Nothing like the sound of the keys clicking and the bell at the end of a line. But manual typewriters took a lot of strength and changing the ribbon was no fun. When I got my first Selectric, I felt like I’d gone to heaven. And yet, I still miss the old ones from when I was a kid.
Oh, how I loved my Selectric! But, it was a heavy beast that demanded that I come to it, so unlike my little laptop that willingly goes with me anywhere I please.
I think Kafka's letter summarizes what the typewriter has become to most of us. I was donated one by a friend who was moving out of an old house and thought it'd be useful to me as a writer. Ever since, it's been a decoration in offices and homes I've inhabited. But maybe, like the record player, it will make (or is making) a comeback. I do realize, comparatively, in terms of speed of production, the laptop is a wonderful invention.
What a great post, Shaun! If you're interested in typewriters, do check out the film 'California Typewriter'. A poignant documentary and one of the central characters, collector Martin Howard from Toronto, takes a journey to Sholes's grave.
I would love to be a typewriter in the early 20th century. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, etc. etc. I know Tom Hanks is an advocate for this writing instrument. I think we still have an electric typewriter downstairs in the basement. Is that considered authentic? I compose poetry myself though I type it on a word processor. Soon we will understand the merits more so than its antiquities.
Chargrp redid the Hemingway one as follows 'My typewriter's busted. This borrowed contraption's got so many goddamn quirks that it keeps yanking at my thoughts while I'm trying to write. I can't shake off the malevolence of this infernal machine, and it's crippled me from revising that other story I meant to send your way, or creating anything fresh."
William Maxwell would have loved emojis then, especially the typed ones like ʘ‿ʘ
I, too, would like one for the wringing of hands.
Love what you do here Shaun. Thank you!
Nothing like the sound of the keys clicking and the bell at the end of a line. But manual typewriters took a lot of strength and changing the ribbon was no fun. When I got my first Selectric, I felt like I’d gone to heaven. And yet, I still miss the old ones from when I was a kid.
Oh, how I loved my Selectric! But, it was a heavy beast that demanded that I come to it, so unlike my little laptop that willingly goes with me anywhere I please.
I think Kafka's letter summarizes what the typewriter has become to most of us. I was donated one by a friend who was moving out of an old house and thought it'd be useful to me as a writer. Ever since, it's been a decoration in offices and homes I've inhabited. But maybe, like the record player, it will make (or is making) a comeback. I do realize, comparatively, in terms of speed of production, the laptop is a wonderful invention.
What a great post, Shaun! If you're interested in typewriters, do check out the film 'California Typewriter'. A poignant documentary and one of the central characters, collector Martin Howard from Toronto, takes a journey to Sholes's grave.
'Hoofwise'! 🤣
I would love to be a typewriter in the early 20th century. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, etc. etc. I know Tom Hanks is an advocate for this writing instrument. I think we still have an electric typewriter downstairs in the basement. Is that considered authentic? I compose poetry myself though I type it on a word processor. Soon we will understand the merits more so than its antiquities.
Touché. My fiancée told me that I ‘beat the crap’ out of my keyboard. Apparently I type hard and fast. She said she felt bad for the keyboard.
That is a beauty
Needed this! Thank you!
Chargrp redid the Hemingway one as follows 'My typewriter's busted. This borrowed contraption's got so many goddamn quirks that it keeps yanking at my thoughts while I'm trying to write. I can't shake off the malevolence of this infernal machine, and it's crippled me from revising that other story I meant to send your way, or creating anything fresh."