Using a Typewriter to Focus on the Story at Hand

I have tabs and web pages open across the screen with an empty word document in front of me, but those distractions don’t happen on my typewriter.

After each sentence, I move on to research a fact or read an article, hardly spending time with the page and the words I want on it.

If I really want to shut out the digital world and fall into a creative writing mode, I move to my typewriter.

Reading and research are inevitable realities of the writing process. But when they get in the way of the actual writing, you lose out on a connection with the piece.

Computers and laptops have made it seamless to go from research to writing and back again. So much so that after sitting down for an hour, you may not even notice how little you have written.

If you find yourself in these situations, you have a few choices. One of which is to take that technology away.

The typewriter was an innovation in the writing profession akin to the pen. It made writing faster, clearer and reproducible.

While modern technology has far surpassed the abilities of typewriters, they add another barrier between a writer and their work.

Typewriters allow for concentration and connection

It’s hard to concentrate on a story narrative when you’re bombarded by emails, Slack notifications, and breaking news.

Even with all notifications turned off, you can still fall into a rabbit hole of research or finding the perfect synonym.

Using a typewriter allows time for just the writing. No research, nothing else to read. It leaves a space for just you and your thoughts.

Without distraction from other tasks or pages, you can fall more deeply into the story you are attempting to create for your readers.

There is also something different about feeling the mechanical slap of the key arms. Every letter of a sentence gives a rapport.

Eventually, the rhythm of the keys syncs with the rhythm of your thoughts. Now the words flow along with the rolling slap of your fingers.

Getting started

The beauty of the typewriter lies in its complex simplicity.

You only need to use the keys and a roller for paper. The inner mechanisms are a maze of iron and plastic, depending on the year and model.

That being said, all you need to start is the typewriter itself and some paper.

Typewriters have been in use for over a hundred years. That means your options for typewriters are just as numerous.

Some specialty stores deal exclusively in typewriters and their parts, like this one in Oregon.

This would be the route to go if you prefer an antique machine. Going with an antique machine may have higher starting costs, as it may require repairs and replacement parts.

However, older machines have a unique look and feel that cannot be replaced. While they can be pricey, they do have a certain charm.

Alternatively, you can purchase a newly build typewriter made to look like a classic. This Royal typewriter is available to buy new.

If you are feeling a mix of technology and retro, some keyboards offer Bluetooth connections with the same feel as a traditional typewriter.

Your neighbors may miss the silent keyboard

With all its retro charm, writing in this traditional fashion has its downsides—namely, a significant increase in noise.

The satisfying snap of the keys that brings you through a paragraph may send your neighbor or roommates through the roof.

If you are a night writer or create with the rising sun, a typewriter may intrude on the people around you.

But it may intrude on their physical space as well. Typewriters are no small objects. They require a couple of feet of desk space and likely won’t move from that position.

Among the space required, you may also have to invest the time and money in maintaining an old machine.

But, if the obstacles do not deter you, a typewriter is a great way to connect with your writing. It offers an excellent opportunity to shut out the outside world and create your own.

Would you use a typewriter during the writer process? Why or why not?

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Zach

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