Typewriting

[Ihe]

Hey all. Fact: internet can be incredibly distracting. As soon as one sits in front of a computer, it's hard to not associate the device/activity in some way or another to movies, games, media, facebook, and other things we normally use it for. Even the most focused mind can trip up over the subconscious attachments/links we create with our computers, and end up deviating from the task at hand. As long as there is the possibility of internet connection, I grow weak, so just turning the wifi off isn't enough. Reconciling my leisure center with my writing device is becoming more difficult, specially when I'm on the writing slump.

I'm thinking of getting a typewriter or other similar device with the one purpose. A mechanical one might be nice and classical, but impractical when you consider the lengthy editing process (although not an absolute deal-breaker if there's a good deal at hand. Red pen editing is quite enjoyable--but the rewriting of everything post-edit might be too much). I've looked into some electronic word-processors/typewriters like the Hemingwrite/Freewrite, but it seems it is expensive and not really that convenient, according to reviews, to put it kindly. The Alphasmart looks more promising, but overly simplistic for my needs.

Has anyone had experiences with these devices? How practical is a mechanical typewriter really? Also, is there anything out there resembling a proper typewriter/word-processor keyboard with PC connectivity to edit out drafts and keep things virtual for convenience?

Your suggestions and experiences are welcome.

 

[Cathbad]

I used to love my Selectric 3!! That little ball is amazing1 And so easy to change out!

Can't use a manual typewriter - haven't been able to for some time. The keys get all clogged up when you go over 100CWPM.

 

[Phyrebrat]

At the risk of sounding like a killjoy (typecast again, heheh no pun intended), it’s not technology that stops one writing, but lack of focus and intent.

Games and distractions are fine, really, but just moderate them. I’m a bit of a magpie myself, but I’m still able to use my laptop and iPad to write without being distracted by shiny things. I do those shiny things in their own time and place, just not when I write.

I think it’s a trap to get into the mindset of blaming our tools instead of our behaviour. After all a computer is inert, a typewriter is inert, a television is inert; these things don’t do anything without us, so my advice would be to save your money and put it to better use down the line, say paying for an editor or something.

pH

 

[zmunkz]

I agree with Phyrebrat. The novelty of the typewriter might help a few times, but once the brain gets to work, it can find distractions if it wants, I promise you. You could just as easily disconnect your internet on your computer/ipad/whatever and enjoy the relative isolation of an offline machine. Whatever the case, I think the challenge to overcome is with us and our brains, not, as phyrebrat said, with our tools.

 

[tinkerdan]

Back in the late 70's early 80's I typed out two two hundred page novels-crudely-on an old smith corona manual. You couldn't pay me to go back to that and really; just unplug the internet cable from the computer you want to work on: ie- disable the internet cards if you have wi-fi and blue tooth.

This is about like an alcoholic saying he'll go back to getting beverages from the liquor store because every time he goes to a bar he gets carried away.
Once again as has been said--it's the bad habits that cause the problem with focus and really it would be much easier if you just bought a note pad and started scribbling out your work with pen or pencil and paper, which is something I've seen people do just for this reason and it makes no sense since some time down the road they will have to approach a computer to type it out and make it pretty.

 

[Shorewalker]

As has been said, the loss of focus is unlikely to be your PC's fault, although I do understand the temptation.

As a suggestion, find an old, cheap laptop and clear it of all internet functionality. Disabling connectivity won't work, as it's so easy to reconnect. However, wiping the machine of every browser and on-line means of connection...and then disabling connectivity...might just do the trick.

 

[Susan Boulton]

Disconnect your computer from the internet. Or use an old laptop without internet connection. I would not go back to a typewriter! I used one for years at work, before I had my children, and the joy and bliss of using a computer (running windows 3.11 lol) when I went back was well.....

 

[Cathbad]

At 3.11 I wanted my Selectric 3 back.

 

[Ihe]

I agree with all said. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming the device for my writing slumps. So far I've done all my writing through the years on my computer--it's not like it has stopped me. I'm just looking to level the playing field all I can, and tweak any and all distracting factors. It sounds like everyone else just has infinite passion and ironclad wills! Everyone surely has low moments too? It is in those cases that I feel a dedicated device could be specially useful--an object to go to that is exclusively associated with the craft.

