I've used an old manual Smith Corona almost every day since 1992. I remember the day I found it in a hardware store in downtown Nashville. I say "almost" because two months ago, it died. I've felt a bit incomplete ever since. I've used it for letters, first drafts, and problem areas of my writing. The sound of the keys always seems to help push me through the problems. I predict another old one in my future soon!
I was still using a typewriter when I got an assignment to write an essay for the NY Times Book Review on how writers feel when they finish a book. One of the writers I contacted was Joyce Carol Oates, who I figured had plenty of experience finishing books. For the first ten minutes of our conversation she waxed poetic about using a new gizmo called a word processor, how it was changing her life--making her even more prolific, perhaps--and trying to talk me into getting one, saying how much it would change my life for the better. I was skeptical, but a while later I did get one and she was right.
I still have the Underwood manual typewriter I inherited from my dad. He typed a rough draft of his doctoral disertation on it and I typed a number of book reports and papers on it. Today, it sits proudly atop a bookcase in my home office. Richard, enjoyed reading your "manual" memories.
My first was a Hermes Rocket and the best class I’ve ever taken was typing. I was in 7th grade I had to take the class in order to skip to the 9th grade. Over the years this skill has taken me a long way. In college, I made extra money typing papers for folks like Floyd Little, who went onto being an All-American running back, and Hall of Famer, to typing invoices for a furniture store. Now, I still type around 90 words per minute, which accounts for having so many books published because I’m very lazy and don’t spend nearly enough time writing. Great essay, Richard. Thanks!
Love this. So true to my own experience although my various machines changed over the years. People often comment that I type on the computer as if it were a typewriter, in other words, I bang down on the keys to make sure they strike. I've tried to reform but I still make so much NOISE when I'm working!
I've used an old manual Smith Corona almost every day since 1992. I remember the day I found it in a hardware store in downtown Nashville. I say "almost" because two months ago, it died. I've felt a bit incomplete ever since. I've used it for letters, first drafts, and problem areas of my writing. The sound of the keys always seems to help push me through the problems. I predict another old one in my future soon!
It's a beautiful machine!
For that essay, also Stanley Elkin and Richard Ford. Oh, and I shouldn’t forget Danielle Steel.
I was still using a typewriter when I got an assignment to write an essay for the NY Times Book Review on how writers feel when they finish a book. One of the writers I contacted was Joyce Carol Oates, who I figured had plenty of experience finishing books. For the first ten minutes of our conversation she waxed poetic about using a new gizmo called a word processor, how it was changing her life--making her even more prolific, perhaps--and trying to talk me into getting one, saying how much it would change my life for the better. I was skeptical, but a while later I did get one and she was right.
Didn't know you interviewed JCO, Charles! But nothing you do surprises me.
I still have the Underwood manual typewriter I inherited from my dad. He typed a rough draft of his doctoral disertation on it and I typed a number of book reports and papers on it. Today, it sits proudly atop a bookcase in my home office. Richard, enjoyed reading your "manual" memories.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, Chris.
My first was a Hermes Rocket and the best class I’ve ever taken was typing. I was in 7th grade I had to take the class in order to skip to the 9th grade. Over the years this skill has taken me a long way. In college, I made extra money typing papers for folks like Floyd Little, who went onto being an All-American running back, and Hall of Famer, to typing invoices for a furniture store. Now, I still type around 90 words per minute, which accounts for having so many books published because I’m very lazy and don’t spend nearly enough time writing. Great essay, Richard. Thanks!
Charles, so glad you like the piece. I feel guilty using my computer!
Love this. So true to my own experience although my various machines changed over the years. People often comment that I type on the computer as if it were a typewriter, in other words, I bang down on the keys to make sure they strike. I've tried to reform but I still make so much NOISE when I'm working!
I've had the raised head looks in coffee shops for the same reason.