Comments on: The Technology of Writing http://www.afterthemfa.com/archives/the-technology-of-writing.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-technology-of-writing Life after the creative writing MFA | Writing tips | Author interviews | Creative writing links, and more. Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:03:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: gordon http://www.afterthemfa.com/archives/the-technology-of-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-1283 gordon Fri, 08 Dec 2006 04:16:45 +0000 http://afterthemfa.com/archives/the-technology-of-writing.html#comment-1283 @Armand I have heard about people using voice recognition software to get things down and recorded. I've never messed around with it, but I wouldn't strike it off a list. It could be, like you said, a great way to get ideas down quickly without typing. With as much typing as I have to do normally, any alternative is great. That's why I've been doing most of my writing in a Moleskine lately. @Armand

I have heard about people using voice recognition software to get things down and recorded. I’ve never messed around with it, but I wouldn’t strike it off a list. It could be, like you said, a great way to get ideas down quickly without typing.

With as much typing as I have to do normally, any alternative is great. That’s why I’ve been doing most of my writing in a Moleskine lately.

]]> By: Todd http://www.afterthemfa.com/archives/the-technology-of-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-1268 Todd Thu, 07 Dec 2006 20:20:44 +0000 http://afterthemfa.com/archives/the-technology-of-writing.html#comment-1268 Moleskines are sublime. They're also compact, and the paper is nice and smoothe. Moleskines are sublime. They’re also compact, and the paper is nice and smoothe.

]]> By: Armand http://www.afterthemfa.com/archives/the-technology-of-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-1227 Armand Wed, 06 Dec 2006 16:09:12 +0000 http://afterthemfa.com/archives/the-technology-of-writing.html#comment-1227 Gordon- I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. I often find myself looking at laptop computers and imagining that, somehow, having one will help my writing, but the truth is that I just think they're cool. In fact, in my case, it's much more of a pain to lug around a heavy laptop- I can't afford a skinny, light one- than to simply carry a paper journal. Plus you never have to recharge the batteries on a paper journal. I also much prefer typing on a full size keyboard to those small laptop boards. Having said that, you inspired me to make a little list of technologies that do make my life as writer easier: 1. Paper. 2. Journals. Like you, I also like to get nice notebooks. There is no real need for them but it taps into the whole writerly lifestyle thing. 3. A travel pen that I won't lose (easier said than done). I like blue pens that produce nice, dark lines- it's easier on my eyes. I also don't like those cheap pens that bleed all over the place. 4. Microsoft Word- or similar word processing program, especially for late stage revision. 5. A Desktop PC with a good mouse and keyboard. I don't need a laptop, but I do need my desktop. 6. A flashdrive so I can bring all my stories anywhere. 7. Dictionary. 8. Coffee and related paraphernalia. 9. A decent printer so I can print my stories out and reread them. 10. Snacks and related paraphernalia. 11. Shoes because some of my best ideas come to me when I'm walking. But on the whole I agree with your supposition that, for the most part, technology is a distraction because most of the things I've listed you will either have or can get hand-me-down or from Craigs List for almost free (A functioning six year old desktop PC can easily run Word). The sole exception might be a decent printer as people tend not to give them away. The other stuff might be more hype than help. Although, I'd be curious to hear your take on Dragon Naturally Speaking as a way for getting notes (especially prewriting thoughts) down in an efficient and quick manner. thanks for the thoughtful post- Armand Gordon-

I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. I often find myself looking at laptop computers and imagining that, somehow, having one will help my writing, but the truth is that I just think they’re cool. In fact, in my case, it’s much more of a pain to lug around a heavy laptop- I can’t afford a skinny, light one- than to simply carry a paper journal. Plus you never have to recharge the batteries on a paper journal. I also much prefer typing on a full size keyboard to those small laptop boards.

Having said that, you inspired me to make a little list of technologies that do make my life as writer easier:

1. Paper.

2. Journals. Like you, I also like to get nice notebooks. There is no real need for them but it taps into the whole writerly lifestyle thing.

3. A travel pen that I won’t lose (easier said than done). I like blue pens that produce nice, dark lines- it’s easier on my eyes. I also don’t like those cheap pens that bleed all over the place.

4. Microsoft Word- or similar word processing program, especially for late stage revision.

5. A Desktop PC with a good mouse and keyboard. I don’t need a laptop, but I do need my desktop.

6. A flashdrive so I can bring all my stories anywhere.

7. Dictionary.

8. Coffee and related paraphernalia.

9. A decent printer so I can print my stories out and reread them.

10. Snacks and related paraphernalia.

11. Shoes because some of my best ideas come to me when I’m walking.

But on the whole I agree with your supposition that, for the most part, technology is a distraction because most of the things I’ve listed you will either have or can get hand-me-down or from Craigs List for almost free (A functioning six year old desktop PC can easily run Word). The sole exception might be a decent printer as people tend not to give them away. The other stuff might be more hype than help.

Although, I’d be curious to hear your take on Dragon Naturally Speaking as a way for getting notes (especially prewriting thoughts) down in an efficient and quick manner.

thanks for the thoughtful post-

Armand

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