Patti Smith: The Accidental Rockstar Who Writes by Hand
At 78, Patti Smith continues to inspire and reinvent herself, demonstrating that creativity transcends age. Known as an “accidental rockstar,” she has built a multifaceted legacy in both music and literature. Her recent memoir Bread of Angels and the 50th anniversary of her landmark album Horses reaffirm her enduring influence.
The Joy of Handwriting
Smith’s love for writing by hand is central to her creative process. She explained that this tactile approach connects her directly to her thoughts and emotions, giving her work an organic rhythm that typing cannot replicate.
“I write 80% by hand,” she shared, showing her preference for the traditional method over digital tools.
For Smith, handwriting turns art into a physical act of creation, keeping her grounded in a world increasingly dominated by screens.
The Charm of Stationery
Her affection for stationery stores reflects her passion for the creative tools themselves. During a visit with CBS Mornings journalist Anthony Mason, she revealed her enduring fascination with the smallest details of her craft.
“I never get tired of stationary stores. I love everything: the scissors, the pens, the paper clips… it’s all for me, like glorified school supplies.”
Each new notebook, she believes, represents an adventure waiting to unfold—a reminder of the limitless potential in every blank page.
Author’s Summary
Patti Smith proves that artistry and imagination thrive at any age, finding endless inspiration in the humble act of writing by hand.