Typewriter

Typing on a typewriter takes some getting used to if you’ve been typing on a computer a lot. The great thing about typing on a typewriter is the immediacy of the printed word, since they show up on the page the instant you type them.

But what takes some getting used to is the fact that the keys must be pressed more forcefully, like you have to put more effort into pressing the keys instead of letting them roll off your finger tips, as is the case on a computer keyboard. And unlike a keyboard, you can’t fix your mistakes immediately after they’re made, nor can you delete a word if you accidentally typed the wrong one. Whatever mistakes you make are permanent; you have to live with them and move on despite wanting to fix them. And for me, since I’m used to typing fast on the keyboard, typing in a sprint on a typewriter will often leave a trail of light impressions on the page (i.e. uneven darkness in the words).

I’ve seen people type with just one finger on each hand, kind of like they were fishing or hunting for the letters. But I’m the kind of writer that was taught to type with both hands and not look down at my fingers, since it was kind of like cheating.

I do like the sound that the typewriter makes when the keys clack, which creates a strange mechanical rhythm, almost like a beat. Even when I make mistakes, I let them go, since it’s part of the writing process (not trying to make things perfect anyway). And the faster the keys clack, and the more dings I hear after each return, the more that’s being written, like hearing my thoughts come to life.