Allow me to play the devil's advocate, for argument's sake. Having a dedicated writing device isn't only romantic, it also makes sense from a psychological standpoint. It's the same reason why you shouldn't use your bed to laze around/watch TV, etc during the day. If you stop associating it with "sleep", it actually lowers the quality of the sleep on it. Unconscious associations have powerful effects like that. Same thing can happen with computers, IMO. Being in the right mindset can and will be influenced by external factors to some extent on certain days. It might be too optimistic and unrealistic to think otherwise. Granted, I can still write despite not "being all there" mentally (and I often have), but it isn't ideal. I guess I'm trying to approach the most ideal situation for writing and thought a typewriter might be one way of going about it.

Inner motivation is the primary ingredient to sit down and write, no doubt, but even a good steak can benefit from a bit of salt and pepper.

My typewriter theory on mood/initiative improvement related to writing device used might be off though, seeing the comments so far. Do share your personal experiences with typewriters though. Prove someone here wrong!

 

[Phyrebrat]

CBT is cheaper. Well, free, actually

It’s helped me rewire my mind (although it won’t help you suffer fools, sadly as I’ve found most days)

If you don’t know what it is, here’s an overview from Wikipedia
pH

 

[Ihe]

(although it won’t help you suffer fools, sadly as I’ve found most days)

I hope you're not referring to me!

I certainly do know about it. It's part of my trade! Although working with non-verbal children doesn't give me opportunities to practice it.

I was thinking something along the lines of having an external object (typewriter) breaking the negative cycle, wedging it between the grinding gears long enough to start writing, and then relying on the inertia and passion to carry me through.

I probably should address the bigger issue first though: internet addiction . We need to start a support group here or something! Procrastinating has never been easier...

 

[sknox]

I write with pen and paper. Try as I might, I am unable to get to the Internet with it.

Pen and paper is highly portable, even more portable than a laptop and certainly more portable than a typewriter.

For me, pen and paper has a couple of additional attractions. I love writing with a fountain pen, plus I get to have colors. With pen and paper I can sit, stand or lie in a variety of positions, easing the physical strain. Finally, I'm an incessant doodler. When I'm caught between sentences or paragraphs, doodling keeps my eye on the page, the pen on the paper. I'm far more likely to keep writing. When those moments happen on a computer, it's far too easy to click on something else. No Internet? Fine, I'll play Solitaire. Anything but write! (I'm weak; I'm so very weak). Finally, I find pen and paper to be the best environment for brainstorming, writing random notes, that activity I call "planning" which is mainly brainstorming and writing random notes, and in general doing non-linear thinking.

All that said, pen and paper are for the first draft. I write a scene or a few scenes, then I type it into the computer. That serves as a quick editing pass--I might adjust a word or make other small changes as the text goes in. Making a second pass also helps reinforce the story line in my own porous mind. I would not ever try to edit with pen and paper.

In short, it works for me.

 

[Cathbad]

Why will no one suffer us fools??

 

[Phyrebrat]

Although I can’t imagine writing longhand as some of you do, I can’t plan on a screen. Not that I’m a planner by any stretch but when I need to work out who is where and what they’ll be doing in terms of loose waypoints, I have to use pen and paper. The linearity of screen writing is too restrictive whereas pen and paper allows you to scrawl flowchart-like all over.

So imo there’s still plenty of value in pen and paper!

(But not for @Cathbad; he’s just wilful )

pH

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Do what works for you. There's no right or wrong. When i write i bounce on and off the internet and that works for me - for others that's a distraction. There's no need to rewire anything - you just need to play and find what works.

 

[crystal haven]

I find I write happily on the computer until it either decides to update, do some strange thing I don't understand but is clearly necessary - at that moment, or I need to look something up, which is fatal for my writing as I end up on Facebook, etc. I used a typewriter years ago, certainly less distraction, but I couldn't write that way now.

