Typewriters for Writers

In the movies, writers compose in complete solitude using an antique typewriter while drinking alcohol. Sure, there are probably writers out there who do this but it is probably not the norm. Nothing beats the ease of a word processor. I decided to buy a typewriter to see what the media hype was all about. Maybe they knew something I didn't know.

I didn't have the luxury of using a beautiful, expensive, antique typewriter. I used a modern typewriter I picked up from my local office supply store. I didn't know what features to look for but a spell checker was not included and sorely missed. Paranoid, I looked over my shoulder as I was standing in line. I knew people wondered what use I could possibly have for a typewriter. I decided to act moody so people would know I was a writer, which explained the need for a typewriter.

I set up my writing station exactly like the movies. I faced my writing table towards the window but the picturesque view of the lake was absent. I could only stare out to my neighbors across the street. I briefly considered an impromptu vacation to the mountains but the view was inconsequential. I decided it didn't matter because Carrie Bradshaw writes bestsellers looking out on to New York streets, but she uses a laptop. I had a stack of paper to my left and a glass of water to my right. Even though the scene looked like the movies, I was skeptical I would produce anything noteworthy.

I placed my fingers on the home keys to familiarize myself with the keyboard. I didn't want to mishit since there was no autocorrect. I tapped my first keys and heard that classic keyboard sound. I liked it. I really liked it. The sound was like a drug and I needed more. I didn't care if I composed garbage; I wanted to write more. I didn't care if I was playing into the cliché. I continued to write page after page, just to get more of that sweet sound. It was the best time I ever had writing.

Unfortunately, after I finished around approximately 10 pages, I hit a key and nothing appeared on the page. I immediately panicked. Soon after, I was shaking in withdrawals missing my sound. It was my first time using a typewriter and I didn't now what the problem was. I found a new appreciation for my printer's self-diagnostic.

Feeling like the typewriter was before my generation, I called someone older to see what the problem could be. My mom told me I probably needed a new ribbon. I didn't even know there was a ribbon. I argued that couldn't be the issue. The printer was brand new. She informed me it was probably a stock ribbon that needs replacement fairly early. I would have to buy a brand new one. I decided then and there I would go straight back to the store so I could get more of the sound.

Hours turned into days and days into months without a new ribbon. My printer remains in the box inside my closet. I switched back to my laptop where I fell in love with spell check, cut and paste, autocorrect, and save. One day I may replace the ribbon and go back to the typewriter. When I hear the dull sound of my laptop keyboard, sometimes I close my eyes and think back to the first time I used a typewriter.