coke or Pepsi? Tell me in the comments below! God bless you, dear readers, and don't forget to like us on Facebook!