I used to be into electronic music and hip-hop production. I was also once an aspiring DJ. In all of these creative pursuits, gear was a major part of the fun. Flipping through Guitar Exchange catalogs, spending hours online learning about vintage synthesizers, the newest samplers, and turntables kept me busy and deep inside a blissful state of gear lust.
But, eventually, there came a moment — I think it was around the time my first daughter was born — when I looked around at all the equipment that I had been lucky enough to acquire. Look at all that hardware, all those blinking lights, all that technology. But where was my music?
The eminent danger of technology is acquisition syndrome. I’ve been through it with photography and with music. I’ve had friends go through it with all of the above, with video and filmmaking, even had one friend who had the automotive strain of this disease.
But writing — writing is the one creative pursuit that allows one to stay clear of aquisition syndrome, technology, gear lust, and window shopping of any kind… Right?
All you need to write a story, a poem, or a novel, is something to write with and something to write on. Simplicity in its most noble, artistic form. So why have I spent hours searching for software for writers? Why have I splurged on sublime notebooks and fountain pens?
Maybe I’m incurable. But, still, I can look around and see that I’ve got more to show for my efforts in writing than I did with music and other media. I’m thankful for that. Every time I finish a sentence, turn the page, or click the Save button, I just need to keep reminding myself that writing zen doesn’t come from a notebook, or a piece of software, or a pen.
So far, so good.
Comments 3
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
Posted 06 Dec 2006 at 11:09 am ¶Moleskines are sublime. They’re also compact, and the paper is nice and smoothe.
Posted 07 Dec 2006 at 3:20 pm ¶@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.
Posted 07 Dec 2006 at 11:16 pm ¶Speak Your Mind