I think people underestimate their writing tools. I started writing my stories on Lenovo laptops. I’m not big on laptops as a device class but they are a necessity for college students. I picked the Lenovo series, specifically the ThinkPad series known for their keyboards. They were really nice to type with, soft and bouncy. Yet, it was clunky and heavy and I felt like Moses lugging around the damn stone tablets.
Today, I write most of my drafts on a Samsung Android Tablet with a 10-inch screen. I bought a faux leather cover with a bluetooth magnetic keyboard. The buttons on it are more of a chiclet design but each key is raised a bit more than something you would find on a Mac or Acer. The buttons are also smaller than normal keys.
This all results in fast travel between fingers with a satisfying click and bounce. I feel that it matches the writing style that I am often aiming for, sharp and quick with a hard edge. When I am done, I can slip it into my desk shelf or my day bag for travel.
While I do occasionally use this tablet for light web surfing, video streaming, and manga reading, I mostly use this to write. I jokingly refer to it as my “typewriter” but for all intents and purposes, that is exactly what it is.
I tend to use Google Work Programs like Docs and Drive for my writing. They aren’t as feature full as a full Microsoft Suite but it still gives me enough to create a document in a format that I like. While I do need an internet connection for these programs, I can connect my tablet to my phone’s wireless hotspot or simply use the built-in note-taking app then transfer the text to a Google Doc later.
For me, this results in an experience that gives me a solid word processor with few distractions for anything other than drafting.
Now, this may not work for you and that is fine. My point is that a part of the writing experience is the physical act of writing. Once you get into the consistent ability to get into a writer’s flow, you start to notice the actual, physical act of writing as a part of the process. It should feel good.
It is like a painter with their preferred set of brushes and paint brands. In other ways, it is also like musicians preferring certain brands, setups, and modifications. Every art has its tools and the artist is willing to use them.
In our modern age, technology provides us with more ways to write than ever. Some people prefer desktops and mechanical keyboards (I do, too but for editing and revisions). George R.R. Martin uses some old ass DOS computer that looks like someone ripped it out of Fallout.
I hear Quentin Tarintino writes his first drafts in a composition notebook (yeah the ones we used in elementary school that look like a zebra) and uses different colored pens (not for any technical reason, he just thinks this is fun).
I spent several years trying to find the right “typewriter.” I wanted it to be portable and encourage the writing flow. Laptops can be heavy and having a full operating system like Windows can lead to easy distractions like checking social media or web surfing.
Initially, I was interested in devices like the Freewrites or Pomera. They are devices with e-ink displays, good keyboards, and minimalist designs. The former is marketed as a distraction-free writing tool for those looking to improve their writing productivity and the latter is designed to be a note-taking device.
While I was initially intrigued and somewhat seduced by their designs and form factors, they were far from practical. Their minimalism also restricted my ability to format documents (something that is a big deal to me). The Pomera is an especially hard recommendation for Americans as it is a Japanese product with some quirks related to their native language.
For the functionality, the price is also absurd. I understand this to an extent with the Freewrites being in limited production and the Pomera being a Japanese product that needs to be imported. Still, they’re asking for hundreds of dollars.
Still, I bring up these options because they could be for you. Maybe you like my idea of using a minimalist tablet. Perhaps, you have the audacity to throw money at the niche word processors. Most of you are probably not too picky and didn’t even notice any of these kinesthetic elements until now.
Some of you might even prefer just using your phones. Donald Glover does it to write his raps. I have friends who have written scripts this way. I know most Gen-Z students can write entire school essays the day they are due.
I just prefer the tactile hit of the keys against the tips of my nails and pads on my fingers. If you are having a hard time getting into the writer’s flow, consider experimenting with different tools. They don’t have to be expensive or flashy to be perfect for you.
Danger Wonka 