 

[Ihe]

Better off with a PC, huh? No surprise there. It's editing capabilities are too much of a good thing to ignore, no doubt. AND, I'm not finding a worthy alternative writing device so far. Oh well. Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[Mad Alice]

Hey all. Fact: internet can be incredibly distracting. As soon as one sits in front of a computer, it's hard to not associate the device/activity in some way or another to movies, games, media, facebook, and other things we normally use it for. Even the most focused mind can trip up over the subconscious attachments/links we create with our computers, and end up deviating from the task at hand. As long as there is the possibility of internet connection, I grow weak, so just turning the wifi off isn't enough. Reconciling my leisure center with my writing device is becoming more difficult, specially when I'm on the writing slump.

I'm thinking of getting a typewriter or other similar device with the one purpose. A mechanical one might be nice and classical, but impractical when you consider the lengthy editing process (although not an absolute deal-breaker if there's a good deal at hand. Red pen editing is quite enjoyable--but the rewriting of everything post-edit might be too much). I've looked into some electronic word-processors/typewriters like the Hemingwrite/Freewrite, but it seems it is expensive and not really that convenient, according to reviews, to put it kindly. The Alphasmart looks more promising, but overly simplistic for my needs.

Has anyone had experiences with these devices? How practical is a mechanical typewriter really? Also, is there anything out there resembling a proper typewriter/word-processor keyboard with PC connectivity to edit out drafts and keep things virtual for convenience?

Your suggestions and experiences are welcome.

The reason the "new" processors are expensive is because of the up to date connectivity you mention.
But really anything is connectable if you are willing to purchase a few leads.
There are three possibilities for you I can think of right off, the first being a "drawing" tablet with screen and USB slot for your memory stick and miniscreen. Then there are the paperless "writing" boards that can have their content uploaded via smart phone app. From your mobile device you can transfer to your computer. From there you can edit through whichever method you like.
A second way would be to check the thrift stores for a old school word processing typewriter with mini screen and floppy drive, that has desktop cables to connect it up with a computer. Then get the adaptor cables and a DOS box emulator to read the file.
Third would be a Bluetooth digitized pen. You write and your words get shunted directly to your computer or stored on a memory card as a word or OS file.
Fourth is a device that was advertised in writing magazines. A keyboard with miniscreen similar to a typewriter setup that simply stores to a word file or on a memory device and cannot access the Internet only your computer via USB cable IF it has the port. Check for the port. This was a product made for schools in the early 2000's. Now they are purchasable used through Amazon.
The Alphasmart Neo. 2000 or 3000 model. 2000 seldom has a port.
They are practically indestructible and run for months on regular alkaline batteries. Only caveats are the slow file transfer time and editing speed.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WJ8VLM/?tag=id2100-20
Or just take yourself offline.
A childrens tablet with external keyboard and Internet lockout parental control set by someone other then yourself could also be an option. Simply have your writing apps downloaded to the device before you get the lockout done. You file transfer onto your memory card or on an dual head mini/standard flash drive. I would suggest an offline encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, baby name app and writing prompt app if you don't want to be completely frustrated at every turn because of the lack of internet (as well as a drawing program if you doodle visual ideas).
Old school would be an actual typewriter with paper and ribbon. Again the thrift store can be your best friend here.
Then simply scan your writing into a digital file.

 

[AlexH]

As a suggestion, find an old, cheap laptop and clear it of all internet functionality. Disabling connectivity won't work, as it's so easy to reconnect. However, wiping the machine of every browser and on-line means of connection...and then disabling connectivity...might just do the trick.

Allow me to play the devil's advocate, for argument's sake. Having a dedicated writing device isn't only romantic, it also makes sense from a psychological standpoint. It's the same reason why you shouldn't use your bed to laze around/watch TV, etc during the day. If you stop associating it with "sleep", it actually lowers the quality of the sleep on it. Unconscious associations have powerful effects like that.

I was going to suggest an old laptop too. I agree with what you say about psychology and a dedicated writing device. How about you get an old laptop, disable all possible Internet connectivity as suggested, paint it (or get it in) your favourite colour, write "Ihe's Writing Machine" on the laptop itself in permanent marker, stick stickers on it. Personalise it so you only associate it with writing.

Alternatively, there are apps you can get to temporarily disable Internet, or you could try and gamify writing: 7 Ways to Gamify Your Writing to Improve Efficiency

 

[Ihe]

That Ilys thing looks very interesting! I'll have to give it a try.