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Typewriter
billwill
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I'm taking a few creative writing classes this semester (in addition to some independent study), and as such I've found myself writing many short stories.
I have trouble writing on a computer, partly because it gives me a headache, but mostly because there are too many distractions one click away.
When I was younger, my mother had a typewriter that I would use and I loved it. I'm looking to buy one today, but judging from the reviews I've seen on Amazon, all the modern ones are complete crap (at least that I could see). So now I'm browsing Ebay and looking at old used models; would this be a good course of action? Find a solid old one? I understand there's a good chance they might break, but I also understand I might get one that still works and hopefully will last a while.
The thing is, I know absolutely nothing about brands and stuff. I also don't know how to maintain them, or what kind of ribbon spool I'd need for the specific brand.
Any advice? Thanks in advance.
P.S. Unfortunately, I write too slowly to consider longhand.
I have trouble writing on a computer, partly because it gives me a headache, but mostly because there are too many distractions one click away.
When I was younger, my mother had a typewriter that I would use and I loved it. I'm looking to buy one today, but judging from the reviews I've seen on Amazon, all the modern ones are complete crap (at least that I could see). So now I'm browsing Ebay and looking at old used models; would this be a good course of action? Find a solid old one? I understand there's a good chance they might break, but I also understand I might get one that still works and hopefully will last a while.
The thing is, I know absolutely nothing about brands and stuff. I also don't know how to maintain them, or what kind of ribbon spool I'd need for the specific brand.
Any advice? Thanks in advance.
P.S. Unfortunately, I write too slowly to consider longhand.
I hate you and you hate me.
billwill on
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What sounds romantic now, is going to be a pain in the ass later. Have you thought about all the corrections you'll have to manually make using tape or paste? You're going to end up very, very frustrated.
EDIT: If you are insistent though, I'd look in the phonebook under "typewriter". Seriously. There's generally still someone in most cities doing repairs and selling old models.
I'm not dead set on anything, but I do have fond memories of using my mom's old typewriter, even though I did spend half the time maintaining it.
What are the names of these programs?
I'm not worried too much about all the corrections I'd need to make. I wouldn't be using a typewriter for my final draft. After I type something up, I can then put it into the computer and edit/revise it there; I just need something to crank out that first draft that doesn't provide any distractions.
See my edit in my first response.
Also, Omm Writer if you have a Mac is amazing.
EDIT: And combine that with the Self-Control app.
and than I also recommend getting a mechanical keyboard to plug into it to improve the typing feeling, either something with buckling spring switches like a unicomp: http://www.pckeyboard.com/ or one with cherry mx blue switches, there's a mechanical keyboard thread over in moe's that could explain more (http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/153955/mechanical-keyboard#Item_110) but basically it would give you that typewriter feeling and improve typing speed/accuracy.
probably cheaper than an actual typewriter overall too.
Esh, I have a Windows computer. Any programs you can recommend that aren't exclusive to a Mac?
Nope.
Like I said, open a phonebook and find something local. There's sure to be someone.
Lifehacker has a few tools to recommend as well - http://lifehacker.com/5689579/five-best-distraction+free-writing-tools
Google also gave me this list ... http://arkarthick.com/2011/07/15/distraction-free-writing-tools/
Hope that helps ...
I'll also second getting a mechanical switch keyboard. I got the Das Keyboard Silent on sale just to see what the fuss about mechanical keyboards was about and I am now a complete convert. Just bought a second one, in fact, so I could have one both at work and at home. I can't stand typing on traditional rubber membrane keyboards anymore.
For you I would recommend getting the non-silent version, or any other mech. keyboard brand that uses "Cherry MX Blue" switches. (The silent version is nowhere near silent, btw, just somewhat quieter.) The Cherry Blue switches are louder, but they give a better tactile sensation that's going to be more in line with what I'm guessing you like about the feel of a typewriter.