Creating with Pen and Paper

(NOTE: I love sharing guest posts about others’ creative journeys in this space, but no one else stepped up to  the challenge this month. So this month’s blog post is by, tada, me.)

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When I first started my blog in 2018, I worked full time as a grant writer. Up to my neck in grant applications, word counts, and fundraising metrics, I just wanted an outlet to create. For better or worse, that creative urge often prompted me to want to illustrate some of my posts.

My creative take on the nine Muses of Greek mythology. Note the little patterns in the connecting curves. No idea why, but I can't stop when it comes to layering in patterns.

I loved working on those pen-and-paper creations. It left me relaxed and with an overall sense of well-being. And it got me wondering why.

 (Maybe I'd like to be a cartoonist when I grow up, given my continued attempts at illustrations, like the two above. A cartoonist, or perhaps a songwriter.)

Anyway, when I found a piece on creating with pen-and-paper written by Ashley Roper in 2025 for a site called The Sense Hub, it resonated with me. It also provided possible answers to my question: Why do I get so jazzed about putting pen to paper?

Below is a link to Roper's piece in its entirety.

The 13 Unexpected Benefits of Putting Pen to Paper

The piece focuses on handwriting, but I suspect it applies to other forms of creating with pen and paper (or baby canvases) as well, like sketching or practicing Zentangle.

Here's my take on a hybrid between handwriting and Zentangle, which would produce a more abstract result. Again, notice the patterns. What IS it about patterns?

Oh, in case you’re interested in seeing Roper’s list in its most succinct form, here you go:

1. Handwriting enhances memory and learning.

2. Writing by hand reduces stress and anxiety

3. Pen and paper boost creativity and problem-solving skills.

4. Handwriting improves focus and concentration.

5. Writing by hand helps you to express yourself authentically.

6. Pen and paper encourage mindfulness and self-reflection.

7. Handwriting creates a deeper connection to your work.

8. Pen and paper offer a break from screen time.

9. Handwriting can improve your fine motor skills.

10. Pen and paper offer a sense of accomplishment.

11. Handwriting can be a form of self-care.

12. Pen and paper facilitate better collaboration and communication.

13. Handwriting is a unique and personal expression of yourself.

If reading this post hasn't given you the urge to write a postcard or doodle for a while, no worries. (Take it from me. I chose my word of the year for the very purpose of not fretting over things that matter little.)

My 2026 Word of the Year (WOTY).

Then again, if reading this post has left you itching to get out a pen and something to write on, have at it. Consider it a form of self-care.

You’re welcome.

Until next time ~ happy creating! Jan

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P.S. Please, please reach out if you have an artistic pursuit you’d be willing to share as part of my ongoing Creativity Challenge. If you’re shy about the writing part, I can help. Or…say the word, and I’ll get the heck out of your way.

P.P.S. I've started participating in short-term FREE eBook giveaways to support other writers creating in similar genres to me. I'm talking about my fiction here, which I've taken to calling cozy-dark Southern mystery. Because some folks consider my fiction cozy and others think of it as suspense with a supernatural twist, I'm sharing links to giveaways for both cozy and suspense eBooks here. No pressure. But if you'd care to give some new writers a try, this is a great (FREE!!) way to do it.

Check out these FREE cozy eBooks.