I’ve learned to keep away from the print function when writing. Though I do, I will admit, save all the wasted copies, tear the sheets in half and use the clean side as scrap paper. Another writer, I’ve noticed at the latest workshopping session in our group, saves the full sheets and prints out on the other side. Another good idea.
For there is nothing like the printed page to show up errors, to settle into story, and to inspire anew. So my new rule is, don’t print out until you’re pretty sure you’re done. Then print that story out and find out where you’re wrong.
Then, of course, tear in half and make a pile of scrap paper, or flip the whole sheets over in the printer tray, ready for the next attempt at being done.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology