Typewriters?

Question

I was told that the easiest way to finish fiction writing (I'm writing my high school play) is to use a typewriter instead of a computer as to not become so easily distracted. Is this true and how do I go about using a typewriter? I am unfamiliar with them.

Answer 1

Why don't you just disconnect from the Internet and use your computer? Then you won't be distracted...Typewriters are REALLY annoying--you can't go back and revise like you can on a computer.

Answer 2

If you are writing on line and using a computer, you could be distracted if someone instant-messages you.

If you write off-line, then a computer is much easier to use than a typewriter because you can save keystrokes and make corrections instantly.

(I have used both.)

Harleigh Kyson Jr.

Answer 3

Why don't you use your computer to search for typewriters on the internet?

It's basically the same as you type on a computer but the letters come out as you type it . It's like a keyboard and printer in one... you slide a piece on paper into the roller and it has letter stamps that press against an ink belt to make a mark on the paper when you press a key. Some typewriters(electric ones) allow you to correct a letter when you type a wrong letter but it's still not as good as a computer because sometimes you don't know you've type something wrong until much later.

But I guess it's good for drafting because you can just concentrate on writing and not about the fronts, saving your work etc. Think of a mobile phone that only allow you to ring people- less functions but serves its purpose, saving you from returning texts every 2 secs.

Answer 4

it's essentially the same as using a computer. it has the same qwerty keyboard. but it doesn't have all the other distractions that a computer has. there's a roller above the keyboard where you put a sheet of paper. roll it in place and start typing. editing is more difficult. there's no way to correct a mistake or move text around. but it's a great way to get a rough draft. just you and the typewriter and nothing else.

Answer 5

That's utter rubbish.  Ignore it.  Unless the idea intrigues you and you think it would be fun, in which case:

Look for an old typewriter at your nearest thrift store.  That will save you money.  You can probably find some old typing textbooks, either at the thrift or at a library.

To use a typewriter, you'll notice that the keys are laid out just like your computer keyboard.  There's a roller called the "platen"; you put the paper in the back of the platen and use the k***s on the side to roll it thru until just a little bit show above the typewriter ribbon.  (You'll probably need to buy a new ribbon for your thrift-store typewriter--and there's no single way to install the new ribbon, so find someone with mechanical aptitude to help if needed).

Once the paper is showing a little bit above the ribbon, you just keyboard away as you would at a computer--except that when you get to the end of a line, a bell will ring (if it's working right) and you'll use the "return" key if it's an IBM or the lever on the right of the carriage (that's what holds the platen) to go to the start of the next line.

But if you don't want to s***w around with such outmoded technology, don't.  You should probably prefer to train yourself to use a word processor--most publishers want word processing files and not paper submissions anyway.