Creating on a Typewriter

Getting started, Part 3

In Part 1 of this series, I offered my thoughts around manual controls, stiff keys, and proper technique. In Part 2, I discussed patience, mistakes, and focus.

Today, in the final part of this series, I’ll go over some things to consider when creating on a typewriter—including making words tangible, voice, and choice.

Let’s get started.

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WORDS MADE TANGIBLE

With the typewriter you directly create tangible words to paper. They already appear in a format that’s intrinsically safe and secure. Inked words printed directly to paper become not only their own archive but also a record of your creative process, with its starts and stops and revisions intact. The tangibility of ink to paper isn’t an accident of typewritten work, it’s a feature! Embrace it!

VOICE

You may find over time that your style and writer’s “voice” changes when you begin to embrace the typewriter. That’s okay. It’s a new tool in your toolbox; embrace your newfound voice. The typewritten workflow rewards the early recording of thoughts direct to paper. Leave the editing and polishing for later.

CHOICE

Whether you keep using a typewriter for part of your creative process is up to you; it’s completely your choice. The typewriter offers the opportunity to enhance your creative process in fresh and unexpected ways. You can make it fit into your workflow however you wish. Enjoy the process!

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I hoped you’ve enjoyed this series. Thanks for reading.

Joe and the ABQwerty Type Writer Society

P.S. Want to try your hand at doing some (type)writing? Society member, Woz Flint, is hosting a writing workshop at Quirky Books on Saturday, February 24, 2024. For more details about the workshop and to register, go here.