Episode 2: The Power of Analog Writing for Creative Thinkers
Published: November 11, 2025
Episode Summary
In this episode, Tom explores the surprising benefits of returning to analog practices in our digital-dominated world. He shares his personal experiments with handwriting, physical books, and printed newsletters—and why this shift has transformed his creative process over the past few months.
Key Topics Covered
The Analog Renaissance
Why Gen Z is increasingly drawn to analog habits and the Gen X experience of living without the internet
The emerging trend of physical newsletters (5,000-6,000 word mini-ebooks delivered monthly)
The unique tension between renewed interest in analog tools and digital dominance
Science-Backed Benefits of Handwriting
Stronger memory retention and comprehension through neuroplasticity
Enhanced encoding of information into long-term memory
Improved presence and mindfulness while creating
Better emotional regulation during the writing process
Sensory-rich experiences that create intimate, memorable connections
Improved writing mechanics, spelling, vocabulary, and organizational skills
Practical Applications
Start with a morning journal: 5-10 minutes of handwriting before anything else
Dedicate 30-45 minutes daily to reading physical books
Use different notebooks for different purposes (morning journal vs. writing projects)
Experiment with different locations and times to find what works best
Track the impact of your environment on your creative output
Tom's Personal Insights
Tom candidly shares his own struggles with digital overload:
His attention span has shrunk to fractions of a second while scrolling
He can't remember the last time he watched a full movie without feeling antsy
He's even started preferring commercial breaks as an excuse to check his phone
Switching to analog practices has helped him think deeper and write with more intention
Key Takeaway
For writers building an audience, consistency is essential—but our brains aren't wired to think clearly when constantly bombarded with digital overstimulation. Separating digital and analog practices creates space for deeper thinking, better writing, and more authentic creative work. In a world of AI-generated content, human writers who can think deeply and connect meaningfully are more valuable than ever.
Next Episode: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Have a Topic Suggestion? Tom is looking for topics to cover as the podcast grows. Reach out if there's something you'd like him to discuss or if you're stuck on a creative challenge.
The Author and Audience Podcast helps writers think deeper, write better, and build creative processes that produce their best work consistently.
