Being left-handed sets one apart, with all the other left-handers. Yes. We did come to terms with that and found another strength. We are not complaining.
Writing in reverse is reclaiming a space on the one hand (sic). Also it is finding the ease in writing, as a left-hander, even though by now everyone has stopped writing long-hand. The benefit is in the greater ease in writing, without turning oneself inside out or smudging. *
What are the other benefits? When you can’t easily read what is written, revision is arduous. One cannot easily read back to confirm or clarify what’s been proposed. In order to inhibit the urge to reflect, revise, edit, making the text illegible allows you to keep going, to move forward, without fear. There will be plenty of time to evaluate down the track.
Writing in reverse is the equivalent to a one-take film sequence. Once committed, there is no turning back.
The appetite to write in reverse is enhanced by the calligrapher’s flourish, when the flow of the ink brings its own energies. Once committed to the flow, there is the joy of the ride and also, new subject matter, previously unavailable through other means.**
Please find samples below.
*By the sixties we had abandoned the inherent messiness of ink and had turned to the slipprier biro. (Thanks a lot, Bic).
** We had imagined the typewriter would replace writing with a pen. Then the word processor replaced the type writer. The phone then questioned the greater capacity to reflect, while seated.
Writing in Reverse Renders Revision Redundant. (A4)
Lying Down (A4)
Peeled (A4)
